Hyderabad, September 12, 2025: In a decisive move to curb night-time road accidents and enhance vehicle visibility, the Telangana government has issued comprehensive guidelines mandating the installation of reflective tapes, approved reflectors, and rear marking plates on a wide range of vehicles. This directive, announced through G.O. Ms. No. 60 dated September 12, 2025, comes in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment emphasizing stronger road safety measures across the country.
The order was issued after a thorough review of recommendations by the Transport Commissioner of Telangana, who had earlier submitted proposals on December 30, 2024, and February 24, 2025.
Why This Move Was Necessary
Road safety officials highlighted that poor visibility at night, especially involving heavy vehicles parked on roads or moving at slow speeds, is a leading cause of fatal accidents. When drivers fail to spot such vehicles in time, collisions often occur, leading to severe injuries or deaths.
To address this issue, the government is focusing on strict compliance with visibility norms under Rule 104 to Rule 104(E) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989.
The new guidelines mandate the use of high-quality reflective materials meeting AIS 057, AIS 089, and AIS 090 standards, ensuring vehicles are clearly visible to other road users even in low-light or foggy conditions.
Vehicles Covered Under the New Rule
As per the government order, the following vehicles must be fitted with standardized reflective tapes and rear marking plates:
- Two-wheelers
- Three-wheelers, including e-rickshaws and e-carts
- Goods vehicles up to 3.5 tons Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
- Goods vehicles weighing 3.5 to 7.5 tons
- Goods vehicles weighing above 7.5 tons
- Commercial passenger vehicles, including auto-rickshaws and motor cabs carrying up to seven passengers
- Public transport vehicles, including buses, maxi cabs, and omnibuses
- Tractors and trailers
- Power tillers and trailers attached to them
- Construction equipment vehicles and combined harvesters
- Trailers or semi-trailers exceeding 10 tons
- Modular hydraulic trailers
QR Code-Based Monitoring to Prevent Fake Products
One of the key provisions in the order is the introduction of a QR code-based Management Information System (MIS). This digital system will help ensure only genuine and approved reflective tapes are used and prevent the circulation of counterfeit or substandard products in the market.
- Every reflective tape and rear marking plate will carry a unique QR code.
- Vehicle inspections for registration, renewal, and fitness certificates will be approved only after verification of these QR codes by transport officials.
- The QR-based system will also maintain a digital record of installations for future tracking and enforcement.
Strict Empanelment Process for Manufacturers
To regulate the production and supply of safety materials, the Transport Department will empanel only authorized Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Key requirements for manufacturers include:
- Must be approved by testing agencies listed under Rule 126 of CMVR, 1989.
- If based outside India, the company must have a 100% owned subsidiary registered in India under the Companies Act.
- Submission of a registration fee and security deposit (bank guarantee) for approval.
- A valid Test Certificate and four consecutive Conformity of Production (COP) certificates, ensuring consistent product quality.
- Integration of their systems with the QR-based MIS for seamless tracking and verification.
A special committee of senior transport officials will review and scrutinize applications to prevent fraudulent or non-compliant entities from entering the market.
Implementation and Enforcement
The Transport Commissioner will lead the execution of this initiative with the following steps:
- Instructing officers to verify QR codes during vehicle inspections.
- Issuing authorization certificates to empaneled manufacturers, valid for a fixed period.
- Developing an official Transport Department software module for managing and monitoring the entire process.
- Conducting regular inspections and verification surveys to ensure compliance and detect counterfeit materials in circulation.
Once fully implemented, only vehicles with verified reflective tapes and marking plates will be eligible for registration, renewal, and fitness certification.
Public Safety at the Core
Speaking about the order, officials emphasized that this is not just a regulatory measure but a life-saving intervention. According to recent data, a significant percentage of night-time accidents involve stationary or slow-moving heavy vehicles that lacked proper visibility markings.
By enforcing strict quality standards and digital verification, Telangana aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries, making its roads safer for all commuters.
Key Takeaways
- Reflective tapes and marking plates now mandatory for a wide range of vehicles.
- QR code verification introduced to eliminate fake products.
- Only approved manufacturers can supply reflective safety gear.
- Vehicle registration and fitness renewals will be linked to compliance with these safety rules.
- Telangana takes a digital-first approach to road safety, combining technology with strict enforcement.
This landmark decision positions Telangana as a leader in road safety innovation, setting a model for other states to follow in preventing avoidable accidents and saving lives.