News, 25 August 2025
The Maharashtra government has released a draft notification to eliminate the requirement for attendants or cleaners in heavy goods vehicles fitted with Driver Assist Systems (DAS). The state transport department is inviting public feedback on this proposal until August 29, 2025. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik highlighted that vehicle owner associations had requested this change. As per the draft issued , the exemption applies only to vehicles equipped with DAS.
The proposed amendment to Rule 249 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, specifies that the DAS must include a 360-degree camera covering all blind spots and the rear of the vehicle, in addition to a proximity alarm system offering both audio and visual alerts. A final decision is expected after the public response window closes on August 29.”
What Is a Driver Assist System (DAS)
Driver Assist Systems, widely known today as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), are a suite of technologies integrated into vehicles to enhance safety and reduce human error. These systems use a combination of sensors (like radar, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and sometimes LIDAR), along with sophisticated software, to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and either alert the driver or intervene in real time.
