Telangana introduces QR-verified reflective tapes to boost night-time road safety
To prevent the use of fake or substandard reflective products, the Transport Department will implement a QR-based Management Information System (MIS).
By Newsmeter Network
Telangana introduces QR-verified reflective tapes to boost night-time road safety
Hyderabad: The Telangana government has issued strict new guidelines to improve road safety at night by enhancing vehicle visibility.
The decision follows repeated incidents of accidents caused by stationary or slow-moving vehicles during low-visibility conditions and aligns with Supreme Court directives on road safety.
Mandatory reflective equipment for vehicles
Under the new guidelines, a wide range of vehicles must install approved reflectors, reflective tapes, and rear marking plates compliant with AIS 057, AIS 090 and AIS 089 standards.
Covered vehicles include:
- Two- and three-wheelers (including e-rickshaws and e-carts)
- Goods vehicles of all weight categories
- Commercial cabs and autorickshaws carrying up to 7 passengers
- Passenger transport vehicles such as buses, maxi-cabs, and PSVs with 8+ seats
- Tractors, trailers, power tillers, construction equipment and modular hydraulic trailers
Failure to comply may result in the denial of vehicle registration or fitness certificate renewal.
QR-based system to verify authenticity
To prevent the use of fake or substandard reflective products, the Transport Department will implement a QR-based Management Information System (MIS).
Only reflective tapes and rear marking plates verified through this system will be accepted for vehicle registration or renewal. Fully built vehicles with factory-fitted tapes from OEMs are exempt.
Empanelment of manufacturers
The Transport Commissioner will empanel manufacturers approved by testing agencies under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. Key requirements include:
- Indian-registered subsidiary for foreign manufacturers
- Submission of valid Test and Conformity of Production (COP) certificates
- Payment of registration fee and security deposit
- Maintenance of a QR-based MIS to track installation
A senior officer committee will scrutinise applications, and periodic inspections will ensure product authenticity. Any manufacturer found supplying substandard or duplicate products will face legal action and forfeiture of deposits.
Enforcement and compliance
Vehicle inspectors must verify QR codes before registering or renewing fitness certificates. Only products from empanelled manufacturers will be accepted.
Manufacturers are also responsible for reporting distributors or dealers issuing false certificates, and failure to do so may lead to cancellation of their approval.
With these measures, Telangana aims to significantly reduce night-time road accidents and improve overall road safety for all users, the transport department officials said.
