The government has directed the State Transport Authority (STA) to review the unified colour code previously mandated for stage carriages in the State. The Transport department issued an order taking into account the All India Tourist Vehicles (Permit) Rules, 2023, as well as demands from the tourism sector.

According to a notification issued by the Transport secretary, the STA had introduced a unified colour code for non-LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) contract carriages on August 11, 2021, under Rule 264 of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules. The move followed a High Court order prohibiting the display of large images of film stars and text on buses in the interest of road safety. However, the All India Tourist Permit Rules issued by the Centre do not prescribe a specific colour for tourist vehicles.

Meanwhile, complaints were raised from various quarters that the colour-code mandate, including the white colour prescribed for tourist buses, applied only to tourist buses registered in the State. This was alleged to have adversely affected the tourism transport sector, particularly as vehicles from other States holding All India permits could operate in Kerala without such restrictions.

The regulations in Kerala also prompted some vehicle owners to register their buses in other States, resulting in a decline in government revenue from motor vehicle taxes and permit fees, according to the notification.

Against this backdrop, the government exercised its powers under Section 67(1)(d) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to direct the STA to review the matter. The government has instructed the authority to reconsider its 2021 decision and issue necessary follow-up orders, ensuring compliance with Central regulations and previous High Court directives.

At the same time, the notification clarifies that any new measures must strictly adhere to the High Court directives on road safety, particularly the prohibition on displaying large images of film stars or text on the bus body and safety glass, according to a statement from the office of the Transport Minister.