The Kashmir Dialogues
Anantnag, June 23 (JKNS): The Motor Vehicles Department, Anantnag, has issued a set of comprehensive instructions for all drivers and riders to adhere to in order to ensure the safety of road users and the general public.
According to the official notice issued by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Anantnag Mubashir Jan a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, every driver is required to operate their vehicle with utmost care and caution, ensuring that they are fully fit — both physically and mentally — to drive. The instructions emphasize maintaining complete focus on the road and traffic, and avoiding any activity that may cause distraction.
Special consideration must be given to vulnerable road users such as children, senior citizens, cyclists, and persons with disabilities. Drivers have been instructed to prevent any inconvenience to others by ensuring their vehicles do not obstruct traffic or cause hindrance when in motion or parked.
The notice also stipulates that the view and hearing of the driver must not be impaired by any load, equipment, or passengers. All occupants of a motor vehicle must wear seatbelts, if available. In the case of children under 12 years of age, an appropriate child restraint system must be used.
For motorcycles, both riders and pillion riders must wear protective headgear, as required by law. Loud music, watching digital media while driving, or consuming alcohol, drugs, or smoking is strictly prohibited. Similar regulations apply to other occupants of the vehicle.
Additional precautions, such as checking for technical defects and stopping the vehicle promptly if one is detected, have also been issued. The notice further reminds riders and drivers of motorcycles or three-wheelers to keep both hands on the handlebar (except when signaling), and only remove feet from the pedals if necessary for safety reasons.
The notice concludes with the message: “Road Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”, and is signed by the ARTO Anantnag Mubashir Jan , bearing the reference number ARTO/ANG/101/603, dated April 30, 2025. (JKNS)
