Court Recommends Driving Licenses for Deaf Persons | ISH News скачать в хорошем качестве

Court Recommends Driving Licenses for Deaf Persons | ISH News

Shri Aman Saxena, General Secretary of the Association of the Deaf Welfare, filed a complaint on 8th March 2023. He raised concerns about the difficulties faced by the Deaf in getting a driving license. He suggested that Deaf persons who can see properly should not be forced to use hearing aids while driving, as long as they display a standardised “Deaf Sign” on their vehicle and helmet for identification. Shri Saxena also suggested that: Vehicles owned by Deaf persons should be treated as normal vehicles, not adapted vehicles. Number plates for such vehicles could be distinctive, navy blue for easy identification. Emergency alert lamps should be available at concessional rates. RTOs, NHAI, and vehicle dealers should avoid discrimination while selling or registering vehicles for Deaf persons. Despite multiple reminders, including notices sent in June and July 2023, the authorities did not respond. Shri Saxena continued to follow up from August 2023 to January 2024. Saxena, who has 100% hearing impairment, highlighted that despite being fully capable of driving, Deaf persons are still required to pass hearing tests to get a license. He pointed out that using mirrors properly compensates for hearing loss, making driving safe. AIIMS has also issued directives allowing driving licenses for people with hearing impairment. Currently, while rules allow licenses for Deaf persons, in practice, licenses are often denied unless disability tests are done, even if they have a valid disability certificate. On the other hand, people with partial hearing loss can get licenses without such tests. Saxena proposed that vehicles driven by Deaf persons should have a “Deaf Sign” on the front and back of the car or on the helmet. He requested that NHAI and RTOs be directed to implement this and that vehicle dealers should support the initiative. The government authorities replied that existing advisories in 2016 and 2023 allow State Governments to issue licenses to deaf individuals. Sections 28 and 65 of the Motor Vehicles Act also give State Governments the power to make rules for issuing licenses. Along with this, the Ministry of Road Transport replied to Shri Saxena’s letter dated 22 October 2025, saying: On 8 September 2025, they already sent an advisory (instruction letter) to all States and RTOs to give driving licenses to people with 100% hearing impairment. The Ministry also reminded that licenses are finally issued by State Governments and RTOs, not the central government. So the States need to act quickly. The Ministry also said: They had already requested that States/UTs issue driving licenses to deaf persons in 2016. They again sent a reminder letter on 6 November 2023 to strictly follow these rules. The Court, after reviewing the case, agreed that Shri Saxena’s suggestions were useful and practical. The Court noted that jobs like auto, motorbike, and rickshaw drivers are already considered suitable for Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons. It also highlighted a 2016 government order that allows hearing-impaired persons to drive if they pass a stringent driving test and display a “hearing-impaired” sign on their vehicle. Court Recommendations: Authorities should reiterate the 2016 order to all State Governments and UTs. Conduct awareness programs and training for state transport officials about the rights of Deaf and disabled persons. Clear all pending applications for driving licenses for Deaf persons without delay. An Action Taken Report should be submitted within 3 months under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. #DeafRights #DrivingLicenseForDeaf #TrafficRules #DrivingLessons #RTO #DisabilityRights #RPwDAct #ISHNews #DeafCommunity #EqualRights #RoadSafety #Deaf #DeafCommunity #IndianSignLanguage #SignLanguage ISH News broadcasts the Daily News and Entertainment online in Deaf-friendly accessible formats which are in Indian Sign Language (ISL), visual images with titles, voice-over and closed-captions. This ensures that we provide equal access to every individual, whilst promoting awareness. Follow us for all the latest News & Entertainment and to keep up-to-date on all the happenings at ISH News: WhatsApp Channel: https://ish.news/ish-whatsapp Facebook:   / ishnews   Twitter:   / ishnews_tv   Instagram:   / ishnews   Official Site: http://www.ishnews.tv/ Thanks for watching!! Favourites, Likes, Feedbacks & Shares are always appreciated.