Only Z-plus & Z category protectees can use tinted glasses in vehicles

Shillong, Nov 30: The state government has notified a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) restricting the use of tinted glass, sirens, beacons, and name plates on official vehicles.

The SOP states that vehicles of ‘Z-Plus’ and ‘Z’ category protectees recommended by a government committee can use tinted glass or black films for security reasons.

Sirens can be used only by the police, emergency services, and VVIP/VIP vehicles.

The use of beacons or red lights with or without flashers is prohibited, as per a Transport Department notification.

The SOP also outlines the rules for name plates on vehicles and flag rods for the National Flag.

As per paragraph 3.44 of the Flag Code of India 2002 (as amended) the following dignitaries are allowed to hoist the National Flag on the official vehicles:

President, Vice President, Governors and Lieutenant Governors, Head of Mission/Posts, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Minister of State, Deputy of the Union, Chief Minister and Cabinet Minister of a State or Union Territory, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Chairman of Legislatives Councils in State, Speakers of Legislative Council in States, Speakers of the Legislative Assemblies in State and Union Territories, Deputy Chairman of Legislative Councils in States, Deputy Speakers of Legislative Assemblies in States and Union Territories, Chief Justice of India, Judges of Supreme Court, Chief Justice of High Courts, Judges of High Courts.

“This SOP shall be applicable to the use of Government of Meghalaya vehicles for official purposes, excluding emergency vehicles as defined under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (as amended). This OM shall come into force with immediate effect,” said Commissioner & Secretary CVD Diengdoh.The SOP is in pursuance of Supreme Court rulings and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (as amended).