Is driving an open top four wheeler prohibited by law?
NiceGuy
(Querist) 17 December 2014
This query is : Resolved
On this particular occassion, my friend was harrassed by the police because he was driving an open Jeep- with some lady friends.
He had been driving around the same neighbourhood for about two hours, when they were stopped by two police men (one a Home Guard with a police radio, who made some rude remarks of his driving with his lady friends). The police asked to see license and registration papers and asked them if they had been drinking. They had not been, and all papers were in order. They were allowed to leave after what seemed an un necessary and deliberate delay.
When they returned from a nearby restaurant later, my friend found a parking ticket on the Jeep. A traffic cop had fined only this vehicle, even though there were other vehicles in front and behind this one, parked bumper to bumper. On asking why he was booked, the policeman was confrontational, and said that they deserved the parking fine and if the vehicle is again seen driving around, he will further be charged with public nuisence for driving an open top vehicle.
My friend didn't want a scene and so left, eventhough he knew he had not broken any laws of the land.
Later he called me and asked whether the MV act had such a clause, one prohibiting open- top four wheel driving. I didn't know, so asked around but couldn't get a clear answer, even from the police themselves- who were very vague and contradictory. Googled this query much, again to no avail.
Thought I'd put this across to the experts here.
Can you help?
Devajyoti Barman
(Expert) 17 December 2014
academic query. Post your actual problem.
V R SHROFF
(Expert) 17 December 2014
Experts do not entertain academic query
NiceGuy
(Querist) 17 December 2014
On this particular occassion, my friend was harrassed by the police because he was driving an open Jeep- with some lady friends.
He had been driving around the same neighbourhood for about two hours, when they were stopped by two police men (one a Home Guard with a police radio, who made some rude remarks of his driving with his lady friends). The police asked to see license and registration papers and asked them if they had been drinking. They had not been, and all papers were in order. They were allowed to leave after what seemed an un necessary and deliberate delay.
When they returned from a nearby restaurant later, my friend found a parking ticket on the Jeep. A traffic cop had fined only this vehicle, even though there were other vehicles in front and behind this one, parked bumper to bumper. On asking why he was booked, the policeman was confrontational, and said that they deserved the parking fine and if the vehicle is again seen driving around, he will further be charged with public nuisence for driving an open top vehicle.
My friend didn't want a scene and so left, eventhough he knew he had not broken any laws of the land.
Later he called me and asked whether the MV act had such a clause, one prohibiting open- top four wheel driving. I didn't know, so asked around but couldn't get a clear answer, even from the police themselves- who were very vague and contradictory. Googled this query much, again to no avail.
Thought I'd put this across to the experts here.
Can you help?
Anand Bali Adv.
(Expert) 18 December 2014
The Jeep model Car in an open out fit is passed under MV Act and is often used in the Safari tours. This model is not banned to drive in India.
Though, driving carelessly and creating obscene, indecent and public nuiseance at a public place is a crime under IPC.
T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate 
(Expert) 24 December 2014
Your query has been addressed by expert Mr. Anand Bali. If you are not satisfied you may visit either the MV Act provisions or clarify the same from MV authorities in your region.
ajay sethi
(Expert) 24 December 2014
agree with Mr bali
