24hrs vehicle restrictions on election day, motorcycle movement suspended for 72hrs

On the occasion of the 13th National Parliament election and the national referendum, the Road Transport and Highways Division has issued a notification imposing restrictions on vehicular movement across the country.

The recently issued notification states that under Section 32 of the Road Transport Act 2018, the movement of taxis, pickups, microbuses, and trucks will be suspended on polling day, February 12. This restriction will be in effect from midnight on February 11 until midnight on February 12.

Additionally, motorcycle movement will be completely banned across the country for a total of 72 hours, from midnight on February 10 until midnight on February 13. However, several relaxations have been provided for this restriction in case of emergency needs and election-related work.

According to the notification, this ban will not apply to law enforcement agencies, armed forces, administration, and authorised observers. Furthermore, vehicles engaged in emergency services, transporting medicine, health-medical supplies, similar essential goods, and all types of vehicles carrying newspapers will be allowed to operate.

For passengers traveling abroad or returning from abroad, travel to and from the airport will not be obstructed subject to the presentation of necessary documents like passports and tickets. Similarly, long-distance passenger vehicles or necessary local transport vehicles will also be exempt from this restriction. Special provisions have also been made for the travel of contesting candidates and their agents.

The notification states that subject to permission and display of a sticker from the Returning Officer, candidates and their election agents can use one small vehicle (jeep, car, or microbus) each. For journalists and observers, permission to operate vehicles or motorcycles will be granted subject to approval from the Election Commission or the Returning Officer. Motorcycles or other vehicles used by officers and employees engaged in election management will also be exempt from this restriction. Moreover, vehicles of organisations licensed by the BTRC have been permitted to operate as emergency services to maintain telecommunication services.

Vehicular movement will be kept normal on national highways, ports, and key connecting roads leading into or out of districts or metropolitan areas to ensure the communication system is not completely severed.