BRTA warns of license cancellation for driving public transport over 8 hours

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority has warned that driving public transport continuously for more than eight hours can lead to driver fatigue, drowsiness and sleepiness, which are major causes of road accidents. Such accidents result in casualties among drivers, assistants, passengers and pedestrians, the authority said in a warning notification issued from its headquarters on Saturday, May 23.

According to the existing Motor Vehicle Act and regulations, no driver may drive a vehicle continuously for more than five hours, the notification said. After that, a driver may drive for a maximum of three more hours after taking at least a 30-minute break. In total, a driver cannot perform duties for more than eight hours per day or 48 hours per week.

Operating public transport in violation of the prescribed working hours increases the risk of road accidents, the notification added. Vehicle owners and drivers have been urged to adhere to the prescribed hours to prevent accidents.

Violation of the directive will result in cancellation of the driver's licence and vehicle registration, BRTA warned. The authority also requested contacting the central control room of the Road Transport and Highways Division if necessary to maintain normal vehicular movement.