Maharashtra makes practical Marathi mandatory for taxi, auto and app-based cab drivers

Mumbai: Practical knowledge of Marathi has been made mandatory for commercial passenger vehicle drivers in Maharashtra, including those operating app-based cabs, with the state government introducing penalties for non-compliance.

The requirement has been formalised through the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which amend the existing Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

Under the amended rules, drivers who fail to demonstrate a working knowledge of Marathi could have their driving licence authorisation suspended for three months. Repeated violations could result in the permanent cancellation of their permits.

Announcing the changes on Wednesday, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the amendments were aimed at removing ambiguity over the language requirement.

"These amendments remove ambiguity in the rules and make the importance of practical Marathi for passenger-vehicle drivers clearer. Practical knowledge of the local language is necessary to communicate with passengers, understand their concerns, and ensure a safe and convenient journey," Minister Sarnaik said.

The new provisions cover drivers and permit holders of auto-rickshaws, taxis and app-based motor cabs equipped with electronic meters.

What do the amended Maharashtra rules say?

The state has amended Rule 4 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, to include "working knowledge of Marathi language" as a requirement for anyone seeking commercial driving authorisation.

A new provision under Rule 22 also lays down specific language requirements for authorised drivers of app-based cabs, making practical Marathi skills mandatory.

The requirement extends beyond drivers to permit holders as well. Amendments to Rules 78 and 85 state that the concerned permit holder must have practical knowledge of Marathi.

The government clarified that the changes are amendments to the existing Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, rather than the introduction of a new law.

The move follows complaints that some non-Marathi-speaking drivers had relied on ambiguities in the earlier rules to avoid complying with the language requirement.

The Transport Minister said the level of Marathi proficiency would have to be deemed "satisfactory" by the concerned licensing authorities, with the aim of ensuring effective communication between drivers and passengers.