Kochi: Auto rickshaws are being denied fitness approval if they do not display the mandatory sticker stating, "If the fare meter is not working, your journey is free." The directive, issued by the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD), is being strictly enforced, with vehicles lacking the sticker deemed unfit for service.

Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer (RTO) K Manoj has instructed that autos presented for the fitness test without the required sticker will be sent back. As a result, numerous auto rickshaws have failed the test due to non-compliance.

The order, which came into effect on March 1, mandates that the sticker be displayed prominently behind the driver’s seat or in a position clearly visible to passengers. It must be printed in both Malayalam and English. Despite the directive being issued a month ago, most auto rickshaws have yet to implement it.

The move has sparked widespread protests among auto drivers and unions, with various organisations threatening to intensify their strike against the enforcement. A significant number of auto rickshaws in the district operate without functioning meters, leading to complaints from passengers about excessive fares.

The decision to enforce the sticker rule was made at a meeting of the State Transport Authority. Authorities had initially delayed its implementation by a month after considering requests from auto workers and officials for additional preparation time. However, with the rule now in effect, non-compliant vehicles are being deemed unfit for service.