GPS installment mandatory from Aug 1; no registration without compliance

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has made it mandatory for all public transport vehicles across the country to install and maintain operational Global Positioning System (GPS) devices from August 1.

Vehicles will be required to provide proof of GPS installation to obtain new registration or renew their fitness certificates.

The directive was announced in a public notice issued by the BRTA on Tuesday (July 28).

According to the notice, the Road Transport and Highways Division issued a gazette notification on June 11 to enhance road safety and promote the use of modern information technology in public transportation. 

In line with that notification, all public transport vehicles must have functioning GPS devices installed from August 1.

The BRTA said applicants seeking new vehicle registration or renewal of fitness certificates must submit documentary proof of GPS installation to the relevant BRTA office. They will also be required to demonstrate, through a mobile application, that the GPS device is operational.

The authority added that the technical specifications for the GPS devices can be obtained from BRTA's local offices and its official website.

Under Section 25 of the Road Transport Act, 2018 and Rule 55 of the Road Transport Rules, 2022, new registrations and fitness certificate renewals for public transport vehicles will only be granted after authorities verify that a compliant GPS device has been installed and is functioning properly.