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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter II

Section 16

Revocation of Driving Licence on Grounds of Disease or Disability

Licensing of Drivers of Motor Vehicles
Fine: ₹5,000Compoundable: YesEndorsement: Yes
BARE ACT PROVISION

Legal Text

If, at any time, a licensing authority is satisfied, after receiving a report from a registered medical practitioner or otherwise, that a person holding a driving licence is, by reason of any disease or disability, unfit to drive a motor vehicle, the licensing authority may, after giving the holder an opportunity to be heard, revoke the driving licence or suspend it for such period as the licensing authority thinks necessary.

Simplified Explanation

Section 16 empowers the licensing authority to revoke or suspend a driving licence when a driver is found to have a disease or disability that makes them unfit to drive. This is a public safety provision — conditions like severe epilepsy, sudden-onset diabetes episodes, serious cardiovascular disease, significant visual impairment, or cognitive disorders can create serious road hazards if the affected person continues to drive. The process requires: (1) a report from a registered medical practitioner or other credible information; (2) an opportunity for the licence holder to be heard; and (3) a decision on revocation or suspension. The holder can challenge the revocation order. Driving after revocation under Section 16 is treated as driving without a licence under Section 3 with the associated penalties.

Historical Context

Section 16 reflects the medical reality that conditions that affect consciousness, reaction time, or physical capacity must be systematically accounted for in road safety frameworks.

Critical Changes

Medical certificate requirements at licence renewal were strengthened under 2019 Amendment.

Transport vehicle drivers over 50 subject to more frequent medical reviews.

Practical Scenarios

"A person diagnosed with severe epilepsy — licensing authority may revoke their licence under Section 16."
"A truck driver with a serious cardiac condition — licence may be suspended pending medical review."

Common Queries

Persons with poorly controlled epilepsy are typically found medically unfit to drive. A person who has been seizure-free for a prescribed period (generally 2 years, per medical guidelines) on stable medication may be found fit. The licensing authority assesses fitness based on a medical report under Section 16.
Controlled type 2 diabetes without episodes of hypoglycaemia typically does not prevent driving. Insulin-dependent diabetics may face restrictions for transport vehicle licences. The licensing authority relies on medical reports under Section 16.