ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

PART I—REGISTRATION

Regulation

1. Register

2. Application to register

3. Verification of weights

4. Registration

5. Number plates

6. Change of ownership,

7. Procedure where vehicle destroyed

8. Amendment of register

9. Copies of entries.

PART II—LICENSING

10. Registers of licences

11. Trade licences

12. Log book

13. Drivers’ licences

14. Application for driver’s licence

15. Driving test

16. Issue of driver’s licence

17. Renewal of driver’s licence

18. L plates

19. Further driving test

20. Replacement of licence

21. Defaced photographs

22. Armed Forces and Police driving permits

23. Production of driving licence.

PART III—USE AND CONSTRUCTION

24. Vehicles not conforming with Regulations

25. Mobility

26. Width and length

27. Height

28. Loads  

29. Tyres

30. Brakes

31. Engines

32. Lamps

33. Mirror, windscreen and glass

34. Wheels and axles

35. Steering

36. Suspension

37. Wings

38. Horns

39. Trailers

40. Direction indicators

41. Position of indicators

42. Red reflectors

43. Reflex reflectors

44. Advance warning

45. Use of agricultural tractors on roads

46. Maximum weights permitted

47. Checking of weights

48. Prohibited passengers, etc.

49. Driving of vehicles

50. Rules of the road

51. Hand signals

52. Noise

53. Discharge of oil, etc. on road

54. Molesting or obstructing driver

55. Maximum driving periods.

PART IV—COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

56. Application for licence

57. Issue of licence

58. Issue of taxi identification plate

59. Use of taxi

60. Taxi fares

61. Taxi stands

62. Use of omnibus

63. Private use of omnibus

64. Omnibus routes

65. Construction of omnibus

66. Person in charge of omnibus

67. Use of passenger lorry

68. Seats in passenger lorry

69. Passenger lorry carrying freight and persons

70. Maximum number of passengers

71. Particulars to be painted on commercial vehicles

72. Property left in vehicle

73. Offences in omnibus

74. Other offences relating to commercial vehicles

PART V—INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION  PROVISIONS

75. Documents for vehicles being taken outside Ghana

76. Documents for drivers outside Ghana, etc.

77. Visitors’ vehicles

78. Exemption of visitors’ vehicles

79. Registration plates and nationality signs

80. Visitors’ driving permits.

PART VI—TRAFFIC OTHER THAN MOTOR TRAFFIC

81. Definition

82. Rules of the road

83. Bicycles, carts, etc.

84. Animals on road at night.

PART VII—GENERAL

85. Power to inspect vehicles

86. Traffic wardens

87. Prohibition of use of certain roads

88. Application for police report on accidents

89. Exemption from fees

90. Exemption of Armed Forces vehicles

91. Exemption from speed limit

92. Highway Code

93. Penalties

94. Interpretation

95. Revocation

96. Commencement.

SCHEDULES

IN exercise of the powers conferred on the Commissioner responsible for Transport by section 33 of the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), these Regulations are made this 10th day of July, 1974.

PART I—REGISTRATION

Regulation 1—Register.

The licensing authority shall keep a register for the registration of motor vehicles and trailers in such form as the Commissioner may direct.

Regulation 2—Application to Register.

(1) A person who applies to register a motor vehicle or trailer shall give to the licensing authority an application, in duplicate, duly completed as in form A or B in the First Schedule.

(2) A fee of ¢50.00 shall be paid to the licensing authority before the vehicle is first registered:

Provided that no fee shall be paid in respect of a vehicle intended to be used to carry passengers or goods for hire or reward other than a taxi.

Regulation 3—Verification of Weights.

(1) Before a vehicle is registered, its net weight and, if the licensing authority so directs, the axle weight of each axle shall, if facilities for weighing the vehicle are available, be ascertained by a competent officer, who shall certify the weights so ascertained and make any necessary correction in the statement of weights declared by the owner.

(2) If facilities for weighing a vehicle are not available the licensing authority may require the owner of the vehicle to produce a certificate of its weight issued by the manufacturer or other recognised authority.

Regulation 4—Registration.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, on receipt of the application and fee the licensing authority shall register the particulars of the vehicle.

(2) The licensing authority shall not register a vehicle—

(a) which does not comply in all respects with the provisions of these Regulations applicable to its particular type or class;

(b) whose use on any road without the authorisation of the Director of Public Works or any other authority is prohibited, unless such authorisation is produced to him;

(c) in respect of which a valid certificate of roadworthiness is not produced to him.

(3) The licensing authority shall not, without the prior consent of the Commissioner for Finance, register—

(a) any vehicle more than two years old which has been imported for commercial purposes;

(b) any vehicle more than five years old.

(4) the licensing authority shall not register a right-hand steering vehicle.

(5) In the case of a commercial vehicle or trailer the licensing authority may, if he thinks fit, require the production of the manufacturer’s specification or such other evidence as he may require to enable him to ascertain that the freight or load which the vehicle is constructed to carry is as stated in the form of application and in the case of a vehicle with locally constructed body, may determine the freight or load which the vehicle is constructed to carry:

Provided that commercial vehicles used exclusively for carrying the personal effects of the owner, tractors or breakdown lorries shall not be regarded as load carrying vehicles and shall be licensed according to their net weights as if such weights were their gross weight.

Regulation 5—Number Plates.

(1) On registering a motor vehicle or trailer the licensing authority shall assign to it an identification mark which shall be registered in respect of the vehicle.

(2) The identification mark shall be a combination of letters and figures allocated to the licensing authority by the Principal Licensing Authority.

(3) Where an applicant requests that a particular identification  mark be assigned to a vehicle, the licensing authority shall, subject to the approval of the Principal Licensing Authority and subject to these Regulations, assign such identification mark on payment by the applicant of a fee of ¢50.00.

(4) The identification mark shall be carried by the motor vehicle on two plates which shall conform to the requirements of the Second Schedule.

(5) Every such plate must be reflective and so made that any letters, numerals or other identifying mark displayed on it are legible at night in clear weather, when the motor vehicle is stationary, at a distance of 65 feet from the front or the rear of the vehicle, as the case may be.

(6) The plates displaying the identification mark shall be fixed on a motor vehicle, one on the front and the other on the back, and on a trailer, one on the back, so that every letter or figure on the plate is upright and easily distinguishable in the case of the front plate in front, and in the case of the back plate from behind.

(7) When a vehicle is towing a trailer, an additional plate displaying the identification mark of the towing vehicle shall be fixed on the back of the trailer in addition to the plate displaying the identification mark of the trailer.

(8) In the case of a motor-cycle the plate fixed on the front of the cycle may, if it is a plate having duplicate faces conforming with the Second Schedule, be fixed so that from whichever side the cycle is viewed the letters or figures on one or other face of the plate are easily distinguishable though they may not be distinguishable from the front of the cycle.

Regulation 6—Change of Ownership. 

(1) If the ownership of a motor vehicle or trailer is changed, the new owner shall give notice of the change to the licensing authority as in Form C in the First Schedule, and shall present the vehicle for inspection to the licensing authority.

(2) Notice of change of ownership shall be given not later than fourteen days after the date of the actual change of ownership but may be received before the date of the actual change of ownership, to take effect from that date.

(3) No change of ownership shall be registered until the licensing authority has physically checked the chassis number and the engine number on the motor vehicle and ascertained that they correspond with his records.

(4) When the ownership of a licensed vehicle is changed, the old owner shall, if a taxi, omnibus or passenger lorry licence has been issued in respect of the vehicle, transfer it to the new owner who shall present the licence to the licensing authority together with such other evidence of the change of ownership as the licensing officer may require, and the licensing authority shall substitute the name of the new owner for that of the person named in the licence as the owner.

(5) If the new owner fails to comply with this regulation the registration of the vehicle shall be void.

(6) Where the new owner is the Government the licensing authority shall inform the Principal Licensing Authority in writing of such change.

(7) Except where the new owner is the Government, the new owner shall pay for the registration of the change of ownership

(a) in the case of motor-cycles and scooters, ¢40.00; and

(b) in the case of other vehicles, ¢40.00.

(8) On registration of a change of ownership the existing registration of the motor vehicle or trailer shall continue in the name of the new owner.

Regulation 7—Procedure Where Vehicle Destroyed.

If the licensing authority is satisfied that a registered vehicle has been destroyed, broken up or permanently removed from Ghana, he shall cancel the entries in the register in respect of the vehicle and inform the Principal Licensing Authority

Regulation 8—Amendment of Register.

If any circumstance (other than a change of ownership) occurs in relation to a vehicle which affects the accuracy of any particulars entered in respect of that vehicle in the register, the owner of the vehicle shall forthwith, in writing, inform the licensing authority with whom it has been registered and such authority shall there upon, without charging any fee, amend the register accordingly and inform the Principal Licensing Authority.

Regulation 9—Copies of Entries.

(1) The licensing authority shall, if so required by the Principal Licensing Authority, supply to him a copy from the register of any particular required and shall on application being made to him by any other licensing authority or by any police officer not below the rank of sergeant provide, free of charge, a copy of any particulars required from his register relating to any specified vehicle.

(2) The licensing authority shall also supply to any other person applying for a copy of the entries relating to any specified vehicle, a copy of those entries on payment of a fee of thirty pesewas.

(3) Any public officer may, in his official capacity, without charge, at all reasonable times inspect the register and take copies of any entries in it.

(4) The Principal Licensing Authority shall file and keep all copies of such entries and copies of licences and other documents supplied to him under section 3 (2) of the Ordinance or this regulation, and shall on request by any licensing authority or police officer not below the rank of sergeant, supply such particulars in relation thereto as may be required of him.

PART II—LICENSING

Regulation 10—Registers of Licences.

(1) The licensing officer shall keep registers of licences and renewals of licences in such form as the Commissioner may direct.

(2) A licensing authority shall, on application being made to him by any other licensing authority or by any police officer of or above the rank of sergeant, forthwith provide free of charge a copy of the particulars in his register relating to any licence granted by him.

Regulation 11—Trade Licences.

(1) The licensing authority may issue a trade licence to a dealer or fleet owner in respect of any type of motor vehicle at an annual fee of ¢50.00 for each such licence.

(2) A trade licence shall not be issued for use in respect of a particular vehicle but in respect of any motor vehicle in the following circumstances:—

(a) when a motor vehicle having been off-loaded from a ship, lighter, railway train or other road vehicle is being driven to the dealer’s or fleet owner’s place of business;

(b) when a motor vehicle is being tested after having been received, assembled or repaired at the dealer’s or fleet owner’s place of business;

(c) when a motor vehicle is being tried by or on behalf of an intending purchaser or of the owner in the case of a motor vehicle under repair;

(d) when a new motor vehicle or one under repair is being transferred from or to one or other of the places in Ghana where a dealer or fleet owner carries on his business;

(e) when a vehicle is being transferred from a fleet owner’s place of business to a dealer’s place of business to enable repairs to the vehicle to be effected;

(f) when a new vehicle or one which has been repaired is in process of delivery by the dealer or to the fleet owner concerned.

(3) A trade licence shall be issued in Form D in the First Schedule and shall authorise the use of a single trade identification mark consisting of the letter D followed by the identification letters (of a series distinct from that in use for registered vehicles) and identification numerals assigned by the licensing authority.

(4) On the issue of a trade licence the licensing authority shall enter the particulars thereof in a register kept for that purpose.

(5) A dealer or fleet owner may apply for and obtain any number of trade licences.

(6) A person to whom a licence has been refused may appeal to the Commissioner.

(7) Such licences shall not authorise the carrying of passengers or goods for hire or reward or any passengers not engaged in testing the vehicle or inspecting the vehicle with a view to purchasing it.

(8) Where a vehicle is being used under a trade licence such licence shall be displayed on the front plate bearing the trade identification mark issued in respect of such licence.

(9) No person shall—

(a) use a trade licence for a purpose not authorised by this regulation;

(b) use a vehicle under a trade licence without displaying such licence on the front plate bearing the trade identification mark issued in respect of such vehicle;

(c) use any photostat or copy of a trade licence;

(d) make, use or have in his possession any plate bearing a duplicate copy of a trade identification mark;

(e) drive any vehicle which displays a plate bearing a duplicate copy of a trade identification mark.

Regulation 12—Log book.

(1) Every dealer and fleet owner shall keep a separate log book, as in Form E in the First Schedule, for each identification mark authorised to be used under a trade licence issued to him.

(2) Immediately after each occasion on which a vehicle has been used under a trade licence the dealer or fleet owner shall enter or cause to be entered in the log book appropriate to the identification mark displayed on the vehicle on that occasion, full particulars of such run in the log book.

(3) Every such entry shall be signed by the person making it at the time when it is made.

(4) The log book shall be open to inspection by any police officer in uniform.

(5) No person shall make an entry or cause an entry to be made in a log book, knowing it to be false or not believing it to be true.

Regulation 13— Drivers’ Licences.

(1) Licences to drive motor vehicles shall be of three kinds as follows:—

(a) professional driver’s licences;

(b) private driver’s licences;

(c) learner driver’s licences,

and each class shall authorise, as the case may be, the driving of—

(i) a motor vehicle of any weight;

(ii) a motor vehicle not exceeding 59 cwt. gross weight;

(iii) a motor-cycle only; or

(iv) a motor vehicle only of the particular form of construction specified in the licence.

(2) No licence shall be required to drive a motor vehicle to which the provisions of the Ordinance and these Regulations do not apply.

Regulation 14—Application for Driver’s Licence.

(1) An application for a driver’s licence shall be in Form F in the First Schedule, accompanied by four unmounted copies of a photograph of the head (full face) and shoulders of the applicant approximately but not larger than 2 ins. by 2½ ins.

(2) Where a driving test is required in pursuance of regulation 15, such copies shall have endorsed on the back a certificate by the officer conducting the test that it is a photograph of the applicant,

(3) An applicant for a professional driver’s licence shall impress his right thumb mark and right finger marks and left thumb mark and left finger marks on forms supplied for the purpose.

Regulation 15—Driving Test.

(1) The licensing authority shall, before issuing a private or professional driver’s licence, require the applicant to pass a driving test to show that he is capable of fully controlling a motor vehicle of the type for which he has applied for a licence to drive and has the ability referred to in paragraph (4) of this regulation, and, in the case of an application for such a licence to drive a vehicle in excess of 59 cwt. gross weight, the licensing authority shall not issue a licence until the applicant has passed a driving test on such a vehicle.

(2) Driver’s tests shall be conducted by a person appointed for that purpose by the Commissioner and the charge for each test shall be ¢1.00.

(3) The test shall be held at such time and place as the licensing authority may direct.

(4) The test shall be directed to ascertain the ability of the applicant

(a) to control the motor vehicle in traffic;

(b) to bring the motor vehicle from a normal speed to a standstill at an appropriate part of the road, and to stop the motor vehicle in an emergency;

(c) to turn corners, cross main roads and turn from side to main roads;

(d) to pass and overtake other vehicles on the road;

(e) except where the vehicle concerned is a motor-cycle, to run the motor vehicle backwards along a straight road and round corners;

(f) to turn round in a road;

(g) to understand the indication of speeds and the figures shown on the speedometer of the motor vehicle;

(h) to demonstrate his knowledge of the rules of the road, of the hand signals set out in regulation 51 and the signs illustrated in the Fourth Schedule, of the principal offences under the Ordinance and the Road Traffic Offences Regulations, and of the Highway Code;

(i) to read at a distance of 25 yards in good daylight (with the aid of glasses, if worn) a motor vehicle identification mark;

(j) generally to drive competently a motor vehicle or, in the case of a person suffering from a disability, a motor vehicle of the particular class to which the application relates without danger to and with due consideration for other users of the road.

(5) When a person has passed a driving test to the satisfaction of the tester such tester shall give him a certificate as in Form G in the First Schedule, stating

(a) the class or type of vehicle on which he was tested;

(b) the type of licence he is qualified to receive, i.e. whether or not restricted to vehicles not exceeding 59 cwt. gross weight; or

(c) that he, being the holder of a licence, has passed a subsequent test which he requires to be recorded on his licence.

Regulation 16—Issue of Driver’s Licence

(1) Driver’s licences shall be as in Forms H, J and K in the First Schedule and, subject to the provisions of the Ordinance and these Regulations, shall be valid for the period therein specified.

(2) The fee for the issue of a driver’s licence shall be as follows:—

(a) professional driver’s licence—¢2.00 for twelve months or ¢4.00 for two years;

(b) private driver’s licence—¢4.00 for twelve months or ¢8.00 for two years;

(c) learner driver’s licence—¢2.00 for three months.

(3) On the issue of a licence the licensing authority shall paste it together with one copy of the photograph supplied in a driving licence booklet to be provided by him and shall at the same time affix the other copy of the photograph to the copy of the licence to be sent to the Principal Licensing Authority.

(4) The copy of the photograph placed in the booklet shall be stamped with the official stamp of the licensing authority in such a position that part of the stamp is on the photograph and part on the booklet.

(5) The driving licence booklet shall for the purpose of these Regulations be deemed to be part of the driving licence.

(6) The holder of a driver’s licence shall sign it in the space provided in the driving licence booklet or if unable to write he shall make his mark which shall be duly witnessed in the space provided.

(7) A professional driver shall also impress his left thumb mark in the booklet in the space provided for that purpose.

(8) Where a person has been tested on one class or type of vehicle the fact that this has been recorded shall not restrict his right to drive any class or type of motor vehicle of which the driving is authorised by such licence.

Regulation 17—Renewal of Driver’s Licence.

(1) A driver’s licence may be renewed at any time within one month before the date of its expiry and the renewed licence shall have effect as from the date of expiry.

(2) Where a driver’s licence is renewed after the date of expiry, such renewal shall have effect from the date of expiry unless the licensing authority, for good cause shown, permits the renewal to take effect as from the date of the renewal.

(3) The fee for the renewal of a driver’s licence shall be as follows:—

(a) professional driver’s licence—¢2.00 for twelve months or ¢4.00 for two years;

(b) private driver’s licence—¢4.00 for twelve months or ¢8.00 for two years;

(c) learner driver’s licence—¢2.00 for three months.

(4) A renewal of a driver’s licence shall be in Form L in the First Schedule, which shall be pasted in the driving licence booklet in the space provided.

(5) Where a driver’s licence produced for renewal is dilapidated but still legible or contains no further room for renewals or endorsements the licensing authority shall cancel it and grant a new licence as a renewal thereof indicating thereon that it is a renewal of a previous licence and quoting the number and date of issue of the original licence and shall endorse on any such licence the particulars of any conviction or order endorsed on the expired licence which relates to any driving offence within the preceding two years.

(6) Regulations 14 and 16 shall apply to the issue of a new licence under paragraph (5) of this regulation.

Regulation 18—L Plates.

Whenever a person learning to drive is driving a vehicle there shall be affixed to the vehicle so as to be easily visible two plates or discs, one of which shall be on the front and one on the back, displaying the letter L in red on a white background, and of the size specified in the Second Schedule.

Regulation 19—Further Driving Test.

(1) A person may at any time apply to be tested on another class or type of vehicle and if he passes the test the licensing authority shall record such fact on the licence free of charge on production to him for his retention of the certificate of the officer who conducted the test.

(2) The licensing authority shall also inform the Principal Licensing Authority of such endorsement.

(3) Where the holder of a licence authorising the driving of a motor vehicle not exceeding 59 cwt. gross weight or a motorcycle only or a motor vehicle of a particular form of construction only subsequently passes a test on a vehicle in excess of 59 cwt. gross weight and applies for the appropriate licence to drive such a vehicle the new licence shall be endorsed with the number and date of issue of the original licence which shall be cancelled by the licensing authority.

(4) In such a case any conviction or order endorsed on the original licence which relates to any offence within the immediately preceding two years shall be endorsed on the new licence.

Regulation 20—Replacement of Licence.

If a person to whom a licence has been granted satisfies           a licensing authority that it has been lost or stolen or has become so defaced that the material particulars and endorsements, if any, are illegible the following procedure shall be followed:—

(a) the applicant shall submit to the licensing authority an application for a duplicate licence as in Form M in the First Schedule which, in the case of a professional driver’s licence, shall be accompanied by an impression of the finger-prints of the applicant;

(b) the licensing authority shall forward a request for particulars of the original licence to the Principal Licensing Authority in such form as such authority may require, accompanied by the finger-print impressions of the applicant;

(c) on receipt of such particulars the licensing authority shall, if the applicant has not been disqualified from holding a licence or has not had his licence revoked, issue a duplicate licence as if it were a new licence quoting thereon the number and date of the original licence and endorsing thereon the particulars of any conviction or order endorsed on the original licence which relates to any driving offence within the preceding two years;

(d) regulations 14 and 16 shall apply to the issue of such duplicate licence;

(e) a fee of ¢4.00 shall be paid by the applicant for the duplicate licence;

(f) a defaced licence shall be cancelled by the licensing authority.

Regulation 21—Defaced Photographs.

(1) If a photograph on a licence becomes defaced so as to impair the identification of its holder such holder may and, if required by the licensing authority, shall supply a further copy of such photograph or two copies of a different photograph of himself which shall be dealt with as follows:—

(a) if a further copy of the defaced photograph is supplied, it shall be used to replace the original and shall be stamped in the same manner as the original was stamped;

(b) if two copies of a different photograph are supplied one copy shall be used to replace the defaced photograph and stamped as above-mentioned and the other copy shall, accompanied by such particulars as may be necessary, be forwarded to the Principal Licensing Authority to replace the photograph on the copy of the original licence in his possession.

(2) A fee of eighty pesewas shall be payable under this regulation.

Regulation 22—Armed Forces and Police Driving Permit.

It shall not be a contravention of section 8 of the Ordinance for a member of the Armed Forces or of the Police Service in the course of his duty to drive a motor vehicle belonging to the Government if he is in possession of a written permit to drive a vehicle of that description issued by his commanding officer.

Regulation 23—Production of Driving Licence.

Any person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle when used on a road shall, on the request of a police officer in uniform, produce his licence to drive such a vehicle for the inspection of the officer:

Provided that, if the driver so wishes, he may within twenty four hours produce the licence to the officer in charge of the nearest convenient police station, to be designated by the police officer, and shall give his name and address to the said police officer on request.

PART III—USE AND CONSTRUCTION

Regulation 24—Vehicles not Conforming with Regulations.

No person shall cause or permit to be used on any road or shall on any road drive or have charge of a motor vehicle or a trailer which is not in all respects in accordance with these Regulations, or which is so used or driven as to contravene any provision of these Regulations.

Regulation 25—Mobility.

A motor vehicle, if its net weight exceeds 5 cwt., must be cap able of being so operated that it may travel either forwards or backwards.

Regulation 26—Width and Length.

(1) No vehicle or trailer shall exceed eight feet three inches in overall width.

(2) No bolster on a prime-mover or trailer shall project beyond the outside edge of the outside tyres.

(3) No load on a motor vehicle or trailer shall—

(a) project beyond the near side of such vehicle or trailer to a greater extent than 6 inches, or to any extent on the off side, or, in the case of a timber-carrying vehicle or trailer loaded with a log or logs, project to a greater extent than three inches on the near side and three inches on the off side; or

(b) project more than 3 feet beyond the front elevation of such vehicle or trailer.

(4) Where the load on a vehicle or trailer projects more than 6 feet behind the rear elevation of such vehicle, a red flag shall be fixed by day to the end of the load and a red lamp by night in a similar position, the flag or lamp being clearly visible from the rear.

(5) The overhang of a motor vehicle or trailer shall not exceed—

(a) in the case of a vehicle or trailer the body of which has been constructed and fitted in Ghana, two-fifths of the wheelbase, and

(b) in the case of any other vehicle or trailer one-half of the wheelbase.

(6) No motor vehicle or trailer shall exceed thirty-six feet in length or in the case of an articulated vehicle forty-two feet eight inches in length.

(7) No motor vehicle shall have a chassis which has been altered so as to be longer than the chassis length given in the specifications issued for that type of vehicle by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

(8) The Engineer-in-Chief of Public Works may, by authorisation in writing and subject to such conditions (if any) as he may impose, permit the use on any road of a motor vehicle or trailer, or class of motor vehicle or trailer, which exceeds the width prescribed by paragraph (1) or (2) of this regulation.

(9) The Engineer-in-Chief of Public Works, a licensing authority or a police officer of a rank not lower than inspector may grant in writing for a particular occasion or particular occasions a permit for the importation or use of a vehicle or trailer which in use does not conform to the provisions of this regulation.

(10) Such permit shall be carried by the driver of the motor vehicle on such occasion or occasions and shall be produced by him on demand being made by any licensing authority or police officer.

Regulation 27—Height.

The height from ground level of a motor vehicle or trailer with freight or load placed thereon shall not at any point exceed eleven feet:

Provided that the Commissioner may in writing permit the use upon a specified route or routes of an omnibus which exceeds eleven feet in height.

Regulation 28—Loads.

(1) A motor vehicle or trailer shall be so constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping therefrom, or from coming into contact with the road, except that sand may be dropped for the purpose of securing traction, or water or other such substance may be sprinkled on a roadway in cleaning or maintaining such roadway.

(2) A log-carrying vehicle or trailer shall

(a) carry not more than three logs; and

(b) be fitted with spikes on the rear and front bolsters when loaded with logs, which when so loaded shall rest on the spikes, and shall be held in place by means of chains or wire ropes fitted with screw type turn buckles. These chains or wire ropes shall be securely fastened to both ends of the front and rear bolsters.

(3) No freight, load or other article whatsoever shall be carried on the top or outside of the hood, canopy or roofing of any motor vehicle other than spare wheels or spare tyres for such vehicle unless authorised by the licensing authority:

Provided that goods may be carried on the roof of a motor vehicle of all metal body construction other than an omnibus—

(a) when the goods are securely fastened in metal roof grids forming part of or being firmly fixed to the roof of such vehicle;

(b) when the top of the goods so fastened does not extend more than two feet above the roof of the vehicle;

(c) when the total weight of such goods does not exceed such weight as may be specified as the maximum weight which should be so carried by the makers of the vehicle; and

(d) when the overall height of the vehicle when so loaded does not exceed eleven feet:

Provided further that where an omnibus of all metal body construction has a metal roof grid permanently fixed to the roof by the makers of the vehicle, the Principal Licensing Authority may by permit in writing waive the prohibition against carrying goods on the roof, subject to any conditions that the Principal Licensing Authority may think fit to endorse on the permit.

(4) Freight or load of a greater weight than that which the vehicle is constructed to carry, as registered and stated on the licence, shall not be placed on any commercial vehicle or trailer.

Regulation 29—Tyres.

(1) Except in so far as the licensing authority may otherwise in writing permit, every motor vehicle and trailer shall be fitted with pneumatic tyres on all its wheels.

(2) Tyres shall be capable in size and type of construction of withstanding the maximum permissible loads of vehicles to which they are fitted.

(3) The wheels of every motor vehicle and every trailer of a gross weight of 35 cwt. or more shall be fitted with low pressure tyres, and the width and rim diameter of each tyre shall not be less than is recommended in the specifications, issued by the maker of the tyres, as being adequate for the load that is being carried.

Regulation 30—Brakes.

(1) Every motor vehicle shall have two entirely independent and efficient braking systems, or one efficient braking system having two independent means of operation, in each case so designed, constructed and maintained that the failure of any single portion of any braking system shall not even under the most adverse conditions prevent the brakes on two wheels or, in the case of a vehicle having less than four wheels, on one wheel, from operating effectively, so as either to hold such wheels from revolving or to have the same effect in stopping the motor vehicle as if such wheels were so held:

Provided that in the case of a single system the two means of operation shall not be deemed to be otherwise than independent solely by reason of the fact that they are connected either directly or indirectly with the same cross shaft.

(2) Where a motor vehicle has more than three wheels and two independent braking systems each such system shall be so constructed, designed and maintained that if it acts (either directly or indirectly) on two wheels only it shall act on two wheels on the same axle.

(3) Where in the case of a single braking system the means of operation are connected either directly or indirectly with the same cross shaft, the brakes applied by one of such means shall act on all the wheels of the motor vehicle directly and not through the transmission gear.

(4) In all cases the brakes operated by one of the means of operation shall be applied by direct mechanical action without the intervention of any hydraulic, electric or pneumatic device.

(5) In all cases the brakes operated by one of the means of operation shall act directly upon the wheels and not through the transmission gear.

(6) Except in the case of a motor-cycle, with or without a side-car attached, the braking system or one of the braking systems shall be so designed, constructed and maintained that it can be set so as effectually to prevent two at least or, in the case of a motor vehicle having only three wheels, one of the wheels, from revolving when the vehicle is left unattended.

Regulation 31—Engines. 

All engines shall be efficiently silenced; no cutouts or open exhausts shall be used.

Regulation 32—Lamps. 

(1) All motor vehicles and trailers between sunset and sunrise shall carry lighted lamps which shall be electric or other kind of light approved for the purpose by the licensing authority.

(2) Motor vehicles except motor-cycles without side-cars shall carry two lamps in front, one on each side of the vehicle, so constructed and placed as to exhibit a white or yellow light visible within a reasonable distance in the direction towards which the vehicle is facing and clearly to indicate the width of the vehicle.

(3) All motor vehicles shall also carry one lamp in the rear on the centre line or on the off-side of the centre line of the vehicle, so placed as to exhibit without obstruction a red fight visible within a reasonable distance in the reverse direction to that in which the vehicle is facing and so contrived as to illuminate by means of reflection, transparency, or otherwise, and render easily distinguishable, every letter and figure on the identification plate fixed on the back of the motor vehicle, unless a separate lamp is carried which adequately fulfils this purpose.

(4) When a trailer is attached to a motor vehicle paragraph (3) shall apply to the trailer instead of to the motor vehicle.

(5) A motor-cycle without a side-car shall carry one lamp in front so constructed and placed as to reveal a white or yellow light visible within a reasonable distance in the direction towards which the vehicle is facing.

(6) A motor vehicle fitted with a pair of driving lamps designed to provide general illumination of the roadway ahead of the vehicle may also be fitted with one or two auxiliary spot or flood lamps but the number of such driving lamps and spot or flood lamps carried on the vehicle shall not exceed four in all and the electrical switching shall be so arranged that riot more than two of those lamps can be switched on together.

(7) No driving lamp shall be placed so as to project above the bottom of the frame of the windscreen.

(9) The driving lamps shall have a switching arrangement whereby the beam of light may be focussed downwards and to the right side of the direction in which the vehicle is moving in such a way that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam of light is directed to the left of the prolongation of the extreme left of the vehicle nor, at a distance from the lamp of seventy feet, to a height on level ground greater than six inches above the ground.

(9) In the case of auxiliary lamps, the provisions of paragraph (8) regarding the focussing and direction of driving lamps when switched downwards and to the right shall apply.

(10) Every person shall switch driving lamps downwards and to the right, or off altogether, on the approach of another vehicle, except from the rear.

Regulation 33—Mirror, Windscreen and Glass. 

(1) Every motor vehicle shall carry a driving mirror which shall be so fixed on the vehicle as to enable the driver when driving to have a clear view reflected in the mirror of any following traffic.

(2) Every motor vehicle which is fitted with a front glass windscreen shall be equipped with an efficient windscreen wiping system which is capable of being operated either manually by the driver or by some other device.

(3) All glass fitted to motor vehicles shall be maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on the road; and all forward facing glass, with the exception of lamp glasses, shall be so composed, manufactured or treated as substantially to prevent shattering and flying of sharp splinters of the glass when struck or broken.

Regulation 34—Wheels and Axles.

Every motor vehicle or trailer when moving on any road shall have its wheels properly aligned to the chassis so that the true rolling motion of the wheels or trailer shall be conveyed to the road, and no motor vehicle or trailer with a defective wheel, wheel hub, or axle-tree, shall be used on any road.

Regulation 35—Steering.  

(1) Every motor vehicle shall be provided with a strong and reliable steering gear which shall be kept in such a state of repair and adjustment as to allow the vehicle to be turned readily and with certainty.

(2) The steering apparatus and driving gear of a motor vehicle shall be so arranged that the driver can manipulate the controls with certainty and at the same time have a clear view of the road.

Regulation 36—Suspension. 

Every motor vehicle (other than a motor-cycle) and every trailer shall be equipped with suitable, free acting and efficient springs and shock absorbers, or any other efficient suspension system approved by a licensing authority, which shall be kept at all times in proper alignment and properly secured to the axle and to the frame of the vehicle so that no undue lateral movement is allowed.

Regulation 37—Wings.

Every motor vehicle or trailer shall be provided with wings or similar means to catch as far as practicable mud or water thrown up by the rotation of the wheels, unless adequate protection is afforded by the body of the vehicle.

Regulation 38—Horns.

(1) Every motor vehicle shall be fitted with an efficient electric horn, or with a bulb horn which gives out a single note when the bulb is pressed; and no person shall fit on a motor vehicle any form of warning appliance other than of a type approved by the Commissioner.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a siren or bell as a warning appliance may be fitted and used on the following classes of vehicles:—

(a) Government vehicles used for official purposes by the Head of State;

(b) police vehicles;

(c) vehicles used by a recognised fire brigade;

(d) ambulances or vehicles used as ambulances by a recognised hospital or clinic.

Regulation 39—Trailers.

A trailer shall not be used on any road unless the following conditions are observed:

(a) the couplings provided for attaching the trailer to a motor vehicle shall be efficient for the purpose;

(b) any trailer exceeding one ton gross weight shall have a brake in good working order which, when applied, shall cause two of the wheels of the trailer on the same axle to be so held that the wheels shall be effectively prevented from revolving, or shall have the same effect in stopping the trailer as if those wheels were so held;

(c) the braking system of the trailer shall be so constructed (whether by connection to the brakes of the motor vehicle or otherwise) that, when any of the brakes on the motor vehicle are used, the brakes on the trailer are brought into action simultaneously;

(d) if more than one trailer is drawn by a motor vehicle the coupling provided for attaching any trailer to another trailer in front of it shall be efficient for the purpose, and paragraphs (b) and (c) of this regulation shall apply to each of the trailers;

(e) the wheel base of any trailer having an axle weight of four tons or over shall not be less than 9 feet 6 inches between axle centres;

(f) no more than three trailers of a maximum chassis carrying capacity of 8 tons shall be drawn at any one time;

(g) the prime-mover of an articulated vehicle shall not be used to pull a load heavier than the maximum load specified by the manufacturer of the prime-mover;

(h) the draw-bar connecting a trailer with a prime-mover shall be attached direct to the prime-mover’s turnable unit.

Regulation 40—Direction Indicators.

(1) Every motor vehicle when in use on any road shall be fitted with efficient direction indicators conforming to one of the following:—

(a) in the case of a vehicle fitted with electric lighting equipment, with either—

(i) at least two direction indicators which shall, when in operation, be in the form of an illuminated sign of amber or red colour, the illuminated surface of which shall be visible from both the front and the rear of the vehicle, and which, in the case of a heavy motor vehicle, shall be of a minimum illuminated length of ten inches and a maximum illuminated breadth one-fourth of the length; or

(ii) lamps which, when in operation, show a flashing light visible at a reasonable distance both from the front and from the rear of the vehicle:

Provided that—

(a) neither of the direction indicators on either side of the vehicle shall be capable of operating unless the other indicator of that side operates coincidentally with it;

(b) when in operation one of the indicators on one side shall show a flashing light visible from a reasonable distance to the front of the vehicle, and the other indicator on that side shall show a flashing light visible from a reasonable distance to the rear of the vehicle, or if a trailer or trailers are being drawn, such trailer or trailers shall carry similar indicators showing a flashing light visible from a reasonable distance to the rear;

(c) a device be fitted so that the driver of the vehicle is aware of the functioning of the indicators;

(d) the total power of the bulb or bulbs illuminating any indicator carried in compliance with this sub-paragraph shall not be less than 15 watts and not more than 36 watts; or  

(b) in the case of a vehicle not fitted with electric lighting equipment or where it is impracticable to obtain an illuminated indicator conforming to the requirements of sub-paragraph (a) (i) of this paragraph, with at least two direction indicators which shall be in the form of a pointer presenting when in operation a white surface visible from the front and the rear of the vehicle, and which, in the case of a heavy motor vehicle, shall not be less than twelve inches in length and two inches in breadth.

(2) Additional indicators in the form specified in paragraph (1) may be fitted at the rear of any vehicle when—

(a) they are only used in addition to those fitted in accordance with paragraph (3); and

(b) they are visible at a reasonable distance from any point in the rear of the vehicle.

(3) Every direction indicator shall be so fitted that when not in operation it will not be likely to mislead the driver of any other vehicle or any person controlling traffic.

(4) Every light shown by a direction indicator shall be diffused by means of frosted glass or other adequate means.

Regulation 41—Position of Indicators.

(1) Direction indicators intended to intimate a right-hand turn shall be fitted only on the right side and direction indicators intended to intimate a left-hand turn shall be fitted only on the left side of the vehicle.

(2) Except as provided in regulation 40 (2), every direction indicator shall be so designed and fitted that it is not more than seven feet above the level of the ground, and every direction indicator, not being a flashing indicator, shall be so designed and fitted that—

(a) it is not more than five feet behind the base of the windscreen; and

(b) it is clearly visible both to the front and to the rear of the vehicle; and

(c) when in operation—

(i) it temporarily alters the outline of the vehicle to the extent of at least eight inches measured horizontally;

(ii) the outermost point of the indicator shall be at least eight inches further from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle than is the outermost point of the driver’s cab or of the side of the body behind the driver’s seat whichever is the wider; and

(iii) it remains steady when extended; and

(d) the driver of the vehicle when in his driving seat may be readily aware that it is operating correctly.

Regulation 42—Red Reflectors.

(1) Every motor vehicle and trailer other than a motor-cycle without a side-car shall carry two unobscured and efficient red reflectors which shall be fixed to the vehicle—

(a) one on each side so as to indicate the width of the vehicle, in a vertical position and facing squarely to the rear;

(b) not less than fifteen inches above the ground;

(c) so that no part of the vehicle projects more than thirty inches to the rear of the reflector:

Provided that this paragraph shall not apply in the case of a timber lorry which carries a third reflector at the rear end of the draw-bar.

(2) A motor-cycle without a side-car shall carry one such red reflector fixed in the manner prescribed in paragraph (1) except that such reflector shall be fixed on the centre line of the vehicle.

(3) A reflector fitted under this regulation shall, if circular, be not less than 1 inches in diameter, and if not circular shall be of such a size that a circle of 1 inches in diameter may be inscribed therein.

Regulation 43—Reflex Reflectors.

(1) Every motor vehicle (other than a two-wheeled motor- cycle) shall be fitted—

(a) at the front with at least two white reflex reflectors,

(b) at the rear with at least two red reflex reflectors, or in the cases specified in paragraph (3) (a) of this regulation, with at least two red and white diagonally striped reflex reflectors, which shall conform with paragraphs (3) to (5) of this regulation.

(2) Every motor-cycle or bicycle shall be fitted,

(a) at the front in the centre of the handle bar, with a plain white reflex reflector stripe measuring 12 inches by 1 inch, and

(b) at the rear of the mud-guard, with a plain red reflex reflector stripe measuring 6 inches by 1 inch.

(3) The reflex reflectors required to be fitted to a vehicle under paragraph (1) of this regulation shall—

(a) in the case of commercial vehicles (other than taxis weighing 40 cwt. or less) and private vehicles weighing over 40 cwt., consist of plain white rectangular reflectors measuring 9 inches by 4 inches which shall be fitted to the front of the vehicle at a height of not more than three feet from the ground and red and white diagonally striped rectangular reflectors measuring 9 inches by 4 inches which shall be fitted to the rear of the vehicle at a height of not more than five feet from the ground, and

(b) in the case of any other motor vehicles, consist of at least two plain white rectangular reflectors measuring 12 inches by 1 inch which shall be fitted to the front of the vehicle and at least two plain red rectangular reflectors measuring 12 inches by 1 inch which shall be fitted to the rear of the vehicle.

(4) The outer vertical edge of the illuminating surface of any reflector required to be fitted to a motor vehicle (other than a two-wheeled motor-cycle) shall not be more than 16 inches from the extreme vertical edge of the vehicle nearer to such outer edge.

(5) Every reflector required to be fitted under this regulation shall be of such a make that it is visible to the driver of any vehicle at night in clear weather at a distance of at least 500 feet when illuminated by the driving lights of that vehicle.

(6) In this regulation

“illuminating surface “ means the visible surface of a reflex reflector from which light is reflected;

“motor-cycle” includes a moped; and

“ reflex reflector “ means a device used to indicate the presence of a vehicle by reflection of light emanating from a light source unconnected with that vehicle, the observer being placed near the source.

Regulation 44—Advance Warning.

(1) Every driver of a motor vehicle (other than a two-wheeled motor-cycle) whose vehicle is stationary on a road at night shall give adequate advance warning to approaching drivers of the obstacle which his vehicle constitutes by placing an advance warning triangle or a red or amber blinker traffic lantern of approved candle light, at a suitable point both at the rear and front of the vehicle and at a distance from the vehicle sufficient to give the said warning but which shall not in any case be less than 50 yards.

(2) The advance warning triangle shall consist of an equilateral triangle with sides not less than 16 inches long and a red border not less than 2 inches wide, and with its interior part either hollow or of a light colour. 

(3) The red border shall be illuminated by transparency or fitted with a reflectorised stripe.

(4) The advance war triangle shall be such that it can be stood firmly in a vertical position.

Regulation 45—Use of Agricultural Tractors on Roads.

Notwithstanding the provisions of these Regulations, an agricultural tractor and any connected implement or load may be used on a road without a permit:

Provided that—

(i) in the case of an agricultural tractor and connected implements or loads which is fitted with metal tracks or wheels a device is first fitted to prevent any part of the metal wheels or tracks coming in contact with the surface of the road; such a device may be in the form of blocks of wood or rubber or similar material which can cause no damage to the surface of the road; and

(ii) the tractor is so used for the bona fide purpose of moving to, from or between farming land and it is not possible to complete such movement without crossing or using a road; and

(iii) any such use of the road takes place and is completed in daylight except where such tractor and connected implements or loads are fitted with the prescribed lamps.

Regulation 46—Maximum Weights Permitted.

(1) The maximum net weight permitted for any motor vehicle or motor vehicle and trailer shall not exceed 16 tons, and 

(a) in the case of non-articulated vehicles— 

(i) the maximum gross weight on two axles shall not exceed 16 tons;

(ii) the maximum gross weight on three axles shall not exceed 22 tons;

(iii) the maximum gross weight on more than three axles shall not exceed 28 tons;

(b) in the case of articulated vehicles

(i) the maximum gross weight on three axles shall not exceed 24 tons;

(ii) the maximum gross weight on four or more axles shall not exceed 32 tons:

Provided that the maximum weight restrictions imposed by this paragraph shall not apply to any vehicle which is certified in writing by the Engineer-in-Chief of Public Works as safe for use, subject to any conditions, notwithstanding any excess weight.

(2) The Engineer-in-Chief of Public Works may in his discretion issue permits for vehicles which do not comply with these stipulations for individual journeys when such vehicles are to be used for carrying indivisible loads.

(3) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this regulation, the maximum gross weight on any single axle shall not exceed 10 tons.

Regulation 47—Checking of Weights.

A licensing authority or police officer may at any time, for reasonable cause, require any motor vehicle or trailer to be driven to any reasonably convenient place to have its net or gross weight or any axle weight ascertained, and the person driving or in charge of such vehicle or trailer shall comply with any such requirement.

Regulation 48—Prohibited Passengers, Etc. 

(1) No person shall be carried within or upon a trailer or commercial vehicle not being a taxi, omnibus, passenger lorry, hearse, or commercial vehicle used as a hearse, other than, in the case of a vehicle having at least four wheels, or less in the case of a semi-trailer, the owner or hirer of the vehicle or of the goods carried therein or the servants or agents of the owner or hirer.

(2) No person other than the driver and two other persons, who shall be seated in the driver’s cab, may be carried on any timber-carrying vehicle and no person shall be carried on any timber-carrying trailer:

Provided that the licensing authority may authorise by written permit the carrying of persons in excess of three excluding the driver of the vehicle, subject to such conditions as the licensing authority may endorse in the permit.

(3) The driver or other person in charge of a commercial vehicle shall not permit any person to ride on the canopy or roofing of the vehicle, nor on any load or freight on the vehicle or on any trailer drawn thereby, if any part of the person on such load or freight is at a greater height than eleven feet from the ground level.

(4) The driver of a motor vehicle which is towing another motor vehicle shall not permit any person other than the person in charge thereof to be carried in the towed vehicle.

(5) The driver of a motor-cycle shall not carry any person in front of him on the cycle, but if the cycle is fitted with a seat properly constructed for the purpose and firmly fixed to the frame, may carry not more than one person at the rear of the cycle.

Regulation 49—Driving of Vehicles.

(1) Any person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle when used on a road—

(a) shall at all times when driving retain complete control over the vehicle and have full visibility of the traffic;

(b) shall obey all directions, whether oral or by signal, given by a police officer in uniform to stop the vehicle, or to make it slow down, or to pass on any indicated side of the police officer, or to keep to any indicated line of traffic, or to park in any indicated place;

(c) shall make use of the hand-signals prescribed in regulation 51 and shall pay regard to such signals when used by other persons:

Provided that mechanical or electrically operated direction indicators fitted to a vehicle in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations may be used for indicating that he intends to turn to the right or left;

(d) shall take due cognisance of the signs illustrated in the Fourth Schedule, and all traffic signs and notices lawfully placed on or near a road for the guidance of drivers of vehicles;

(e) shall, at any pedestrian crossing of the type shown in the Third Schedule which is not for the time being controlled by a police officer in uniform, give precedence to any person on foot on the pedestrian crossing if that person is in the roadway on the crossing while the vehicle is still approaching the crossing;

(f) shall at all times give precedence to any blind or part-blind pedestrian who carries a white stick and who wishes to cross the road;

(g) shall not leave the vehicle if disabled but capable of movement by pushing on any road except at the right side thereof, and in such case shall cause such vehicle to bear lighted lamps at the front and back thereof between sunset and sunrise as specified in regulation 32;

(h) shall, where the vehicle is to be left on any road for more than 12 hours, leave his name and address with the police or the Road Authority within whose jurisdiction the road is situated.

(2) Any disabled vehicle which is permitted to remain on any road for more than 12 hours may be removed by the Engineer-in-Chief of Public Works or his representative or any police officer, who may recover the cost of such removal from the owner.

Regulation 50—Rules of the Road.

(1) Every motor vehicle shall be driven on the right side of the road, particularly when approaching and passing traffic coming in the opposite direction or when the road is not clearly visible for at least one hundred yards.

(2) Every motor vehicle when overtaking traffic proceeding in the same direction shall pass such traffic on the left side thereof:

Provided that a motor vehicle may overtake and pass upon  the right of another vehicle when the vehicle being overtaken is about to turn to the left and the driver has signalled accordingly, or in one way streets in which two or more lanes of traffic are permitted.

(3) When one motor vehicle is being overtaken by another the front vehicle shall give way by drawing to the right side of the road so far as is reasonably possible to allow the overtaking vehicle to pass, and shall not increase speed. In all cases a motor vehicle shall be driven so as to give as much space as possible for the passing of other traffic.

(4) The driver of a vehicle which has entered or is about to enter a roundabout or rotary traffic island shall give way to traffic approaching from his left side, regardless of which is the major road.

(5) The driver of a commercial vehicle shall, whenever it is necessary or desirable by reason of the width or condition of the road so to do, stop his vehicle in order to allow lighter motor traffic approaching or overtaking him to pass.

(6) The driver of any vehicle shall, subject to the requirements of road safety, give way to any vehicle using a siren or bell as a warning appliance and draw his vehicle as close to the right side of the road as is reasonably possible, and stop to allow the vehicle using the siren or bell to pass.

(7) Any police officer present in uniform shall, where necessary, assume control of all traffic in such manner as to allow the passage of any vehicle using a siren or bell as a warning appliance, in accordance with regulation 38 (2).

(8) No person riding in or on any vehicle, other than its driver, shall make use of the hand signals prescribed in regulation 51.

Regulation 51—Hand Signals.

On approaching cross roads or a road intersection or junction or wherever the driver of a motor vehicle intends to change the course, direction or speed of his vehicle he shall make use of which ever of the following signals is appropriate for the purpose of indicating his intentions to other users of the road, such signals to be given with the arm projecting from the side of the vehicle at least as far as the elbow:

(a) when about to slow down or to stop extend the left arm with the palm of the hand tuned downwards, and move the arm slowly up and down, keeping the wrist loose;

(b) when about to turn to the left or for any reason to deviate to the left as, for example, when overtaking another vehicle, extend the left arm and hand with the palm turned to the front, and hold them rigid in a horizontal position straight out from the left side of the vehicle;

(c) when about to turn to the right extend the left arm and hand below the level of the shoulder and move them with a circular motion in a counter clockwise direction; or extend the left arm and hand upwards and inwards with the palm of the hand turned downwards;

(d) when indicating to following traffic that it may overtake on the left, extend the left arm and hand below the level of the shoulder and move them backwards and forwards.

Regulation 52—Noise.

(1) Every motor vehicle shall be so constructed as to enable the driver, when the vehicle is stationary, to stop the action of any machinery attached to, or forming part of, the vehicle so far as may be necessary for the prevention of noise.

(2) No motor vehicle shall be fitted with any apparatus designed to produce or amplify sound other than a motor horn and no person shall use such apparatus in or on a motor vehicle except under a permit issued by the Commissioner who may prescribe any conditions or restrictions to be observed in respect thereto.

(3) The driver of a motor vehicle shall at all times avoid causing unnecessary noise.

Regulation 53—Discharge of Oil, Etc. on Road.

Proper precautions shall be taken by the owner and by the person in charge of any motor vehicle to prevent the unnecessary discharge of the products of combustion, steam, or lubricating oil on any road.

Regulation 54—Molesting or Obstructing Driver.

No person in a motor vehicle shall in any way obstruct or molest the driver of such motor vehicle whilst it is in motion.

Regulation 55—Maximum Driving Periods.

(1) No person shall drive or cause or permit any person employed by him to drive a motor vehicle—

(a) for a continuous period exceeding four hours; or

(b) for periods amounting in the aggregate to more than eight hours in any period of twenty-four hours.

(2) No person shall drive or cause or permit any person employed by him to drive a motor vehicle—

(a) unless the driver has a compulsory rest of at least thirty minutes after each continuous period of four hours driving; or

(b) unless the driver has at least eight consecutive hours for rest in any period of twenty-four hours calculated from the commencement of any period of driving.

(3) Any person who contravenes this regulation shall be guilty of an offence unless he satisfies the court that the contravention was due to an unavoidable emergency.

PART IV—COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Regulation 56—Application for Licence.

An application for a taxi, omnibus or passenger lorry licence authorising a motor vehicle to stand or ply for hire for the conveyance of passengers shall be made to the licensing authority in Form N in the First Schedule.

Regulation 57—Issue of Licence.

(1) Subject to the provisions of the Ordinance and except as hereinafter provided, the licensing authority may issue a taxi, omnibus or passenger lorry licence in Form O in the First Schedule and shall mak