Kerala HC Rules Forklifts and Cranes Must Be Registered and Insured
The Kerala High Court has ruled that forklifts, cranes, and similar industrial vehicles qualify as motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act and therefore must be registered and carry valid insurance coverage. The court clarified that vehicles used for commercial or industrial purposes, even if primarily operated within private premises or workplaces, cannot be exempt from the law’s safety and liability requirements.
The verdict came in response to a petition highlighting accidents involving unregistered industrial vehicles, which often left victims without compensation due to lack of insurance. The court observed that registration ensures accountability, while insurance provides financial protection to victims of accidents. Legal experts say the ruling could impact several industries in Kerala, including construction, warehousing, and manufacturing, which rely heavily on forklifts and cranes.
Authorities have been directed to implement the provisions and ensure that all such vehicles are brought under the Motor Vehicles Act, with proper registration and insurance documentation verified periodically.
