Marathi Now Mandatory for Cab, Auto Drivers in Maharashtra; Repeat Violations Could Cost Permit

If you drive passengers for a living in Maharashtra, knowing practical Marathi is no longer optional.

The state government has made a working knowledge of Marathi mandatory for commercial passenger-vehicle drivers, covering auto-rickshaws, taxis and app-based cabs.

And there are penalties attached.

Drivers who fail to demonstrate adequate Marathi proficiency could face a three-month suspension of their driving authorisation, while repeated violations could result in permanent cancellation of permits.

The requirement has been formalised through the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which amend the existing 1989 rules rather than create a new law.

What exactly has changed?

The amended rules insert “working knowledge of Marathi language” as a requirement for anyone seeking commercial driving authorisation.

A separate provision has also been introduced for authorised drivers of app-based cabs, requiring them to possess practical knowledge of the language.

Importantly, the requirement does not stop with drivers. Certain permit holders must also possess practical Marathi skills under the amended rules.

Why is Maharashtra making Marathi mandatory?

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the changes were intended to remove ambiguity in the existing rules.

The government argues that drivers need practical knowledge of the local language to communicate with passengers, understand their concerns and provide a safe and convenient journey.

According to the government, the amendment follows complaints that some non-Marathi-speaking drivers were using ambiguities in the earlier rules to avoid the language requirement.

How good does your Marathi need to be?

The rule requires practical or working knowledge, not academic proficiency. Whether a driver's Marathi is satisfactory will be determined by the relevant licensing authority, with the emphasis on being able to communicate effectively with passengers.

And what if a driver doesn't comply?

That's where the amendment gets teeth.

Failure to meet the requirement could lead to a three-month suspension of driving authorisation. Repeated non-compliance could ultimately result in permanent cancellation of the permit.

The message from Maharashtra's transport department is now considerably harder to misunderstand: If you drive passengers in Maharashtra, you need to be able to speak their language.

(With inputs from ANI)