Centre has introduced new rules for measuring radar speed to increase road safety

Current Context: On April 18, 2025, the Centre notified rules under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, aimed at standardizing radar-based speed measurement devices to enhance road safety and ensure accurate enforcement.

The key highlights include:

• Mandatory Verification: All radar devices used for measuring vehicle speeds must be verified and stamped by Legal Metrology authorities before use, ensuring their accuracy and calibration.
• Implementation Timeline: The new rules will come into effect from July 1, 2025, giving enforcement agencies time to comply with the guidelines.
• Objective: These rules aim to prevent false speed readings, which often result in erroneous fines, and to promote public trust in traffic enforcement measures.
• Promoting Safety: This initiative will help curb speeding, reduce traffic violations, and strengthen legal accountability, aligning with India's broader road safety goals.

Question:

Q.1 What is the primary objective of the new rules notified by the Centre on April 18, 2025, under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011?
a) To promote the use of electric vehicles
b) To regulate emission levels of vehicles
c) To standardize radar-based speed measurement devices
d) To monitor driver fatigue levels on highways

Answer: c) The new rules aim to ensure that radar devices used for speed measurement are accurate and calibrated properly, thereby improving enforcement and public trust in traffic regulations.