Shillong,Dec 1: In a bid to regulate the use of tinted glass, sirens, beacons, and name plates on official vehicles, the state government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) defining as to who are entitled to such privileges.
Vehicles of only ‘Z-Plus’ and ‘Z’ category protectees recommended by a government committee can use tinted glass or black films for security reasons, according to the SOP.
It says that only police, emergency services, and VVIP/VIP vehicles can use sirens.
The use of beacons or red lights with or without flashers is prohibited, as per a Transport Department notification.
The SOP also outlines the rules for name plates on vehicles and flag rods for the national flag.
The following dignitaries are allowed to hoist the national flag on the official vehicles: President, Vice President, Governors and Lieutenant Governors, Head of Mission/Posts, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Minister of State, Deputy of the Union, Chief Minister and Cabinet Minister of a State or Union Territory, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Chairman of Legislatives Councils in State, Speakers of Legislative Council in States, Speakers of the Legislative Assemblies in State and Union Territories, Deputy Chairman of Legislative Councils in States, Deputy Speakers of Legislative Assemblies in States and Union Territories, Chief Justice of India, Judges of Supreme Court, Chief Justice of High Courts, Judges of High Courts.
“This SOP shall be applicable to the use of Government of Meghalaya vehicles for official purposes, excluding emergency vehicles as defined under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (as amended). This OM shall come into force with immediate effect,” said Commissioner & Secretary CVD Diengdoh.
The SOP is in pursuance of Supreme Court rulings and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (as amended).



