Red and blue lights together are typically associated with police or emergency response vehicles. Photo: UnsplashA controversy broke out last week after images circulating on social media showed red and blue flashing lights on the official vehicle of Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. After criticism over a possible violation of rules, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said Sunday (March 15) that the lights installed on the Mayor’s vehicle and her escort car had been removed.The episode has once again drawn attention to the rules governing the use of beacon lights on vehicles in Maharashtra. We explain.What triggered the controversy?Last week, social media posts pointed to red and blue lights installed on the bonnet of the Mayor’s official car.Also read | Why global city mayors run their cities but Mumbai’s mayor does notSoon after the issue surfaced, the BMC on Sunday removed the lights from the Mayor’s car and her escort vehicle. The civic body said the vehicles are provided by the administration once office bearers assume office and that the lights were removed as soon as the matter came to notice.What do the rules say?The rules on beacon or flashing lights in India are governed mainly by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which regulate the kinds of lights that can be fitted on vehicles.For many years, red beacon lights — popularly known as “lal batti” — were used by ministers, senior officials, and other dignitaries to signal their status on the road.This practice changed in 2017, when the Union government amended the rules and banned the use of red beacon lights on government vehicles across the country. The change came into effect on May 1, 2017, and was aimed at ending what was widely described as VIP culture on Indian roads.Story continues below this adUnder the amended rule, political leaders, ministers, and government officials are not allowed to use red beacon lights on their vehicles.Which vehicles can use flashing lights?Flashing lights are now restricted to vehicles performing emergency or law-enforcement duties, such as police vehicles, ambulances, fire brigade vehicles, and disaster response vehicles. These lights are meant to alert other drivers and help emergency vehicles move quickly during urgent situations.Red and blue lights together are typically associated with police or emergency response vehicles. Because of this, their use on vehicles belonging to political office-bearers or government officials can raise questions about whether the rules are being followed.Also read | From a dark colonial past to a ceremonial chair: how Mumbai’s mayoral post came to beTraffic authorities across states have repeatedly warned that unauthorised use of such lights is illegal and can attract penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act.Story continues below this adSince these provisions form part of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, they apply across all states, including Maharashtra. Installing such lights on private or official vehicles without authorisation can invite action by traffic police.What has the political response been?Former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar criticised the move and questioned how the rules could have been overlooked.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, said the Mayor was being unfairly targeted and that she was aware of the rules banning red beacons.“I took information in the matter and learnt that the red beacon was located on the bonnet of the vehicle. The fault does not lie with the Mayor. A previous decision clearly states that nobody should use red beacons in the state and the Mayor is well aware of this fact. She is being targeted for no reason, which is inappropriate,” Fadnavis told reporters.Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas: Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai. Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC). Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai). Trustworthiness & Credibility Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence. Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers). Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports. He tweets @zeeshansahafi ... Read More © The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Express Explained