GPS to Be Mandatory in All Public Transport from August 1

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has made the installation of GPS devices mandatory in all public transport vehicles across the country from 1 August as part of efforts to improve road safety and introduce modern technology into the transport sector.

Under the new rule, vehicle owners must provide proof of GPS installation when applying for the registration of new vehicles or renewing fitness certificates. They will also be required to demonstrate through a mobile application that the GPS device is installed and functioning properly.

The directive was announced in a public notice issued by the BRTA on Tuesday.

According to the notice, the Road Transport and Highways Division issued a gazette notification on 11 June mandating operational GPS devices in all public transport vehicles from 1 August to strengthen road transport management and safety.

The BRTA said the technical specifications for approved GPS devices are available at its local offices and on its website. During registration or fitness certificate renewal, vehicle owners must submit evidence of GPS installation and verify the device's functionality through a mobile application.

The authority also said that, under Section 25 of the Road Transport Act, 2018, and Rule 55 of the Road Transport Rules, 2022, registration and fitness certificates will only be issued or renewed after officials confirm that the required GPS device has been installed.

The BRTA has urged transport owners and their representatives to complete the necessary preparations and cooperate in implementing the new requirement.