भारत सरकार
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
एस.जी.-एल.डी.-अ.-31032026-1706
SG-LD-E-31032026-1706
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
प्राधिकार से प्रकाशित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
लद्दाख, 31 मार्च, 2026
LADAKH, TUESDAY, MARCH, 31, 2026
Part II - Section 3
के न्द्र-शासित प्रदेश लद्दाख प्रशासन ADMINISTRATION OF UNION TERRITORY OF LADAKH
F. No: M/932/2026-TRANSPORT SECTION (Comp. No.40487)
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
Subject: Ban on Tobacco and Intoxicants in Public and Government Vehicles in UT of
Ladakh – instructions thereof.
Circular No. 01-Trans(UTL) of 2026
Dated: 31/March/2026
In the interest of road safety, public health and ensuring orderly conduct and discipline in the use of transport vehicles, it has been observed with concern that use of tobacco and related products (including smoking and smokeless forms), as well as the consumption of intoxicants and other prohibited substances in Government/official vehicles and public transport, adversely affects the safe driving, poses serious risks to road safety and public well- being, causes nuisance and leads to unhygienic conditions.
In this regard, reference is invited to the following legal provisions:
LADAKH GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY 21. Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, which prohibits smoking in a public place.
2. The Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008 under COTPA, mandating "No Smoking" signage and enforcement in public places, includes public transport. 3. Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (general penalty provision). 4. Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which penalizes dangerous driving. 5. Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which penalizes driving by a drunken person or by a person under the influence of drugs.
6. Rule 21(6) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which empowers a licensing authority to disqualify or revoke a driving licence if a driver engages in activities likely to disturb concentration while driving. 7. Rule 21(14) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which empowers a licensing authority to disqualify or revoke a licence if the driver is found smoking while driving a public service vehicle.
8. Rule 138(4)(f) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 regarding driver conduct ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
9. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), which aims to curb drug abuse, prevent illegal drug trafficking and penalize offenders.
10. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 prohibiting littering/spitting in public places.
In view of the above, to ensure public health, road safety, hygiene/cleanliness and discipline in public and Government transport vehicles, the following instructions are hereby issued for strict compliance:-
i. Prohibition for Drivers and Conductors:- No driver or conductor of any public transport or Government vehicle shall use tobacco and related products (including smoking and smokeless forms) or consume intoxicants/prohibited substances while on duty or prior to driving. Any violation shall invite strict action under the above-mentioned provisions of Law.
ii. Prohibition for Passengers:- Use of tobacco and related products (including smoking and smokeless forms), as well as intoxicants/prohibited substances, by passengers inside any public transport vehicle is strictly prohibited, as it causes nuisance, hygiene concerns and health risks to others. Violations shall attract penalties under relevant provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA), the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and other applicable Laws.
iii. Responsibilities of Vehicle Owners and Operators:- Vehicle owners, permit holders and operators shall:
(a) Ensure strict compliance with these instructions by drivers and conductors; (b) Prominently Display "No Smoking / No Tobacco / No Alcohol / No Drugs" signage inside vehicles; (c) Create awareness among staff and passengers regarding these prohibitions.
Failure to comply may result in suspension or cancellation of permits, imposition of fines and penalties and blacklisting in cases of serious or repeated violations.
iv. Enforcement Mechanism:- Enforcement agencies, including Traffic Police and designated authorities of Transport Department (RTO/ARTOs/MVIs and enforcement squads), shall:
(a) Conduct regular checks and inspections;
LADAKH GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY 3(b) Use lawful methods to detect violations;
(c) Take strict legal action against offenders;
(d) Undertake periodic special enforcement drives to ensure compliance.
Accordingly, all concerned authorities of the Transport Department (RTO/ARTOs/ MVIs, Enforcement Squads etc.), Police Department (Traffic Police, Highway Patrol Units etc.) and other Enforcement Agencies/Task Forces are directed to ensure strict compliance with these instructions and their wide dissemination among field functionaries and the general public.
These instructions are also brought into the notice of general public, drivers and conductors of public/Government transport vehicles, vehicle owners, permit holders and operators for information and strict compliance.
Sd/-
(Rahul Sharma) IAS,
Administrative Secretary.
Copy to the:-
1. All Administrative Secretaries, Administration of UT of Ladakh.
2. Director General of Police, UT of Ladakh.
3. Deputy Commissioners, Leh/Kargil.
4. All Directors/Heads of the Departments, UT of Ladakh.
5. Sr. Superintendent of Police, Leh/Kargil.
6. Sr. Superintendent of Police, Traffic, UT of Ladakh.
7. Regional Transport Officer, UT of Ladakh.
8. Joint Director, Information, UT of Ladakh, for wide publicity of these instructions.
9. Director, NIC, Leh for uploading the circular on official website/e-Gazette.
10. Deputy Director, UT/District Motor Garages, Ladakh.
11. Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Leh/ Kargil.
12. Private. Secretary to the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor, UT of Ladakh for kind information of the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor.
13. Private Secretary to the Chief Secretary, UT of Ladakh, for information of the Chief Secretary.
14. President, Private Transport Operators, Ladakh for information and necessary action.
15. PA to the Administrative Secretary, Transport Department, UT of Ladakh, for information of the Administrative Secretary.
16. Office record.
(Dr. Mohammad Usman Khan) JKAS, Additional Secretary. Dated: 31.03.2026LADAKH GAZETTE : EXTRAORDINARY 4