The Madras High Court has ordered that all motorists should carry the Original license while driving vehicles on the road.

The Tamil Nadu Government's transport ministry had ordered that all motorists should carry the original license with them while driving from the 1st of September 2017 and the violators will attract a fine of Rs.500 or three months imprisonment or both.

Many people criticised this move in social media as it is risky to carry the original as it is cumbersome procedure to apply for a replacement if the license is lost while in transit. So far most of the motorists used to have only a laminated photo copy of the license.

However the Government's reasoning is that the State ranks high in the number of road accidents and making original license compulsory will help to reduce the number of accidents.

This move was opposed by the Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners Association and they approached the Madras High Court against the Government Order. The Court had stayed the GO till September 4 and sought the explanation from the Government. Many people were relieved by this Court order and felt that the order to carry the original license will be quashed.

But today the Court had upheld the Government's order and made it compulsory to carry the original license while driving vehicles. The Court had also observed that it is the duty of the motorist to safely retain the original license.