Friends, whenever a vehicle sporting a red beacon passes by on the road, questions likely arise in your mind regarding which official might be inside. Previously, many politicians and high-ranking officials used red beacons on their vehicles as a symbol of their VIP status. However, in 2017, the Government of India implemented strict regulations to dismantle this "VIP culture" and restrict the use of such beacons. So, let us find out exactly who is permitted to use a red beacon on their vehicle:

1. **Ban on Red Beacons Since 2017**

In May 2017, the Central Government imposed an almost complete ban on the use of red beacons on vehicles. This decision was taken to promote equality and to discourage VIP privileges on the roads.

2. **Permission Granted Only to Constitutional Functionaries**

Following the ban, only a select few high-ranking constitutional functionaries are permitted to use red beacons on their vehicles—and even they are authorized to do so only while performing their official duties.

3. **Officials Authorized to Use Red Beacons**

The President of India

The Vice President of India

The Prime Minister

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

The Governors of States

4. **Blue Beacons for Emergency Services**

Ambulances

Fire tenders

Police vehicles

5. **Ministers and Bureaucrats Are Not Permitted to Use Them**

Since the implementation of the new regulations, Ministers, government officials, and bureaucrats are no longer permitted to affix red beacons to either their official or private vehicles.

6. **Strict Action Against Violators**

If any unauthorized individual affixes a red or blue beacon to their vehicle, strict legal action may be initiated against them.

7. **Penalties Under the Law**

Under Section 108 of the Motor Vehicles Rules, heavy fines may be imposed on violators, and their vehicles may also be impounded by the authorities.