Travelling By Bus In Tamil Nadu? Don't Use Speaker Mode Or Play Loud Music Because..
Travelling By Bus In Tamil Nadu? Don't Use Speaker Mode Or Play Loud Music Because... Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 12:18 IST While
Travelling By Bus In Tamil Nadu? Don't Use Speaker Mode Or Play Loud Music Because... Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 12:18 IST While the government has not announced fines for violations, it has warned that such behaviour will be treated as misconduct under existing transport rules. The circular directed bus drivers to ensure that loud music is not played inside buses, in line with the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017. In a move aimed at improving commuter experience, the Tamil Nadu government directed all State Transport Corporations to discourage passengers from using mobile phones in speaker mode or playing music and videos aloud during bus journeys. While the government has not announced fines for violations, it has warned that such behaviour will be treated as misconduct under existing transport rules.
In a circular, Transport Secretary L. Nirmal Raj instructed the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) and all Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations to immediately implement passenger etiquette guidelines and create awareness among commuters. Passengers have been advised not to speak loudly on mobile phones throughout the journey, use speaker mode during calls, or play songs and videos without earphones or headphones. They have instead been asked to use wired or Bluetooth earphones to avoid disturbing fellow passengers. The circular also directed bus drivers to ensure that loud music is not played inside buses, in line with the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017. It cited Rule 228 of the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, under which any act causing inconvenience or disturbance to fellow passengers is considered misconduct.
The directive comes days after Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) announced fines of up to ₹2,500 for passengers using speaker mode, playing media without headphones or creating noise inside metro trains and stations. To spread awareness, transport corporations have been asked to display stickers inside buses carrying messages such as “No Speaker Mode. Please Use Earphones/Headphones", “Respect Other Passengers" and “Quiet Travel, Safe Travel". The government has also instructed drivers, conductors and supervisory staff to educate passengers about the guidelines and ensure they are followed across all State-run buses. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: July 29, 2026, 12:18 IST News india Travelling By Bus In Tamil Nadu?
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