Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill Approved By Cabinet; No Helmet Fine Rs. 1000

With the bill finally set to see the light of the day, here is how the amendment is all set to change the fines, laws and norms, while helping reduce accidents and road fatalities which are the highest in India. The new bill proposes to amend 68 out of 223 sections of the current Motor Vehicle Act. So, if you are caught breaking traffic rules again, this is what you will end up paying as fines.

Not wearing a helmet could lead to suspension of you license

1. As part of the changes proposed, driving without a valid license will now attract a fine of Rs. 5000, instead of the current Rs. 1000. Similarly, driving without a valid insurance will attract a penalty of Rs. 2000, as opposed to the current Rs. 1000.

2. In case of over speeding, a fine of Rs. 1000 will be levied on light passenger vehicles, while medium passenger vehicles will pay Rs. 2000 for the same offense. The existing fine for over speeding stands at Rs. 400.

2. Driving under influence or Drunken driving is a menace that has long plagued our roads and the bill proposes to curb that with a hefty fine of Rs. 10,000. The fine currently stands at Rs. 2000.

3. Bringing stringent safety norms for two-wheelers, riders caught without a helmet will now have to pay a fine of Rs. 1000 and cancellation of the driving license for three months. The amendment is a big step up from the current Rs. 100 fine, which barely amounts to anything. Similarly, driving without a seatbelt will now a fine of Rs. 1000, instead of the current Rs. 100 penalty.

4. A highly appreciable move in the bill is giving right of way to emergency vehicle. Those found blocking or not giving way to emergency vehicles will now have to pay a penalty of Rs. 10,000.

Drunken driving will now attract a fine of Rs. 10,000

5. Another issue is underage drivers, which adults do not realize is a major offense considering everyone's life is on the line with an inexperienced juvenile behind the steering wheel. To curb this issue strictly, the bill proposes that the accused will face trial under the Juvenile Justice Act, while the guardian will also also be held accountable and can face up to 3 years of imprisonment and Rs. 25,000 of fine. In addition, the registration of the vehicle used will be cancelled.

6. Other amendments include violation of road rules now attract a fine of Rs. 500, while disobedience with authorities will cost you Rs. 2000.

7. Fine for driving despite disqualification has also been increased to Rs. 10,000, a major jump from the current Rs. 1000. For those looking for competitive speed thrills on public roads, the bill proposes a fine of Rs. 5000, up from Rs. 500 for speeding and racing.

8. Another appreciated move is the compensation amount given in case of hit-and-run cases that has been increased to Rs. 2 lakh from Rs. 25,000, while the proposal has increased compensation value Rs. 10 lakh in case of fatalities in road accidents.

9. Other amendments include overloading vehicles that now attract a fine of Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 2000 per extra tonne, up from Rs. 2000 and Rs. 1000 per extra tonne. In case of overloading passenger vehicles, the fine amount has been increased to Rs. 1000 per extra passenger. Overloading of two wheelers won't be ignored either with a fine of Rs. 2000 and disqualification of the license for three months. Currently, riders pay a paltry Rs. 100 fine for three passengers on a bike.

10. Lastly, the bill proposes a new law stating that violators of licensing conditions will end paying a fine between Rs. 25,000-1,00,000. Also, offenses committed by enforcing authorities will attract twice the penalty amount of the relevant section.

With the nod received from the Union Cabinet, the MVA Bill will now be proposed at the Parliament, where all parties are expected to support the same.