- Date : 19/08/2019
- Read: 4 mins
The key changes in the legislature come in the form of harsher penalties for various traffic-related offences.
If you are someone who doesn’t bother much about traffic rules, it’s time to shift gears. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed by the Rajya Sabha earlier on July 31 will definitely put a brake on traffic misdemeanours.
The much-needed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 aim to make the roads safer, facilitate transparent interactions between the citizens and transport departments. These amendments are also made to improve rural transport infrastructure and bring in automation and digitisation of services that will facilitate robust public transport and last-mile connectivity.
For those who couldn’t care less about basic civic sense and road safety protocols, will surely feel a pinch with the updated fine list.
Related: How to save money while renewing motor insurance
Jumping traffic signals or using a mobile phone while driving
Whether you’re in a rush to get to work or trying to close that all-important deal, try not to skip the signal or get tempted to use your mobile phone while driving. With the new amendments, not only will you have to shell out Rs 5,000 for either offence you could very well get a jail term of up to a year.
Drunken driving or insubordination
With so many public transport options, radio taxi aggregators and even drivers on call, there is no reason to risk life and limb after a drunken stupor. If you’re caught, the Rs 10,000 fine will surely kill your buzz. If you argue, add Rs 2,000 for disobeying orders from an officer of the law.
Driving without a seat belt or helmet
If wearing a seat belt while driving or putting on a helmet while riding makes you too uncomfortable, think about this. Every time you’re caught without a helmet, the Rs 1,000 fine will feel worse.
Related: 5 commonly asked questions about Motor & Car insurance.
Speeding
Government data suggests that over 66% of road incidents in 2018 were attributed to speeding. In order to bring in discipline, LMVs and MPVs will be fined Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively for over speeding. However, if you’re found to be racing around town or driving dangerously, you will have to pay a fine of up to Rs 5,000.
Driving without a license or insurance
Remember to keep all important documentation with you every time you take to the wheel. Not having your licence or insurance papers will set you back Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively.
Blocking emergency services
Always remember to give way to ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. Apathy or ignorance can cost you Rs 10,000.
Juvenile offences
Parent and guardians need to educate children about road safety and etiquette from a young age. The guardian or vehicle owner will be held liable for a juvenile offence, which will attract a penalty of Rs 25,000 and a possible jail term of 3 years. Additionally, the vehicle’s registration will be cancelled and the ward will be booked under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Driving despite disqualification or without a valid permit
For any reason, if you have been debarred from driving, it’s best not to risk getting back in the driver’s seat. If caught the Rs 10,000 fine will really hurt. Alternatively, if you are using commercial vehicles, remember to get all required permits before you start, else the similar Rs 10,000 penalty will make you sulk for sure.
Related: SC makes it mandatory for automakers to offer long-term third-party cover for new vehicles
Unauthorised use of vehicles or overloading
Again, mostly relevant for commercial operators, making unauthorised use of vehicles without a valid licence will attract a penalty of Rs 5,000. While overloading a passenger vehicle will attract a fine of Rs 1,000. Those overloaded with goods will have to shell out a whopping Rs 20,000.
India tops the charts when it comes to accidental fatalities. An estimated 1.5 lakh people lose their lives every year on the roads. While avoiding hefty fines should not be the primary motivator for following basic road safety protocols, it is the right step in making public spaces safe for everyone. Check out what you should do after a car accident to be able to manage the situation at the time of an emergency.
If you are someone who doesn’t bother much about traffic rules, it’s time to shift gears. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed by the Rajya Sabha earlier on July 31 will definitely put a brake on traffic misdemeanours.
The much-needed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 aim to make the roads safer, facilitate transparent interactions between the citizens and transport departments. These amendments are also made to improve rural transport infrastructure and bring in automation and digitisation of services that will facilitate robust public transport and last-mile connectivity.
For those who couldn’t care less about basic civic sense and road safety protocols, will surely feel a pinch with the updated fine list.
Related: How to save money while renewing motor insurance
Jumping traffic signals or using a mobile phone while driving
Whether you’re in a rush to get to work or trying to close that all-important deal, try not to skip the signal or get tempted to use your mobile phone while driving. With the new amendments, not only will you have to shell out Rs 5,000 for either offence you could very well get a jail term of up to a year.
Drunken driving or insubordination
With so many public transport options, radio taxi aggregators and even drivers on call, there is no reason to risk life and limb after a drunken stupor. If you’re caught, the Rs 10,000 fine will surely kill your buzz. If you argue, add Rs 2,000 for disobeying orders from an officer of the law.
Driving without a seat belt or helmet
If wearing a seat belt while driving or putting on a helmet while riding makes you too uncomfortable, think about this. Every time you’re caught without a helmet, the Rs 1,000 fine will feel worse.
Related: 5 commonly asked questions about Motor & Car insurance.
Speeding
Government data suggests that over 66% of road incidents in 2018 were attributed to speeding. In order to bring in discipline, LMVs and MPVs will be fined Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively for over speeding. However, if you’re found to be racing around town or driving dangerously, you will have to pay a fine of up to Rs 5,000.
Driving without a license or insurance
Remember to keep all important documentation with you every time you take to the wheel. Not having your licence or insurance papers will set you back Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively.
Blocking emergency services
Always remember to give way to ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. Apathy or ignorance can cost you Rs 10,000.
Juvenile offences
Parent and guardians need to educate children about road safety and etiquette from a young age. The guardian or vehicle owner will be held liable for a juvenile offence, which will attract a penalty of Rs 25,000 and a possible jail term of 3 years. Additionally, the vehicle’s registration will be cancelled and the ward will be booked under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Driving despite disqualification or without a valid permit
For any reason, if you have been debarred from driving, it’s best not to risk getting back in the driver’s seat. If caught the Rs 10,000 fine will really hurt. Alternatively, if you are using commercial vehicles, remember to get all required permits before you start, else the similar Rs 10,000 penalty will make you sulk for sure.
Related: SC makes it mandatory for automakers to offer long-term third-party cover for new vehicles
Unauthorised use of vehicles or overloading
Again, mostly relevant for commercial operators, making unauthorised use of vehicles without a valid licence will attract a penalty of Rs 5,000. While overloading a passenger vehicle will attract a fine of Rs 1,000. Those overloaded with goods will have to shell out a whopping Rs 20,000.
India tops the charts when it comes to accidental fatalities. An estimated 1.5 lakh people lose their lives every year on the roads. While avoiding hefty fines should not be the primary motivator for following basic road safety protocols, it is the right step in making public spaces safe for everyone. Check out what you should do after a car accident to be able to manage the situation at the time of an emergency.
