The new act aims at giving strict punishment to those violating traffic rules.
President Ram Nath Kovind approved the amendments in the Motor Vehicle Act last month. These amendments have come into force from today. The new act aims at giving strict punishment to those violating traffic rules.
According to amendments in Motor Vehicle Act, families whose relative die in accident will be given a compensation of Rs. 2,00,000 from the earlier Rs. 25,000, while those who meet with accident will be given a compensation of Rs. 50,000.
To help road accident victims, Good Samaritan guidelines have been incorporated in the Bill. The Bill defines a Good Samaritan as a person who renders emergency medical or non-medical assistance to a victim at the scene of an accident, and provides rules to prevent harassment of such a person.
Here are some of the provisions in Motor Vehicle Act
1. Fine for not wearing a seat belt has increased from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000.
2. More than two people found sitting on two-wheeler will now have to pay Rs. 1000 instead of Rs. 100.
3. Individuals found travelling without helmet will not only have to pay Rs. 1000 but their licence too can be suspended for three months.
4. Not giving way to ambulance will cost you Rs. 10,000.
5. Driving without license will attract a penalty of Rs. Rs. 5000, while driving even after the suspension of license will attract a penalty of Rs. 10000.
6. Penalty for over speeding has been increased to Rs. 2000 from Rs. 400.
7. If a driver found driving rashly, he/she will have to pay a fine of Rs. 5000.
8. In case of drunken driving, one has to pay a fine of Rs. 10000.
9. Fine for talking on phone while driving has increased from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000.
10. Penalty for using vehicles without permit has been raised from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000.
11. Overloading a vehicle will draw a penalty of Rs. 20,000 with Rs. 2000 for every extra tonne.
12. A penalty of Rs. 2000 will be levied if an individual is found driving uninsured vehicle
13. Juveniles found driving will be fined Rs 25,000 and imprisonment up to 3 years. Moreover, the registration of the vehicle will be cancelled for 12 months. The juvenile will also become ineligible to obtain learners' license until the age of 25 years.
Minister of Road Transport and Highways and MSME, Nitin Gadakari, said that the amendments in the act will improve road safety, facilitate citizens in their dealings with transport departments, strengthen rural transport, public transport and last mile connectivity through automation, computerization and online services.
