Rules May Get Harsher Under New Motor Vehicle Act

The Government of India has proposed new laws and revised fine amounts under the new Motor Vehicle Act keepin road safety in mind.

As per the new bill that has been passed, the Government claim that at least two lakh lives can be saved in the first five years. Currently, Indian road accidents average around 5 lakh accidents annually, leaving about 1.4 lakh people dead.

According to the new bill, there will be a penalty of up to INR 3 lakh and a minimum of 7 year imprisonment if there is a death of a child. The bill also proposes a fine of INR 5 lakh per vehicle and imprisonment for a faulty manufacturing design.

Rash and negligent driving will attract a fine amount of INR 1 lakh or imprisonment for six months which may extend to one year or both in case of using a vehicle in unsafe conditions. All this inspite of cancelling the drivers license.

As of drunken driving, the fine the fine amount could be INR 25,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or with both. There will be a six-month license suspension as well.

If the offence is repeated within three years, it will result in a INR 50,000 penalty or imprisonment for up to one year or both. There will be license suspension for a year as well. If repeated again, there will be licence cancellation and the vehicle will be impounded.

If school bus drivers are found drunk on the job, they will be fined an amount of INR 50,000 and will be jailed for three years with their license cancelled if the drivers are in the age group of 18 to 24.

A simple signal jump, if done thrice can end up being as expensive as INR 15,000 under the new bill.