Proposed Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019

The Government of India passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendments) Bill, 2019 in Rajya Sabha on July 31, 2019. Earlier, Lok Sabha passed this bill on July 23, 2019. The changes proposed in the amended bill are expected to help curb corruption, improve road safety, enhance rural transport system, upgrade public transport, encourage vehicle insurance adoption and introduce automation and several online services to accelerate the various processes related to the transport department all over India.

New Motor Vehicle Amendment Act: Stricter Penalties for Traffic Violations

The Indian government has significantly tightened traffic rules with the implementation of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. This act has introduced substantial hikes in penalties for various traffic offenses, aiming to deter reckless driving and improve road safety.

Key Traffic Offenses and Penalties

Document-Related Offenses

1. Driving Without a License: A hefty fine of Rs. 5,000 and potential imprisonment of up to 3 months.
2. Driving Without Insurance: A penalty of Rs. 2,000 and possible imprisonment of up to 3 months for not having car insurance.
3. Not Carrying Registration Certificate: A fine of Rs. 2,000.
4. Juvenile Driving: A severe penalty of Rs. 25,000 for the guardian/owner, along with a 3-year imprisonment term.

Driving-Related Offenses

1. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: A substantial fine of Rs. 10,000 and potential imprisonment.
2. Rash and Negligent Driving: A penalty of Rs. 5,000.
3. Over-speeding: A fine of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000, depending on the severity of the offense.
4. Jumping Red Lights: A fine of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 and potential imprisonment.
5. Not Wearing a Helmet: A fine of Rs. 1,000 and a 3-month license suspension.
6. Using a Mobile Phone While Driving: A significant fine of Rs. 5,000.
7. Overloading Vehicles: A penalty of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 20,000, depending on the type of vehicle and the extent of overloading.

Vehicle-Related Offenses

1. Driving Without a Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: A fine of Rs. 500.
2. Driving a Vehicle Without a Number Plate: A fine of Rs. 100.
3. Driving a Vehicle with Improper Lights or Horn: A fine of Rs. 500.

Parking-Related Offenses

1. Parking in No-Parking Zones: A fine of Rs. 500 and potential towing of the vehicle.
2. Improper Parking: A fine of Rs. 100.

It's crucial to adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid these hefty fines and potential legal consequences. By driving responsibly and obeying traffic laws, you can contribute to a safer and more efficient road network. The new Motor Vehicles (Amendments) Bill, 2019 will soon become a law in India, after the signature of the President of India. We are sure that this new law will help reduce road accidents to a large extent and people will follow the traffic rules more diligently. The heavy fines levied on the vehicle owners and drivers will ensure better transport system and discipline among the people of India while driving their vehicles. Please make sure that you do not drive your vehicle with an invalid or expired policy, as you might end up in trouble. Also, it is better to invest in an affordable car / bike insurance policy well in advance than paying a hefty fine of INR 2,000.

FAQs

What were the key changes introduced in the Motor Vehicles Act 2019?

The amendments increased penalties for traffic violations, introduced stricter licensing rules, improved road safety measures, and introduced provisions for vehicle recall and hit-and-run compensation.

How did the 2019 amendments impact traffic fines and penalties?

The fines for various traffic violations were significantly increased to encourage compliance. For example, the penalty for drunk driving was raised to ₹10,000, and not wearing a helmet could result in a ₹1,000 fine.

Did the new amendments introduce stricter rules for driving licenses?

Yes, the process of obtaining a driving license became more stringent, including stricter driving tests, online application processes, and penalties for driving without a valid license.

How did the Motor Vehicles Act 2019 address road safety concerns?

The amendments introduced higher penalties for rash driving, mandatory third-party insurance, better driver training programs, and safety regulations for two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.

What provisions were made for hit-and-run compensation under the new amendments?

The compensation for hit-and-run victims was increased, providing ₹2 lakh to the family of a deceased victim and ₹50,000 for serious injuries, ensuring better financial support for accident victims.