Rajya Sabha passed Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2019 that seeks to impose strict penalties on violation of traffic rules and addresses the dire state of road safety in the country.
Penalties for traffic violations increased: The bill has drastically increased fines for traffic violations. Below is the list of penalties for various violations. However, this list is not exhaustive.
- Drunken Driving: Rs. 10000
- Driving without a license: Rs. 5000
- Rash driving: Rs. 1000-5000 or imprisonment for 6-12 months or both
- Speeding: Rs. 5000
- Overburdening two-wheelers: Rs. 2000 and suspension of license for three months.
- Driving without a helmet: Rs. 1000 and suspension of license for three months.
- Driving without a seatbelt: Rs. 1000
- Over-speeding: Rs. 1000
Apart from the above list, blocking an emergency vehicle can result in a fine of Rs. 1000 or imprisonment for 6 months or both.
In case of traffic violations by minors, guardians or owners of the vehicles have to pay a fine of Rs. 25000 and also face imprisonment for three years. On the other hand, minors will have to face the trial under the Juvenile Justice Act. Apart from it, the registration of vehicles will be cancelled.
Treatment of victims: Govt. will focus on the cashless treatment of the victims during the first hour after the accidents.
Compensation: Compensation for the victims of accidents has also been increased. It is increased from Rs. 25000 to 2 lakh in case of death whereas, in case of serious injuries, it is increased from Rs. 12500 to Rs. 50000.
Responsibility of the vehicle manufacturers: Govt. can recall vehicles if there is a possibility of damage to environment or vehicle owners or any other person on the road. The manufacturers of the vehicles have to repay the cost of the vehicles or replace them with other vehicles of the same or higher specifications.