The Union
Cabinet on Thursday approved the proposed changes in the Motor Vehicle
Act. This paves way for passing the legislation in Parliament to increase
penalty on traffic rule violators across the country.
The new bill which
will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha duing the Budget session has provision to
slap Rs 500 fine for not wearing seat belt and helmet or for jumping a red light
for the first time. The bill introduces
fines for using mobile phone while driving.
The fines will multiply in
case the same offender violates the traffic rules subsequently.
As per the new provision drunk driving would be dealt with high penality and
even jail term. Drunk driving will be graded according to alcohol levels in the
blood with a punishment that can go up to a two-year jail term and Rs 5,000 fine
or both.
Repeat traffic offences will fetch stiff fines with jumping red
lights or not using seat belts and helmets attracting fine between Rs 500 to Rs
1,500. The first offence of using cellphone will mean Rs 500 fine and subsequent
infringements can set the offender back by Rs 5,000 in penalties. To discourage
the use of cellphones, which have emerged as a key reason for road accidents all
over the world, the new bill has proposed stiff fines.
Working on the
proposition that higher fines work as a deterrent and can induce greater respect
for the law, the Cabinet is expected to clear a slew of amendments in the Motor
Vehicle Bill on Thursday. The increase in some categories are up to eight-10
folds over existing fines. The changes intend to make the vehicle owner
responsible in case a minor is caught at the wheel.
The proposals to hike
fines aim to target the major causes of accidents and fatalities on India's
roads - drunk driving, speeding, non-wearing of seatbelts and helmet and use of
cellphone. To penalize habitual
offenders, the bill incorporates higher fines and longer jail terms for repeat
offences.
The disrespect for speed limits could attract Rs 1,000 fine for
the first offence. Subsequently, the penalty could be as high as Rs 5,000.
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