Govt approves Motor Bill; steep penalties for traffic offences

New Delhi: The government Monday approved the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill that proposes hefty penalties for violation of traffic norms including up to Rs 10,000 fine for not providing a way to emergency vehicles and Rs 10,000 for driving despite disqualification, an official source said.

The Bill, which was pending for approval in the Rajya Sabha, lapsed after the term of the 16th Lok Sabha ended.

"The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Motor Vehicle (Amendment), Bill. It provides steep penalties for violation of various traffic norms," the source said.

In the area of road safety, stricter provisions have been proposed for offences like juvenile driving, driving without a licence, dangerous driving, drunken driving, over-speeding and overloading.

The proposals are based on the recommendations of transport ministers from 18 states, which were vetted by the Standing Committee of Parliament.

The Bill includes penalties in the range of Rs 1,000-Rs 2,000 for over-speeding.

As per the Bill, driving without insurance will be punishable with Rs 2,000 fine, while driving without helmets will attract Rs 1,000 fine and 3-month suspension of licence.

The provisions also include that guardian/owner will be deemed to be guilty in case of road offence by juveniles while registration of the vehicle will be cancelled.