Cabinet gives nod to new Motor Bill, steep penalties proposed

The bill also has provision of up to Rs 10 lakh compensation in case of road fatality. “The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016. It is a historical step towards making our roads safe and save lakhs of innocent lives,” Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said after the meeting. He said the proposals are based on the recommendations of transport ministers from 18 states, and the bill includes penalties in the range of Rs 1000-Rs 4000 for over-speeding.

As per the bill, driving without insurance will be punishable with Rs 2,000 fine and/or three-month imprisonment, while driving without helmets will attract Rs 2,000 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. 

As per the new provisions “guardian/owner shall be deemed to be guilty and there will be a penalty of Rs 25,000 with three years imprisonment and cancellation of registration of the Motor Vehicle.” 

Traffic violations also would now attract a penalty of Rs 500 in place of Rs 100 earlier while disobedience of orders of authorities will attract a minimum penalty of Rs 2,000 in place of Rs 500 earlier. Penalty for unauthorised use of vehicles without licence has been proposed at Rs 5,000 while those driving without license will have to shell out the same amount and those found driving despite disqualification would be fined a minimum Rs 10,000.