Well, in the last few days the social media segment has been flooded by in-numerous write-ups, viral posts and memes on the new Motor vehicle act! So much so that even a child now knows the implications of breaking traffic laws.
Lets’ take the path less treaded!
A Quick take on “What is the Motor Vehicle’s Act” All About?
The “Motor vehicles act “ came into force in the year 1989 , passed by both houses of the Indian parliament. It regulates every aspect of the Road transport vehicles and has provisions for traffic regulations along with registration of motor vehicles, insurance, controlling permits and penalties.
What Does the New Amendment Propose?
One would be surprised to know that this act has been amended for the very FIRST time in the year 2019. 30 years after it was originally passed. Phew,Just incredible ! But, as the saying goes – Better late than never! The amendment bill , 2019 proposes to:
- Increase the penalty for various traffic violations manifold !
- Give protection to good samaritans who lend a helping hand to people affected in road- accidents.
- Hold builders responsible for low quality infrastructure development.
- Instruct Automobile manufacturing companies to recall defective vehicle parts.
- Make vehicle owners stand responsible for traffic violations commited by juveniles/minors
amongst others..
What Are The Revised Penalties?
- This act emphasises on having Aadhar card for vehicle registration and a Driving License (DL).
- In cases of road rage or traffic violations by minors/juveniles, the owner of the vehicle would be held accountable and would be liable for criminal proceedings , lest they prove that the offence was committed without their knowledge or they had tried there best to avoid it.
- The minimum fine for “Drunken driving “ has been increased by 400% ! From Rs.2000 to Rs.10000.
- For unfortunate deaths in “Hit & run” cases , the compensation to be provided by the government has been increased from a meagre Rs.25000 to Rs.200000.
- This bill vouches for a scheme for cashless treatment for victims of road accidents, during the Golden hour!
- It also mandates automatic fitness testing for vehicles.
- The Bill proposes the creation of “National Road Safety Board” by the central government through a notification. This Board would time and again advise both the center and the state governments on all aspects of road safety and traffic management .This would include standards of motor vehicles, registration and licensing of vehicles, standards for road safety, and promotion of new vehicle technology.
- In case there is any traffic hazard owing to some manufacturing defect then the Central government can order the recall
My Take
Well, as a law abiding citizen of the country I am quite content with the recent amendment in the Motor vehicle acts. It should have been implemented long back but blame it to the lackadaisical attitude of the people who run the government machinery, that this process has been delayed for so long ! Nonetheless, Better late than never..Till recent times, people used to mock at the traffic laws since they used to escape by paying meager amount of fine for breaking the same. But, hang on, with the amendments, outlaws are going to have a tough time.
When road safety is concerned, Discipline is exigent . If the new laws are strictly implemented, then these would not only change the road habits of people but also make them more responsible as citizens of the country. Of late there has been wide-spread criticism w.r.t the exorbitant amounts of fine charged for breaking traffic laws, but I vehemently disagree with them. The intention of the government over here is not to generate revenue but to enable people to diligently follow the law. If you don’t break the law, you don’t need to pay the fine ! As simple as that. So my fellow citizens, welcome the new traffic laws with open arms and embrace the new change. Let’s make our road journeys a pleasurable trip !
Happy reading!