The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 with 63 clauses is coming into force from September 1. To implement strict provisions for traffic violations, the penalty for various offences has been increased manifold.
Now, get ready to pay more in case of drunken driving, driving without helmet, driving without seat belts, overloading and underage driving. A notification from MHA has been forwarded to the State Transport Authority (STA) and traffic police by Dr. Ajay Kumar Singla, UT Transport Secretary. It is regarding the implementation of the new policy from September 1.
Amendments To The Act
As per the spokesperson of Chandigarh Police, Inspector Pardeep Sharma, the least fine would be Rs 1,000 for a traffic violation now. This was earlier Rs 300.
| Traffic Violation | Earlier Provision/Penalty | Increased Provision/Penalty |
| General provision for punishment of offences | Rs 100 | Rs 100-500 |
| Violation of rules of road regulation | Rs 100 | Rs 500-1,000 |
| Driving without insurance | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,000 + imprisonment up to 3 months |
| Driving without license | Rs 500 | Rs 500-5,000 |
| Driving despite disqualification | Rs 500 | Rs 500-10,000 |
| Without seat belts | Rs 100 | Rs 1,000 |
| Without helmet driving | Rs 300 | Rs 1,000 + suspension of driving license for 3 months |
| Overspeeding | Rs 400 | Rs 400-1,000 for LMV, Rs 2,000-4,000 for medium passenger or goods vehicle + impounding of driving license for subsequent offence |
| Speeding or racing | Rs 500 | Rs 500 + imprisonment of 1 month |
| Drunken driving | Rs 2,000 | Rs 10,000 + imprisonment up to 6 months |
| Overloading | Rs 25,000 | |
| Overloading of passengers | NA | Rs 1,000 per extra passenger |
| Oversized vehicles | NA | Rs 5,000 |
| Dangerous driving | Rs 1,000 | Rs 5,000 |
| Not giving way to emergency vehicles like ambulance | NA | Rs 10,000 |
| Juvenile caught for underage driving | Rs 25,000 + imprisonment for 3 years + parents/guardians/owner of vehicle will be held guilty | |
| Disobedience of orders of authorities | Rs 500 | Rs 500-2,000 |
| Unauthorised use of vehicles without license | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,000-5,000 |
Other Amendments
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 consists of a total of 89 clauses. Out of them, 63 clauses will be implemented from September 1. These provisions relate to transport policy, registration of vehicles, driving license, and penalties.
- Provision Of Driving License
Before one year of the expiry of driving license, the license holder can apply for its renewal. He/She can obtain a renewed license after one year of the expiry date. This implies that the license holder can use the expired license for another year. But in case of failure to get the renewed license after one year of the expiry of the previous license, he/she will have to undergo a driving test again.
- Compulsory Helmet
For everyone over four years of age riding on a two-wheeler, the helmet has been made mandatory.
- Underage Driving
In case of a juvenile is caught for underage driving, the minor driver will be tried under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. Along with a huge fine and penalty (as stated in the table above), registration of the vehicle will be cancelled. After one year, a fresh application for registration can be submitted.
News Source: The Indian Express, Business Today
Image Source: Google Images