With Harsher Penalties, Flouting Traffic Rules Will Now Cost You. A Lot!

Several new amendments made to the Motor Vehicles Act 1989 have been approved by the Cabinet. One of the amendments dictate that anyone caught driving drunk will be charged ₹10,000.

Not only has the fine been increased by five times, the new amendments now also note that if drunk driving results in the death of a person or people, then it is a non-bailable offense that can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 years.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill had been introduced in Lok Sabha on August 9, 2016, to make sure that the original law (the Motor Vehicles Act 1989) was still relevant with the current state of affairs.

Image for representation. Photo source: Wikimedia 

Apart from drunk driving, the law now imposes far stricter penalties on those caught overloading or found driving dangerously on the roads. In 2015, road-related accidents led to the deaths of 1.5 lakh Indians.

There will also be stricter action against those flouting safety rules that have been kept in place such as not wearing a helmet or a seat belt while travelling. Among other penalties, a person caught talking on the phone while driving will be fined ₹5,000 and if they are not wearing a helmet, they can lose their licence for three months and will be fined  ₹1,000.

You may also like: Woman Cop in Bihar Organised the Wedding for a Poor Girl Who Lost Her Father in a Road Accident

Aadhaar card made compulsory for licences 

Proving that the Aadhaar card has become even more critical to citizens, for the bill notes needed to get a learner’s permit or licence, the Aadhar card will be used as a method for verification.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected], or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

Found Value in This Story?Pay What You Can to Support Impactful Journalism

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201
₹501
₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let’s ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?