The amendments call for stricter penalties for everything from drunk and dangerous driving to riding without helmets.
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.
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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.
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