A Bill establishing the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 to enhance road safety, reduce road accidents, and punish the transgressors more heavily was brought into operation through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Railways in the Indian Government.
The Act aims to impose heavier penalties while also providing a more organised way of registering vehicles and better online services aimed at protecting the interests of road accident victims.
Key Points:
- Higher Fines: Traffic violations have been slapped higher fines, like, for example, ₹1,000 for not wearing a helmet, ₹5,000 for driving without a license, etc.
- Driving Licence Rules: Getting a driving licence is now much tougher. The driving test has become tough to ensure that only trained drivers get a licence.
- Road Safety First: Strict punishments will be there for drunken driving, speeding, and talking on the phone while driving.
- Protection for Good Samaritans: No one helping a road accident victim can face harassment from hospitals or police.
- Vehicle Recall: The government can now recall defective vehicles that pose danger.
- Online Services: All vehicle services, such as licensing, registration, etc., can now be done online.
- Compensation to Victims: Road-crash victims now get compensation from insurance companies faster and better.
- E-Governance: For transparency and ease of use, vehicle data and driver information throughout India have been digitised and interconnected.
FAQs about the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019
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1. I forgot to wear my helmet while riding my scooty. What is the fine now?
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The fine is ₹1,000, and there is a suspension of your licence and seizure of your vehicle for 3 months.
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2. I was holding my mobile phone while I was driving. What is the fine now?
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Distracted driving attracts a fine of anything between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000.
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3. If I were to drive without a licence, then what?
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You'll be fined ₹5,000 fine, plus some jail time or vehicle seizure.
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4. My child was caught riding a bike underage; what happens now?
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The fine begins at ₹25,000. The vehicle owner may face jail, and the minor won't be able to get their licence until the age of 25.
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5. Do I have to carry the physical copy of my licence and RC?
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No. Go digital with apps like Digi Locker or mParivahan.
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6. I need to renew my licence. Can I do it online now?
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Yes! Most of the RTO services, like licence renewal or vehicle registration, are available online. ( transport.uk.gov.in )
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7. My friend has saved an accident victim. Should he be worried about being pulled into legal trouble?
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No. The law prevents any form of harassment or intimidation against Good Samaritans by police or hospital authorities.
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8. I met with an accident. Will I get my compensation speedily now?
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Yes. There are laws to ensure a speedy insurance claims process and settlement of compensation.
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9. How much is the fine for not wearing a seat belt?
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₹1,000—whether you're a driver or a passenger.
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10. I was caught speeding. How much do I need to pay?
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The fine would vary from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, depending on how far you sped.
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11. My vehicle has a manufacturing defect. Can I get it repaired or replaced?
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Yes. The government can now order the recall of unsafe vehicles.
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12. I do not want to go to the RTO for each and everything. Is this possible?
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Yes. Many services have gone digital, thus reducing the long queues and middlemen.
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13. Are the new rules limited only to the bigger cities?
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No. These rules apply all over India, in cities, towns, and villages.
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14. What happens if the traffic police misbehave with me?
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You can file a complaint. Officers need to follow the rules too, and now it's transparent.
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15. What is the key intention behind this new law?
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To save physical lives, to end reckless driving, and to confirm that each vehicle and driver adhere to safety rules.
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