Setting anew regulations for the road

Viewing the growing number of road accidents across the country, the Centre is planning to introduce stricter rules for issuing driving licences. Besides, it’s a good way to make sure people are on the record, and that they know the rules of the road.
India registered the second highest number of road accidents in the world in 2007, according to data compiled by the World Road Statistics.

The total number of people killed in road accidents in the country was 94,985, next only to China where 98,738 people were killed.
According to a report compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2007, a total of 4,18,000 accidents were reported in the country. Of these, 46,334 were reported from Karnataka. Of the total accidents, 33.6 per cent were road-related.

More time
In line with the proposal, a permanent driving licence will be issued to a person two years after he receives a learner’s licence. Now, permanent licence is issued within six months once a would-be driver obtains a learner’s licence. 

The ministry also plans to increase the application fee, introduce compulsory eyesight and fitness tests before transport authorities in the states issue licences. 

According to current regulations, a person who applies for licence has to produce a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner. Instead of this, the ministry wants that every regional transport office in the country must employ a panel of doctors who will be authorised to issue the certificates.

Other proposals
The ministry is working towards including these suggestions in its proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which is likely to come up in the Budget Session of  Parliament.

The ministry plans to impose a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and cancellation of licence if a person is found talking on a mobile while driving. The ministry also proposes to amend the Act to impose heavy fines to curb drunk driving.
DH News Service