LS supports bill on heavy penalty for traffic violators

The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2016, proposing hefty fine on traffic rule violators was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Friday, which received support from all MPs.

The proposed law will usher in radical reforms in the motor vehicles law to slap heavy penalty on traffic violators, protecting good samaritans and making vehicle-makers responsible for design defects to bring down road accidents, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said while moving the bill. “The basic aim of the bill is to save human lives,” the minister said.

The bill, which aims to reduce the rising road accidents in the country, also addresses issues like the third party insurance and regulation of taxi aggregators.Cutting across party lines, members complimented Gadkari for taking the views of all stakeholders in drafting the “comprehensive” bill.

“Even if you are a minister and you violate traffic rules, a letter (citing a penalty) will come to your home,” Gadkari said. The bill is expected to be passed in Lower House on Monday. In the proposed bill, there is a provision of up to Rs 10 lakh compensation in case of road fatality.

In the new legislation, driving without licence will attract a fine of Rs 5,000, while overspeeding will attract penalties  ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,000.  As much as Rs 10,000 will be charged for a vehicle without permit, while driving without a seat belt will attract a fine of Rs 1,000.

Riding without a helmet will make the rider poorer by Rs 1,000, in addition to the suspension of his/her driving licence for three months. Overloading two-wheelers will attract a fine of Rs 2,000 in addition to the suspension of licences for three months.