2019 Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill passed by Lok Sabha
Last month, the Motor Vehicle Amendment bill was approved by the new cabinet that came into effect early this year. It was pending in Rajya Sabha but was cleared by the Lok Sabha in 2017. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2019 intends to wipe out corruption by making the processes transparent, reduce accidents on road and also impose more strict penalties for violation of laws and rules. Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari mentions that the 2019 bill will use the best of latest technology and offer a safer experience for the commuters as well as all types of vehicle owners.
The 2019 Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill will be developing a system to offer cashless treatment for victims affected in a road accident, immediately an hour after the accident or mishap. This is the time period wherein the victim seeks critical medial support. A compensation of Rs 2 lakh or more will be provided to hit-and-run victims, up from Rs 25,000. In case a juvenile is involved in an incident, their parents/guardians will be held accountable unless proven innocent. A Motor Vehicle Accident Fund will provide cover to victims of accidents. The 2019 bill also mentions of the helping the good Samaritans who come forward and help the victims instead of harassing them by the complications of the laws. In terms of safety, the proposed law mentions of of higher penalty for various offences likes overspeeding, driving without a license, drunk driving as well as for vehicles that are driven without permit. Additionally, dangerous driving and also not wearing seat-belts while driving will attract suspension of the license.
Driving without a license will now call for a Rs 5,000 fine, up from Rs 500. Breaking speed limits and not wearing seatbelts can get you a Rs 1,000 fine, up from Rs 400 and Rs 100. Get caught using a phone or rash driving and you'll have to shell out Rs 5,000, up from Rs 1,000. The fine for drunk driving has been raised to Rs 10,000 from Rs 2,000. Manufacturers are also more liable now. Cars with sub-standard components or engines will have to be recalled, failing which a Rs 500 crore fine will be charged. Rounding of these changes is new insurance coverages. All road users now get compulsory insurance for certain accidents, but a six-month time limit has been placed on claims. The Centre will also be developing a new long term as well as medium term framework wherein an integrated multimodal transport system will be formed and will offer seamless connectivity across urban and rural areas.
