The new Motor Vehicle Act, 2019, has become the most discussed topic these days. The reason is the exponentially increased penalties that are being levied when an individual breaks the traffic rules and other related laws. The
Motor Vehicle Act, 2019 was proposed to The Parliament this July and the same was implemented from September 1st, 2019. The motor vehicle amendment has seen its fair share of criticism by the public and some states as well. According to a few states, the center is just burdening the common man with hefty fines. However, this is not exactly the view of our Union Minister of Road Transport and Highway- Nitin Gadkari.
On September 11th, 2019, Mr. Gadkari announced that states were free to make changes in the fines under the new Vehicle Act 2019. The declaration came after some states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Bihar expressed their disapproval over the implementation of the law in totality. However, Mr. Gadkari also mentioned that the idea behind imposing the penalties was to make the public disciplined on the roads and not to collect revenue from fines.
Later, he also specified that the Motor Vehicle Act is in the concurrent list, which means both state and Centre governments have the right to make the law. Also, the penalties vary as per the noncompliance of the law, and states have the right to decide on reducing the same.
He then added that India reports the highest accidents in the world. The number will blow your mind literally! India reports about 5 lakh accidents per year, of which over 1.5 lakh people die in accidents. This is the highest number of deaths due to road rash and traffic rules violation in the world.
Mr. Gadkari urged the public to follow traffic rules and avoid getting fined. Media coverage on fines shows that people in large numbers are waiting outside the RTO offices to get their driving licenses made. He then pointed out that over 30 % driving licenses in India were a sham earlier, which is now changing due to the new vehicle act 2019. And all this will definitely lead to a reduction in the number of deaths due to accidents.
On the rise in revenue because of traffic penalties, the minister articulated that the increase in revenue would go to the share of both state and Central government. Besides, the Gujarat government had announced a reduction in the penalties outlined in the new Motor Vehicles Act.
Stringent fines are levied on traffic violations, and it is of topmost priority to abide by the law and follow the traffic rule. Don't forget to renew your lapsed
two wheeler insurance and
car insurance policies as you might have to pay a fine of Rs. 2000 and imprisonment of up to 3 months.
Stay conscious; stay safe!
Source-
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/states-free-to-reduce-to-penalties-under-new-motor-vehicles-act-nitin-gadkari/articleshow/71078592.cms
