The Motor Vehicles Act 2019 is a set of traffic rules and regulations every motor vehicle owner/driver in India is required to follow. It aims to improve traffic management and enhance road safety for drivers and non-drivers using public roads. Note that there are serious fines and punishments for not adhering to the laws and stipulations listed in the Act.
If you are a new vehicle owner, understanding and obeying the new Motor Vehicle Act 2019 is very important to avoid hefty fines and penalties.
This blog will discuss the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019, common traffic violations and their fines, and some tips for avoiding those penalties.
What Is the Motor Vehicles Act 2019?
The Motor Vehicles Amendment Act came into effect on September 1, 2019. It was an amendment bill for the original MTV Act of 1988.
The new law focuses on road safety, and the government believes that the introduction of new regulations will reduce traffic violations and road accidents. Stringent provisions are being proposed for offences like driving without a licence, juvenile driving, drunken driving, dangerous driving, non-wearing of helmets and seat belts, overspeeding, overloading, etc., along with provisions for electronic detection of violations.
Simply put, the new Motor Vehicle Act 2019 has enhanced penalties against a number of traffic violations and driving/riding mistakes. It encourages motor vehicle owners to avoid irresponsible driving behaviour and prioritise road safety by following all the regulations.
Traffic Violations and Penalties as per Motor Vehicles Amendment Act
Enlisted below are some of the key provisions which reflect stringent penalties introduced for traffic violations:
|
S.No. |
Common Traffic Offences |
Penalties |
| 1. | Driving without licence | ₹5000 |
| 2. | Not Carrying a Valid Bike/Car Insurance | ₹2000 |
| 3. | Not Carrying Vehicle RC | ₹2000 |
| 4. | Using Mobile Phones While Driving | ₹5000 |
| 5. | Disobeying Specified Directions on Purpose | ₹500 |
| 6. | Over speeding | ₹1000 for LMV₹2000 for Medium and Heavy vehicles |
| 7. | Dangerous driving:(a) jumping a red light;(b) violating a stop sign;(c) use of handheld communications devices while driving;(d) passing or overtaking other vehicles in a manner contrary to law;(e) driving against the authorised flow of traffic;(f) Parking in the “No-Parking” zone; | From ₹500 to ₹5000 |
| 8. | Drunken driving | ₹10,000 |
| 9. | Speeding / Racing | ₹5,000 |
| 10. | Vehicle without permit | Up to ₹10,000 |
| 11. | Not Wearing Seat belt | ₹1000 |
| 12. | Over-seating on two-wheelers | ₹2000, Disqualification for three months of driving licence |
| 13. | Not Wearing Helmets | ₹1000, Disqualification for three months of driving licence |
| 14. | Not providing a way for emergency vehicles | ₹10,000 |
| 15. | Offences by Juveniles | The guardian or owner will be deemed guilty. The penalty is ₹25,000 fine and three years imprisonment. The registration of Motor Vehicles will be cancelled. |
Useful Tips to Avoid Traffic Fines and Penalties Under 2019 Motor Vehicle Act
Always carry all the necessary documents while driving on public roads. These include bike/car insurance, driving licence, vehicle RC, fitness certificate, PUC and others.
Follow the road signs and safety instructions.
Always wear helmets/seatbelts while driving.
Avoid using mobile phones or other handheld devices when driving or riding a motor vehicle.
Avoid triple riding as it can lead to life-threatening accidents.
Always stick to the speed limits and follow traffic signals.
Avoid driving in a drunken state.
Avoid overtaking vehicles from the wrong sides.
Give indicators when changing the lanes or making turns.
Avoid overloading your vehicle.
Avoid blocking the way of emergency vehicles.
Prioritise pedestrians, especially senior citizens and children, on the roads.
Make sure to park your vehicle only in the designated lanes.
These are just a handful of tips that will help you avoid common traffic fines and enjoy a safe driving/riding experience.
For detailed information, make sure to check out our blog on
How to Deal with Indian Traffic.
Conclusion
Understanding and adhering to the Motor Vehicle Act 2019 is the primary responsibility of every vehicle driver and owner in the country. It ensures an efficient traffic management system and a safe driving environment. As discussed, any violation of traffic laws will not be tolerated by the traffic authorities. Hence, make sure to follow all the rules and become a responsible driver.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen if I don't follow the Motor Vehicle Act rules and regulations?
Not following the traffic rules will result in heavy fines in the form of e-challans. If you fail to pay your e-challans on time, other strict legal actions can be taken against you.
Will I be jailed for not carrying car insurance?
Yes. In addition to fines up to ₹4,000, you can be sentenced to prison for not having the mandatory driving documents, including a valid car insurance policy.
What is fine for jumping a red light?
The fine for jumping a red light varies between Indian states. Depending on your location, it ranges from ₹500 to ₹2000. You can confirm the fine amount by visiting your state's official transport department website.