Rajya Sabha Passes the Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2012

The Rajya Sabha passed the Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2012 on 4 December 2012. This bill is now pending before the Lok Sabha and shall become law after its approval by it. The bill seeks to amend some provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and aimed to provide stringent guidelines for issue of driving licenses and provide enhanced penalties for various offences under the act.

Some of the salient features of the act are:

1. Guidelines for issuance of driving licenses.
2. Imposition of penalties and issuance of challans for violations.
3. Imposition of penalties for “overloading” the vehicle.
4. Penalty to be borne by the consignor in case the documents in possession establish that the offence was committed under the orders of the consignor.
5. Increased fine for “not wearing helmet” or “seat belt” or for “jumping red light”.
6. Provision for fine has been introduced for “use of mobile phones” while driving.
7. Fine shall be imposed for “drunken driving” and punishment may extend to 2 years imprisonment. The punishment shall be in respect of content of alcohol found in the body of driver.
8. Repeated offenders shall be fined stiffer.

Pros and cons of Motor Vehicle Bill 2012

Pros: The stringent provisions of amendment act shall help in effective enforcement of laws.

Cons: The increased rate of fine shall put unnecessary burden on citizen.

Posted in: Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2012