11/10/2014
On September 13, 2014 a draft Bill titled "Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014" was released by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRT&H) to seek feedback from the people in order to replace the existing road safety legislative framework with the proposed new Act. The Bill contains 340 Sections, 15 Chapters and 4 Schedules. The objective of the Bill is to reduce road traffic accident deaths, improve GDP and to create jobs in order to enable the mission of “Make in India”.
The Bill also proposes increased penalties for the contravention of the provision of the Act and provides for electronic detection and centralized offences information to identify repeat offenders. Some of the enhanced penalties are as follows:
Offence
Penalty
Driving of motor vehicle without valid driving licence
Rs.10,000 fine and impounding of the vehicle
Causing unauthorised person to drive a vehicle
Rs.10,000 fine and impounding of the vehicle
Manufacturing of faulty vehicles
Rs. 5,00,000 fine per vehicle, or imprisonment for a term of 3 months, or with both
Using vehicle without registration/ permit
1st offence - Rs.25,000 fine; and each subsequent offence - Rs. 50,000 fine
Driving without the consent of the owner or lawful authority
Rs.10,000 fine
Driving against the authorized flow of traffic
Rs.5,000 fine, or imprisonment for a term of 1 week, or with both
Not giving way to emergency vehicles
Rs.5,000 fine
Dangerous driving with children on board
Rs.15,000 fine, and 6 months license suspension, or imprisonment for a term of 15 days, or with all.
2nd or subsequent offenses - the fine shall be doubled, along with compulsory refresher training.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drug
Rs.15,000 fine, or imprisonment for a term of 6 months, which may extend to 12 months, or with both, and a 6 month license suspension from the date of conviction, or date of sentencing or date of release.
2nd offence – Permanent cancellation of driving license and imprisonment for a term extending to 2 years.
Driving vehicle exceeding permissible weights
2 Wheelers: Rs.10,000 fine
Light Motor Vehicle: Rs.25,000 fine
Heavy Motor Vehicle: Rs.50,000
Driving uninsured vehicle
Two-wheelers: Rs.10,000 fine
Light Motor Vehicle & Three wheelers: Rs.25,000 fine
Other Categories of Motor Vehicles:
Rs.75,000 fine
Violation of traffic signal
1st offence - Rs.5,000 fine;
2nd offence - Rs.10,000 fine; and
3rd offence - Rs.15,000 fine, 1 month license suspension, and compulsory refresher training
Use of handheld communication device while driving
1st offence - Rs.4,000 fine;
2nd offence -Rs. 6,000 fine; and
3rd offence - Rs.10,000 fine, 1 month license suspension, and compulsory refresher training
Not wearing seat belt or protective gear while driving
Rs.5,000 and Rs.2,500 fine respectively
Causing obstruction to free flow of traffic
Rs.1,000 fine per hour
Racing and trials of speed
1st offence -Rs.10,000 fine;
2nd offence -Rs.15,000 fine; and
Each subsequent offence - Rs.25,000 fine, and imprisonment for a term of up to 2 weeks.
Disobey of traffic signals at railway crossing
Rs.5,000 fine, or imprisonment for a term of not more than 2 weeks, or with both.
Causing children to sit without seat belt
Rs.5,000 fine
Click the link below to see the full draft.
http://morth.nic.in/writereaddata/linkimages/RTSB%20BILL-5241785876.pdf
Any suggestions or comments can be emailed at [email protected] with the Subject: “Suggestions for the Road Transport and Safety Bill”
Courtesy: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
