’Racing’ on roads can land you in jail for 6 months

TNN

New Delhi, 24 May 2016: Speeding, dangerous driving, jumping traffic signal, drunk driving, using mobile phone while driving and not wearing helmet may result in on-the-spot suspension of driving licences.

 

The group of state transport ministers has approved inserting a new section in the Motor Vehicles Act to enforce this, besides a provision for compulsory refresher training for such offenders. In Delhi, about 3 lakh licences have been suspended in the past six months for similar offences.

 

The panel has also approved immediate withdrawal of advertisements, films and TV serials that show speeding and rash driving without "adequate warning" on the screen. The GoM has also ratified stricter penalty for dangerous driving and racing on public roads.

 

For first time offenders, the fine would be Rs 5,000 or six months jail while for subsequent offence there would be two years jail or Rs 10,000 fine. Moreover, the panel has approved higher penalty for drivers who fail to take crash victims to hospitals, in cases where they face no mob fury. Jail term of up to six months or Rs 2,000 fine have been proposed for such drivers.

 

Similarly, driving without insurance could attract Rs 2,000 fine and three months jail for first offence and Rs 4,000 fine on subsequent offence. Crash victims will be liable for compensation if they are hit by an uninsured vehicle.

 

To ensure that neither individuals, dealer or body builders interfere with construction and maintenance of vehicles, the GoM has proposed Rs 5,000 and up to Rs 1 lakh fine respectively.

 

Similar fines have been proposed for vehicle component dealers found selling non-approved safety items. It also recommended stringent penalties for non-compliance of automobile regulations by vehicle manufacturers and mandatory recall of vehicles within stipulated period.