Are you aware of the laws that regulate road transport, vehicles, driving licenses, and traffic rules in India?
The Motor Vehicles Act, passed by the Indian Parliament, covers rules from getting a driving license to vehicle registration to road safety. The blog covers the Motor Vehicles Act and how it is implemented.
Motor Vehicles Act
With time, significant changes have occurred in road infrastructure, vehicle population, traffic volume, and passenger transport in India. The earlier law needed to be revised to address these challenges and incorporate new rules. As a result, the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Minister for Road Transport and Highways. The bill amends the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, with focus on strengthening road safety measures.
Purpose of the Motor Vehicles Act
Following are the reasons for the new Motor Vehicles Act in India:
- Rapidly increasing vehicle population
- Enhanced technology in the automotive sector
- Tracking down traffic violations and providing strict punishment for them
- Frame stringent standards around vehicle parts, road safety, and pollution control
- Providing regulations for vehicle registration and driving license issuances
- To make it easier to get permits for all vehicles carrying goods and passengers
Key Provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
The Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 was created to solve the following problems:
- Strict procedures for issuance of driving licenses
- Maintain road safety requirements;
- Raising the compensation available for hit-and-run cases
- To eliminate the time limit for traffic accident victims to file for a compensation claim
- Registration of all vehicles for 15-year validity and renewal for another 5 years
- Mandatory to have at least third-party insurance to register and drive car
Offences covered under the Motor Vehicle Act
Following are the offenses covered under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988:
- Driving without licence or driving with an expired license
- Driving a vehicle without RC
- Drunk and drive
- Overloading of vehicles or carrying excess passengers
- Not wearing a helmet (two-wheelers) or seat belt (four-wheelers)
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Overspeeding/Dangerous driving/Rash driving,
- Driving without valid motor insurance
- Violating traffic signals and road signs
Motor Vehicles Act of 2019
The Motor Vehicle’s Act of 2019 focuses on corruption-free RTO services, compulsory third-party insurance for all vehicles, and increase in fines for traffic violations to reduce accident rates.
Salient Features of the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019
- Driving licenses:
Earlier, driving license was valid for 20 years or till the person reaches the age of 50 years, whichever is . After 50 years and above, the license is valid for a period of another 5 years. The 2019 Act creates various categories for the validity of licenses depending on the age. If an individual applying for the license is:
- Below 30 years, license is valid for 20 years or till the age of 40
- Between 30 and 50 years, license is valid for 10 years
- Between 50 and 55 years, license is valid till turns 60 years
- Above 55 years, license is valid for 5 years.
- Recall of vehicles:
The Act allows the Central Government to recall vehicles if a defect in the vehicle may cause. Following are the reasons for which the vehicles can be recalled : –
- Environmental damage
- Harm to the driver itself or to other road users
- Manufacturing defect in the vehicle
The manufacturer will have to
- Pay the buyers the full cost of the vehicle, or
- Replace the faulty vehicle with another vehicle with similar or better specifications
- Good Samaritan Law:
The law encourages people to help road accident victims without fear of legal trouble. It provides awards and protection to good Samaritans from harassment against the actions taken to save victims.
- Electronic facilities:
The Act promotes the computerization of certain RTO services. Following are the digitalised RTO services:
- Issuance of licenses or permits
- E-Challan (such as fines),
- Vehicle registration
It also mandates state governments to ensure the electronic monitoring and enforcement of road safety on national highways, state highways, and urban roads.
- Penalties:
The Act introduced 3 times increase in penalties for several offenses. For example, the maximum penalty for drunk driving has been increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000.
- Compensation and Insurance:
The bill also changes the compensation and insurance provisions in case of vehicle accidents.
FAQs
What is the Indian Motor Vehicle Act?
The Indian Motor Vehicle Act is a law that governs all aspects of vehicles and their drivers in India.
What is the importance of the Motor Vehicle Act?
The Motor Vehicle Act is important for ensuring road safety and regulating traffic laws in India.
Does the Motor Vehicle Act apply to all states in India?
Yes, the act applies across India, though states may choose when and how to implement certain provisions.
Can driving licence issued in one state be used in another state?
Yes, driving licence is valid throughout India, regardless of the state in which it was issued.
What is the Good Samaritan Law under this Act?
Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who help road accident victims from legal or police harassment.
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