New Delhi : The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways said the much needed amendments will improve road safety, facilitate citizens in their dealings with transport departments, strengthen rural transport, public transport and last mile connectivity through automation, computerization and online services. The Minister reiterated that the Bill would, in no way, encroach upon the powers and authorities of the states. He said the Bill would rather empower the states. He added that the Bill will provide an efficient, safe and corruption free transport system in the country.
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 is based on the recommendations of the Group of Transport Ministers (GoM) of States constituted by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to address the issue of road safety and to improve the facilitation of the citizens while dealing with transport departments.
In the area of road safety, the Bill proposes to increase penalties to act as deterrent against traffic violations. Stricter provisions are being proposed in respect of offences like juvenile driving, drunken driving, driving without licence, dangerous driving, over-speeding, overloading etc. Stricter provisions for helmets have been introduced along with provisions for electronic detection of violations. Penalty regarding motor vehicles is to be increased by 10 % every year. As per the new provision penalty of Rs 5000 will be charged for driving without license and any offences by Juvenile, the guardian shall be deemed to be guilty charging Rs 25,000 with 3 yrs imprisonment and the juvenile will be tried under JJ Act.
The Bill provides for a scheme for cashless treatment of road accident victims during golden hour.
