<p>

</p><p>&nbsp; Much needed and awaited Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016 has been approved by Government which proposes heavy penalties for violation of traffic laws up to Rs 10,000 fine for drunken driving and goes all the way to Rs 2 lakh in case for hit-and-run as compensation. The bill also has provision of up to Rs 10 lakh compensation in case of road fatality. The bill holds such high significance as 5 lakh road accidents take place every year in which 1.5 lakh people lose their lives and government aims 50% reduction in just 5 years.<br><br>&nbsp; After the meeting concluded, Road Transport and Highways Minister- Nitin Gadkari told PTI, "The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016. It is a historical step towards making our roads safe and save lakhs of innocent lives."</p><p>Proposals are based on the recommendations received by the 18 states transport minister which has now penalties for Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000 just for over-speeding.<br><br>Also bill includes that driving without insurance will be punishable with Rs 2,000 fine and/or 3-month imprisonment, while driving without helmets will attract Rs 2,000 fine and 3-month suspension of licence. </p><p>One of the most important point after recent accident news in Delhi and other region by minors, now the provisions include that guardian/owner will be deemed to be guilty in case of road offence by juveniles while registration of the vehicle will be cancelled and there will be a penalty of Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakh with 3 years imprisonment.<br><br>Traffic violators now have to pay Rs 500 instead Rs 100 earlier and while disobedience of orders will be charged with Rs 2,000 against Rs 500 before. Also, penalty for unauthorized use of vehicles without licence and if driver is not having licence then in both case it will be charged Rs 5,000 and those found driving even after being disqualification would be fined a minimum Rs 10,000. </p><p>Penalty for dangerous driving would be increased to Rs 5,000 from Rs 1,000 while drunken driving under the proposed new law would attract a fine of Rs 10,000. Moreover, those not wearing seat belts would attract Rs 1,000 fine.&nbsp;</p><p>With aim to promote rural transport, last mile connectivity and public transport, Bill has provision allowing states to grant exemptions for stage carriage and contract carriage permits. State government has the right to impose multiplier for frequent defaulters ranging between 1 to 10 times.</p><p>Bill also focuses on e-Governance which will include allowing online learning licenses, extending validity period for driving licence and many other features for ease of process.</p><p>To improve the registration process for new vehicles, dealer can provide temporary registration. </p><p>The Bill also proposes for the automated fitness testing for the transport vehicles effective from 1st October 2018.<br><br>Bill states to create National Register for 'Driving Licence' and National Register for 'Vehicle registration' through "Vahan" & "Sarathi" platforms. </p><p>Indian roads had 400 deaths every day and see almost 5 lakh road accidents a year in which 1.5 lakh people died and another 3 lakh badly injured.<br></p><p></p>