Amendments to the MV Act, 1988 are being implemented today. After years of being in development, this is the second revision made in recent times. And, given a chance, it could help correct road behavior, simply because current revised fines though not steep, will at least make one pause.
Fromprevious fines of Rs 100, to an interim period revision, current fines wouldappear to be substantial. However, some parameters still remain largelyundefined but will hopefully be easier to understand in the months to come.
Speedy driving penalty under section 154 of the MV Act has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. While the fine decided looks good enough to stop someone from offending, it's still unclear what defines dangerous driving, and under what parameters it'll be determined.
Abetter understanding of general offences too needs to be clearly defined. Thepenalty for this has been increased from a mere Rs 100 to Rs 500. Disobedienceof orders of authorities too needs to be clarified further as the guideline forwhat these orders are is not clearly defined. The penalty for this section 180offence is now Rs 2,000, up from Rs 500.
Ridingwithout a helmet now attracts a penalty of Rs 1,000 fine and a 3-monthsuspension of license. At the same time, an entire segment of commuters completelydisregards the need for a helmet, and this extends to pillion riders too.
Introducingthe Rs 1,000 fine may help get folks to wearing a helmet when passing acheckpoint but not enough is being done to increasing awareness regardinghelmet usage and safety related to it. There's also the problem of safehelmets, as wearing an uncertified helmet is as good as not wearing one, andthe market for fake helmets is one that hasn't been ever rattled.
Drunkendriving penalty now stands at Rs 10,000. While this is a great move, hope itbrings with it a range of up to date breath analysers, and more women copperson duty after hours. The easiest way to get around drunk driving is to have awoman driver because chances are there won't be a woman copper on night patrol.
