Drive carefully or pay more to Government coffers/ to police wallet!

The Central Government has proposed amendments in Motor Vehicle Act. These changes do have potential to infuse much needed discipline in the way we drive.

India is one of the largest growing markets of two-wheelers, cars, and vehicles in general. However there were no changes in the Act, reflecting the current conditions of ever increasing numbers of vehicles and the worse traffic.

Hence these amendments cleared by the Cabinet Ministers make all the more sense.

So what are the proposals on unveil?

If you are in rush and jump the red signal (sounds familiar!) you will have to pay penalty of Rs. 100 to 500. And if you venture to repeat, you will have to pay Rs. 300 to 1500.

If you happen to 'forget' to wear the seat-belt or helmet, you will be fined Rs. 500 for the first time and 1500 second time!   

And more importantly if you are two-three or whatever pegs down, and on assessment if alcohol content is in the range of 30-150 mg/ 100 mg of your blood, fine is Rs. 2000 to 5000 or six month's jail or both!

For the reckless second timers of drink-&-drive fine is Rs. 8000 to 10000 or four years imprisonment or both. There is a provision of cancelling the license altogether.  

With the rise in the mobile communication, if people drive a vehicle and talk/text on phone simultaneously, they would invite a fine of Rs. 500, second time offence has penalty of Rs. 2000 to 5000.

In our country, everyday there are almost 1500 accidents on our roads! Mishaps on the national highways constitute almost 30% of all.

These provisions to be tabled in the Budget session, are good and welcome step ahead, however their actual enforcement and implementation hold the key. Our track record of passing the law and their subsequent execution is abysmal.