Gujarat government has reduced fines under the new Motor Vehicles Act for first-time offenders. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019, came into effect from September 1. The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill was intended to tighten road traffic regulations such as allotment of driving licence and impose stricter penalties for violations in an attempt to improve road safety. The act enhanced the penalty for several offences, and since its implementation, there have been instances of heavy fines being levied including a Gurugram motorist being penalised Rs 23,000.

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Gujarat reduces fines under Motor Vehicles Act

The fines levied as per Gujarat's modified rules are - Rs 1500 for two-wheelers and three-wheelers , Rs 2000 for Light Motor Vehicles, Rs 4000 for Heavy Motor Vehicles; the violation of vehicle registration attracts Rs 2000, Rs 3000, Rs 5000 respectively. Those caught in races and stunts in public for the first time will be fined Rs 5000 and Rs 10,000 the next time. Using phone while driving will cost the commuter Rs 500 for the first time, Rs 1000 next time. Violation of wearing a helmet will cost Rs 500 and the same amount for violating the seat belt rule. Drivers who fail to carry their licenses will be fined Rs 2000 if they are plying two-wheelers, whereas drivers of three-wheelers and four-wheelers will be fined Rs 3000.

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The new Motor Vehicles Act

The new Motor Vehicles Act, approved by President Ram Nath Kovind in August, is aimed at stricter punishment for violation of traffic regulations and to bring discipline on roads. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said that “Passing the MV Act amendment is a big achievement for our government. The high fines will lead to transparency, and (will) not result in corruption,” Mr. Gadkari said. He added that he was himself penalised under the traffic rules.

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Gurugram man fined Rs  23,000 under new Motor Vehicles Act

Dinesh Madan, the man who was driving without a registration certificate and helmet, has been charged with a hefty amount for his mistakes. The big fine comes amid the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2019 which has brought with it a new set of penalties and fines. Speaking o the media, Madan said, "I want that fine should be relaxed. From now on I will always carry my documents.”

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