Uttarakhand has now relaxed the penalties for traffic violations under the amended Motor Vehicles Act. The centre had recently imposed heavy fines in the New Motor Vehicles Act, but the BJP-led government in Uttarakhand has made alarming changes in the fines, giving a sense of relief to the people.

Chief Minister of Uttrakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat summoned a meeting with his Cabinet to discuss the issues concerning the State in regard to the recently updated Motor Vehicle Act. Uttarakhand's Urban Development Minister and Government spokesperson Madan Kaushik, later while briefing the reporters, said that 16 proposals were presented before the State Cabinet.

READ | Gujarat reduces Motor Vehicles Act fines for first-time offenders

Revised Penalties 

Here's the list of revised penalties in Uttarakhand -

- The Center's fine of Rs 5,000 for driving without a license has been cut down to Rs 2,500 in the state
- In case someone is found driving with an expired license, the Centre's fine is Rs 10,000 but now has been slashed down to Rs   5,000
- The penalty for the sale of unauthorised vehicles was Rs 1,00,000 but has been brought down to 50,000
- Modification to the vehicle and wrong number plate would be fined with Rs 5,000 in Uttarakhand; while speeding and dangerous driving would cost the driver Rs 2,000.

However, the Uttarakhand Government did not make any changes to the Section 177 of the Act. Offences like riding without a helmet, triple riding, black window panes on vehicles, and not carrying the requisite documents which come under this section have been kept intact with rules guided by the Centre. After Karnataka and Gujarat, Uttarakhand becomes the third BJP-ruled state to reduce strict penalties under the amended Motor Vehicles Act. Reportedly, many parties have also demanded that the fines must be brought down. On Wednesday, Youth Congress members protested outside the residence of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi.

READ | Traffic fines: Here are all the new penalties under Motor Vehicles Act

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019, came into effect from September 1 and was previously approved by the President on August 9, 2019. The bill includes 63 clauses that deal with penalties, licenses, registration and National Transport Policy, among others. The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill is expected to tighten the road traffic regulations such as allotment of driving license and impose stricter penalties for violations in an attempt to improve road safety.

READ | Motor Vehicles Act: These road violation penalties apply from Sep 1

(With Inputs from ANI)