With the increasing fines against traffic violations in the country, the locals seemed to have started taking safety seriously again. In a video shared by ANI, locals in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, on Saturday are seen confronting policemen for not wearing seat belts while driving. The video shows the police car travelling in a crowded area. On seeing the policemen travelling without fastening their seatbelts, the locals are heard asking, "Where is your seatbelt?"

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Locals catch policemen without seatbelts

On being confronted, the visuals show one of the policemen lowering his window to address the locals' queries. When asked why he was not wearing a seatbelt, the policeman says, "We are just fastening it now." The locals are then seen blocking the car's pathway. They are seen demanding the officers to put a penalty on themselves for breaking the rules. After being repeatedly accosted by the locals, the car is seen continuing on its way while locals chase it.

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Many debate motor law, Gadkari stands by it

This video has come to light with the heated debate on the Centre's new Motor vehicles law implemented this month. While many have debated the law, alleging that it won't affect safety but increase corruption, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has staunchly defended the law, stating the Centre will not amend the fines levied under the new law.   Speaking to Republic TV the clarified that those opposing the act are not focussing on the reason for its implementation. He also said that states are free to implement it accordingly. Ten states have already opposed the law.

"The bill is in the concurrent list so the state has the powers. If they think that fines should be reduced they can. If reduction will also result in people obeying laws and will reduce accidents, then they will be applauded. If it doesn't happen, then also they must take responsibility," he said.

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What is the Motor Vehicles Act (2019)?

According to PRS, The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 15, 2019, by the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. The Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 was implemented on September 1. It contains 63 provisions that deal with penalties. Below are some of the changes in the traffic rules as per the Amendment:

• Penalty for drunken driving has been increased to 6 months imprisonment and/or Rs 10,000 fine for the first offence.
• Penalty for racing/speeding has been increased to imprisonment of up to 1 month and/or fine up to Rs 500 for first offence.
• Penalty for travelling without helmet has been increased to fine up to Rs 1,000.
• Fine for not wearing seatbelt has been increased from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000.
• Fine for talking on a mobile phone while driving has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000.
• Punishment for juveniles for offences will include Rs 25,000 and imprisonment up to 3 years and cancellation of registration of motor vehicle for 12 months.
•  Fine for individuals driving without licence has been increased from up to Rs 500 to Rs 5,000.
   

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