New Delhi, 1 March 2012

The Union Cabinet today cleared a slew of amendments in the Motor Vehicle Bill.

Following can be the implications if the amendments are approved by parliament and amended law come to effect:

-Offences like drink driving will be graded according to alcohol levels in the blood with a punishment that can go up to a two-year jail term and Rs 5,000 fine or both.

-Repeat traffic offences will fetch stiff fines with jumping red lights or not using seat belts and helmets attracting fine between Rs 500 to Rs 1,500.

-The first offence of using cellphone will mean Rs 500 fine and subsequent infringements can set the offender back by Rs 5,000 in penalties.

-In some categories the fines are increased up to eight-10 folds over existing fines. The bill incorporates even higher fines and longer jail terms for repeat offences.

-The vehicle owner will be responsible in case a minor is caught at the wheel.

-For the disrespect of speed limits, The fine will go up from Rs 400 to Rs 1,000 for the first offence. Subsequently, the penalty could be as high as Rs 5,000.

The alcohol level in those caught drinking and driving will determine the fine or jail term. “This will be measured using a breathalyzer. Such exercises in Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai have yielded positive result,” said a ministry official.

-To discourage the use of cellphones, which have emerged as a key reason for road accidents all over the world, the new bill has proposed Rs 500 fine for the first offence and the subsequent fines would go up to Rs 5,000.

-Heavy penalties like Rs 20,000 every time or one year prison for those caught using vehicles without a valid registration or without permit.

The Bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha in the ensuing Budget Session.