Cabinet approves amendments to motor vehicle act

In a bid to streamline implementation of traffic rules in the country, the cabinet Thursday approved the Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2007 to increase penalties manifold.

According to official sources, in order to check use of mobile phones or ipads while driving, the first offence would invite a fine of Rs.500 and the second between Rs.2,000 and 5,000.

In order to curb drunken driving, the bill proposes three categories — and varying fines.

In the first category, 30-60 mg of alocohol per 100 ml of blood will fetch six months in jail or Rs.2,000 as fine or both.

In the second, 60-150 mg per of alcohol will invite one year in jail or Rs.4,000 as fine or both.

In the same category, a repeat offence would lad to three years in jail or Rs.8,000 as fine or both.

If there is over 150 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, the punishment would be two years in jail or Rs.5,000 as fine or both.

A repeat offence in this category would fetch four years in jail or Rs.10,000 as fine or both or even cancellation of the driving licence.

The bill has a category to punish traffic rule violators under the influence of narcotic substances.

The first offence would invite six months in jail or Rs.2,000 as fine or both while a subsequent offence would lead to two years in jail or Rs.5,000 as fine or both.

The second offence under this category would invite jail for six months or Rs.10,000 fine or both or canecllation licence.

In case of a death in a road accident, the compnesation is proposed to be hiked from Rs.25,000 to Rs.1 lakh. In case of serious injury, compensation would be Rs.50,000.

The amendment bill would be presented in the Rajya Sabha in the budget session starting March 12.