Drunk drivers to be fined up to ₹10000, 3-month license suspension

Riding without helmets can lead to a 3-month suspension of your licence If caught without a third-party vehicle insurance, the driver may face up to three months of incarceration

The government today approved the much-awaited Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016 that proposes hefty penalties for violation of traffic norms including up to ₹10,000 as fine for drunken driving and the compensation for a hit-and-run cases has been increased from ₹25,000 to ₹2 lakh. The bill also has a provision wherein the accused will have to pay up to ₹ 10 lakh as compensation in case of road fatality     

"The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Motor Vehicle Amendment) Bill 2016. It is a historic step towards making our roads safe and can save lakhs of innocent lives," Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told PTI after the meeting.   

He said the proposals are based on the recommendations of transport ministers from 18 states. The bill further states that over-speeding can invite a penalty between the range of Rs 1000-Rs 4000 .    

As per the bill, driving without insurance will be punishable with ₹2,000 fine and three-month incarceration, while riding without helmets will attract a ₹2,000 fine and a 3-month suspension of licence.    

The provisions also include that guardian/owner will be deemed to be guilty in case of road offence by juveniles while registration of the vehicle will be cancelled.