After a day-long discussion, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2019 to amend the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Ac.

Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways, Nitin Hadkar tabled the 2019 Bill on Monday. Among the major changes, the new bill calls for a substantial increase in fines for a few offenses. Among these, drunken driving which called for a penalty of Rs 2000 will now cost Rs 10,000 according to the new bill. Similarly, driving without a license which previously cost Rs 500 in fine will now cost Rs 5,000 with the new bill.

The proposals for the new bill are based on the recommendations of transport ministers from 18 states, which were vetted by the Standing Committee of Parliament. Additionally, the driving training process has also been strengthened under the new bill. To help road accident victims, Good Samaritan guidelines have been incorporated in the Bill.

The compensation payable for victims in 'hit and run' out of the scheme fund under Section 161 has been enhanced to Rs. 2 lakhs in case of death, and Rs. 50,000/- in case of bodily injury, from Rs. 25,000/- and Rs. 12,500/- respectively.

After a day-long discussion, the Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2019 to amend the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Ac.

Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways, Nitin Hadkar tabled the 2019 Bill on Monday. Among the major changes, the new bill calls for a substantial increase in fines for a few offenses. Among these, drunken driving which called for a penalty of Rs 2000 will now cost Rs 10,000 according to the new bill. Similarly, driving without a license which previously cost Rs 500 in fine will now cost Rs 5,000 with the new bill.

The proposals for the new bill are based on the recommendations of transport ministers from 18 states, which were vetted by the Standing Committee of Parliament. Additionally, the driving training process has also been strengthened under the new bill. To help road accident victims, Good Samaritan guidelines have been incorporated in the Bill.

The compensation payable for victims in 'hit and run' out of the scheme fund under Section 161 has been enhanced to Rs. 2 lakhs in case of death, and Rs. 50,000/- in case of bodily injury, from Rs. 25,000/- and Rs. 12,500/- respectively.