Harsher Punishment For Traffic Voilation Likely

HARSHER PUNISHMENT FOR TRAFFIC VOILATION LIKELY 30 Dec 2008, 0246 hrs IST, TNN PUNE: The state government is working on a proposal to seek changes in the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, so that punishment is enhanced for traffic violations. Ramanath Jha, principal secretary (department of transport and excise), has said, "Provisions related to violation of rules were fixed long ago. All over the world, punishment is much harsher. Basically, we want the punishment to be a strong deterrent". The offences for which punishment is proposed to be increased include (rule 180) allowing unauthorised persons to drive vehicles, (rule 181) driving vehicles without proper licence or anyone below the age of 18 driving the vehicle, (rule 183) driving at excessive speed, (rule 184) related to dangerous driving, (rule 185) related to driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, and (rule 187) for offences relating to an accident. When contacted, state transport commissioner Deepak Kapoor told TOI that while he would make a comment on the details of the proposal later, he agreed that the present punishment for traffic violations was less. "The proposed enhanced punishment has to be worked out properly, as anyone can challenge it in court," he added. Rash driving, which has become an issue of serious concern these days, attracts a punishment of six months in jail or a fine of up to Rs 1,000 for the first offence. If the same offence is committed again within three years of the previous offence, the punishment is either imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine of Rs 2,000 or both. While the government is proposing changes in the rules, it will take a few months, if not more, for the law to come into effect. Changes in central laws would require administrative approval from the central government. Later, it will have to be approved by the State Legislative Assembly as well as the State Legislative Council. After this, the state government will seek approval from the President. The government will be able to implement the law only then. Fatal mishaps highest in Maharashtra According to the National Crime Records Bureau's report for the year 2007, Maharashtra accounted for 12.4 per cent of total road accidents in the country. The number of deaths due to road mishaps was 12,616 in Maharashtra, the highest, followed by 12,036 in Tamil Nadu. The number of road accidents, however, was higher in Tamil Nadu (59,117), followed by Maharashtra (51,975). According to the report, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have also reported the maximum number of road accidents during each month of the year at the national level. SECTIONS, AND PUNISHMENTS section 180: Allowing unauthorised persons to drive vehicles. Punishment: If the person owning the vehicle allows any other person (not having a proper licence or who is not 18 years of age) to drive the vehicle, then the punishment is imprisonment up to three months and/or a fine of Rs 1,000. Section 181: Driving vehicles without proper licence or in violation of proper age limit. Punishment: Imprisonment of three months, and/or fine of Rs 500. Section 183: Driving at excessive speed Punishment: Fine of Rs 400 (first offence), Rs 1,000 for second offence. Section 184: Driving dangerously Punishment: Imprisonment up to six months and/or fine of Rs 1,000 (for first offence). For second offence committed within three years, the imprisonment is up to two years and/or a fine of Rs 2,000. Section 185: Driving by a drunken person or under the influence of drugs Punishment: Imprisonment up to six months and/or a fine of Rs 2,000; and for a second offence within three years, imprisonment up to two years, and/or a fine of Rs 3,000. Section 187: Punishment for offences relating to accident Punishment: Imprisonment of up to three months and/or a fine of Rs 500. For a second offence, imprisonment up to six months and or a fine of Rs 1,000.

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