NEW TRAFFIC LAWS IN INDIA [EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW]

India has often been criticized for its mismanagement of traffic in the country. It has been seen that the major metropolitan cities of the country face the “traffic-trouble” consistently. Though, the Government of the country, both at State and Centre level try to make hard and hitting laws to curb traffic related issues.

The dimension of traffic laws is quite large in the Country concerning registration of vehicles, punishments and fines for violations of traffic rules etc. Managing both commercial and motor vehicles is quite challenging and is governed by different acts such as The Motors Vehicles Act, 1988, Rules of Road Regulations 1989, Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 etc.

The act has recently been amended introducing stricter and better rules to match with the changing dimensions of the traffic problems in the Country. The Motors Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2020 has harsh punishments including ₹10000 fine for drunk driving or imprisonment, ₹1000 fine for two-wheelers not wearing helmet during the ride, fine up to ₹5,000 for jumping traffic light, using mobile phone while driving, overtaking wrongly and driving against flow of traffic.

Not only for the citizens but the act has new provisions for imposing 200% fine on traffic police and transport department personnel caught contravening traffic rules.

A new provision can land you in jail for 6 months if caught blocking the way emergency vehicle such as ambulance.

Juvenile has also not been spared in the new provisions; Guardian/Vehicle owner will be deemed to be guilty of the offences committed by Juvenile. Strict punishments such as ₹25000 fine, 3 years of jail, cancellation of registration of vehicle for 1 year has been set out.

The ones using extreme horn sounds too has been penalized with fine ₹1000 for first time offenders and ₹2000 for the subsequent.

The act has been amended with the view to make people more aware of road safety with increase in penalties and introduction of new provisions.

Law relating to Driving License

Obtaining a driving license after attaining the required age (Anyone who is above 18 years of age is eligible to obtain a driving license, But a person who is under the age of 16 years can drive a motor vehicle of engine capacity not exceeding 50cc, No person under the age of 20 years shall be eligible to drive a transport vehicle) and having equipped yourself with the required skills still remains a major to do list in many people’s life. Ever wondered which act of the law governs driving license rules and regulations?

Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 governs the law relating to the driving license in the country.  As per Section-3 of the Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 nobody can drive at any public place until he holds an effective driving license issued to him authorising him to drive the vehicle.

The Act also talks about the responsibility of the owner to not to allow one’s vehicle to be driven by others.

The different types of driving licenses issued are:

1. Learner’s License
2. Permanent Driving License
3. Duplicate Driving License
4. Motorcycle License or Two-wheeler License
5. Light Motor Vehicle License (LMV)
6. Heavy Motor Vehicle License (HMV)
7. International Driving License

Law relating to Pedestrian

We have talked about the vehicles and vehicle owners and law governing their conduct. But do only vehicle comprise the traffic dimensions of the country. The answer is No. Pedestrian too form a part of it and abiding them rules and regulations is equally important to have a better traffic management in the Country.

The Act that directly governs the pedestrian activities  is Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

The Motor Vehicles Act (1988), Sections 7-38 discusses about penalizing the motorists exceeding speed limits and license regulation, etc., indirectly protecting vulnerable road users. Section 138 Clause (h & i) empowers the State Government to prevent motor vehicles from using the pavements for driving or parking.

The acts that indirectly safeguard pedestrian rights are The Indian Penal Code (1860) .

Sections 279,[11] 304 (Punishment for Culpable Homicide not Amounting to Murder), and 336[12]/337/338 protects the public, which includes pedestrians, against rash driving and negligence by motorists.

Apart from it, the Rules of the Road Regulation (1989) has three rules mentioning pedestrians or their right of way, which are:

1. Rule 8 says that it is the duty of the driver to slow down when approaching a pedestrian crossing.
2. Rule 15 says that no driver can park a motor vehicle near a traffic light or on a pedestrian crossing or a footpath
3. Rule 11 states that Motor vehicles are not allowed to drive on the footpaths or cycle lane except with permission from the police officer on duty.

In India, the Municipal Corporation Act of the various States such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata also protect public roads and streets by terming all obstructions illegal unless made with the prior permission of the collector. They are entitled to ascertain the footpath width based on a width of the public roads.

Under the Persons with Disabilities (equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation) Act (1995), the Government must provide for auditory signals, engraving on the zebra crossings, slopes in pavements for easy access to a wheelchair, and warning signs at appropriate places.

Here was a quick view of the latest updates in Traffic Rules in India along with some lesser known facts to you. Hope this insights has helped you some. To read news related to updated Traffic and other laws, visit the best in the business, latestlaws.com.