For uninsured vehicles, road minister moots steep hike in penalties

NEW DELHI: In a bid to address the longstanding confusion over speed limits, the road transport ministry has proposed that the Centre set the speed limits for NHs and expressways while states can do so for state highways and other roads. In a slew of amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, the ministry has also proposed making uninsured vehicles pay three times the insurance premium for plying on roads and five times the premium for a repeat offence.

Further, the ministry has proposed setting timelines for states to adopt guidelines issued by the Centre for registration and regulation of vehicle aggregators, and approve setting up of automated testing stations. It has circulated the proposed amendments to other ministries for their feedback, before it seeks Cabinet approval for the same.

Under the current system, while the Centre officially sets maximum speed limits for NHs and expressways, states usually impose lower limits for these highways. This lack of uniformity often leads to drivers being penalised for exceeding limits set by states for NHs and expressways. This has also become a breeding ground for corruption involving law enforcement agencies.

For uninsured vehicles, the ministry has proposed a steep hike in penalties. Instead of the current penalty of Rs 2,000 for a first offence and Rs 4,000 for repeat offences with up to three months' imprisonment, the amendment proposes such violators be required to pay three times the base insurance premium for a first offence and five times for repeat violations. The move is aimed at checking the rise in number of vehicles plying without valid insurance and ensuring better compliance.

The draft amendments propose stricter norms for renewal of driving licences. A mandatory driving test will be required for those convicted of offences such as overspeeding and drunk driving. Additionally, those above the age of 55 will need to undergo a driving test at time of licence renewal.