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Not Giving Way To Ambulances Can Now Result In A Fine Of ₹10,000

The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill proposes a steep hike in fines for traffic violations.

In a major step that will bring about radical reforms in the transport sector, the Lok Sabha on 10 April approved the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

In addition to proposing a hefty increase in compensation to families of accident victims and levying heavy penalties on law breakers, the bill has for the first time announced a fine of ₹10,000 on those who do not allow for emergency vehicles to pass, especially during rush hour when roads are choc-a-block with traffic.

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the bill, which is an amendment to the almost 30-year-old Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, "aims to save human lives".

According to the new amendments, drunk driving could lead to a fine of ₹10,000 which is a huge jump from the previous ₹2,000, while talking on the phone while driving could result in a fine of ₹5,000, a big hike from the current ₹1,000. The fine for driving without licence and racing has been upped to ₹5,000 from ₹500

The bill also seeks to cap maximum liability for third party insurance at ₹10 lakh in case of death in a motor accident.

In the case of death in hit-and-run accidents, the bill provides for an eight-fold increase in compensation to ₹2 lakh.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.