Cabinet approves changes in proposed Motor Bill; likely to be tabled in Parliament next week

The Motor Vehicles Act 1989 is a 30-year-old instrument which had not kept pace with the change of dynamics of road transport and information technology.

The bill proposes major amendments to the three-decade old Act that has outlived its utility on several fronts.

The proposed law specifically targets traffic offenders with stringent penal provisions. It has identified priority areas for improving road safety.

Stricter penalties are proposed for high risk offences such as drunken driving, dangerous driving, overloading, non-adherence to safety norms by drivers (such as use of seat belt, helmets).

The bill also provides for facilitating delivery of services to citizens and transporters. It proposes Aadhar-based verification for grant of online services including learner’s licence. This would ensure the integrity of the online services and also stop creation of duplicate licences.

The bill aims to provide for maximum governance with minimum Government. This would help in reducing the harassment faced by stakeholders at RTO offices. A national database of vehicles and driving licences would help in safety and security and avoid malpractices.

Road safety is a major thrust area for the cause of public health. Nearly 1.5 lakh Indians lost their lives in road accidents last year.