[rohanjf]

Implementation of these laws should begin with pilot phases. Identify certain stretches of toll roads where external interference (for example, villagers, their animals and their vehicles joining the road suddenly from illegal mud roads) is minimum. Install proper lights and paint the lines. Then install cameras for proofs. At the beginning toll booth, display the fines for ovespeeding, running out of fuel, going below and above speed limits, not sticking to the correct lane for speed etc.

At the end toll booth, pull over the erring vehicles, show the video and collect the fine.

But then, cops are interested in quick bucks, so they won't bother explaining the offences to the ignorant offenders. And these drivers will continue the offences without even knowing what they are doing is wrong!

[sgiitk]

I hope they have fixed the arbitrary local rules - paint top of headlamps black - UP supported by ToI Lucknow who retracted after one angry e-mail from me, Yellow Dot Stickers on HeadLamps (Gujarat aka Midiland), no projectors / HIDs Goa even if OE.

[fast&furious]

Originally Posted by rohanjf

But then, cops are interested in quick bucks, so they won't bother explaining the offences to the ignorant offenders. And these drivers will continue the offences without even knowing what they are doing is wrong!

I will tell you about one such incident which a friend of mine witnessed. The police stopped a biker and started checking the documents. He was driving with a learner's license. The police told him that according to the new rules, it's valid for only one month(is there any such new rule?). Out went Rs.500 from his pocket.

[Irish]

Rajya Sabha passes Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill

There is a good news to share. The MV Act bill has been passed in the Rajya Sabha. Now lets wait for the Loksabha to also pass it and make it a law.

There is a provision in the Bill that those causing overloading will also be held responsible along with the driver and the vehicle owner. It says if the documents in possession of the driver or owner establish that "the offence was committed with the knowledge of or under the orders of the consignor or the common carrier", then the penalty will be on the consignor. Besides, if the driver or the owner is found to be responsible for overloading, then they will be held responsible as well.

Once the bill becomes a law after being passed by Lok Sabha, traffic police officers across the country can start issuing challans to violators as per the new provisions. Rules stipulate that Rs 500 fine can be slapped for not wearing seat belt and helmet, or for jumping a red light for the first time. Drunk driving will be graded according to alcohol levels in the blood, and punishment can go up to a two-year jail term and Rs 5,000 fine or both.

The fines will multiply if the same offender violates the rules subsequently. Repeat traffic offences will invite stiff fines. Jumping red lights or not using seat belts and helmets will attract a penalty between Rs 500 to Rs 1,500. And, repeated use of cellphone while driving will cost an offender Rs 5,000.

Source: Rajya Sabha passes Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill - The Times of India


Cheers!
Irish

[radek]

Some more rules included in Motor Vehicle bill passed by Rajya Sabha.

The amended Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2012, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 8 May 2012, provides for pro-rata refund of taxes on transfer of vehicles from one state to another and subsequent pro-rata payment of taxes at the migrating state.
This will apply to all private vehicles where the owner shifts residence and applies for `no objection certificate' with the registering authorities, minister of state for road transport and highways Dr Tushar A Chaudhary informed the Lok Sabha today.
''Where an owner of a motor vehicle (other than transport vehicle) on which one-time or long-term tax has been paid, ceases to reside at the address recorded in the certificate of registration of the vehicle on account of his transfer on official duty or shift of residence, the registering authority shall, where the vehicle was registered prior to such transfer or shift of residence, on application for no objection certificate under section 48, refund the pro-rata unutilized tax on the vehicle; and the registering authority where the vehicle is being shifted shall levy and collect pro-rata tax for the remaining valid period of registration of such vehicle.''

[dadu]

Originally Posted by fast&furious

I will tell you about one such incident which a friend of mine witnessed. The police stopped a biker and started checking the documents. He was driving with a learner's license. The police told him that according to the new rules, it's valid for only one month(is there any such new rule?). Out went Rs.500 from his pocket.

Learners licence is valid for 6 months but there is a caevet: a person with learners licence has to be accompanied by a permanent licence holder while driving, all the time.

[revved_up]

Just a thought - If they increase the penalties, it will have a direct impact on how much bribes the corrupt policemen will get!
e.g: A corrupt policeman will rather demand 200 rupees as bribe than challaning a person for 1000. And most of the people would also pay the bribe.

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by dadu

Learners licence is valid for 6 months but there is a caevet: a person with learners licence has to be accompanied by a permanent licence holder while driving, all the time.

If you give me a rupee for the number of learners who drive solo without a permanant licence holder - I can retire

[prateekm]

Originally Posted by revved_up

Just a thought - If they increase the penalties, it will have a direct impact on how much bribes the corrupt policemen will get!
e.g: A corrupt policeman will rather demand 200 rupees as bribe than challaning a person for 1000. And most of the people would also pay the bribe.

Yes, but think of it this way. A person, who has a habit of paying bribes might have to shell out just 50 bucks now. After the penalties become stricter, he might have to do away with say 200-300 for a Rs.500 offence which will hurt his pocket much more than the 50 bucks. When he pays high bribes a few times, I guess eventually they will start following rules just not to waste money on bribes.

[revved_up]

Originally Posted by prateekm

Yes, but think of it this way. A person, who has a habit of paying bribes might have to shell out just 50 bucks now. After the penalties become stricter, he might have to do away with say 200-300 for a Rs.500 offence which will hurt his pocket much more than the 50 bucks. When he pays high bribes a few times, I guess eventually they will start following rules just not to waste money on bribes.

Thats a very optimistic way of looking at things

[fast&furious]

Originally Posted by dadu

Learners licence is valid for 6 months but there is a caevet: a person with learners licence has to be accompanied by a permanent licence holder while driving, all the time.

Oops. A typo there. He was riding a bike. Same rule applies to bikers also?! That increases the chance of an accident na? Btw, the cop told him that according to the new rule, learner's license is valid for only one month.

[theMAG]

Again, while the intent is appreciated, just like with every other law in this land, the limited means to enforce a law means extra agony to the citizen while deflecting the intent of the law. There has to be a real introspection from governments as to how they can make enforcement more practical.

[hrman]

Originally Posted by dadu

Learners licence is valid for 6 months but there is a caevet: a person with learners licence has to be accompanied by a permanent licence holder while driving, all the time.

AFAIK this is only for LMVs or heavy vehicles. On a two wheeler, the learner would not be comfortable to ride along with a pillion so its not mandatory.
The validity of 6 months is correct. I just got my learners license converted to a PDL.

[dadu]

Originally Posted by fast&furious

Oops. A typo there. He was riding a bike. Same rule applies to bikers also?! That increases the chance of an accident na? Btw, the cop told him that according to the new rule, learner's license is valid for only one month.

Not all Cops know all the rules.

Originally Posted by hrman

AFAIK this is only for LMVs or heavy vehicles. On a two wheeler, the learner would not be comfortable to ride along with a pillion so its not mandatory.
The validity of 6 months is correct. I just got my learners license converted to a PDL.

Its not for the comfort of a "Learner", this is what the rule states and valid for both LMV and Two wheelers.

What exactly does this licence entitle you to ?

It allows you to learn to drive with regular and experienced driver of your choice. If you want to drive a motor car or a two-wheeler, this would have to be along with a friend, relative or an instructor of a driving school as long as he/she holds a valid driving licence. We would recommend the last. But, be careful to pick on an instructor from a school recognized by the Transport Department.

But like everything else, its not strictly enforced.

Source

[Amrik Singh]

Amended MV Rules have seen heavy increase in Penalties for violations. Websites and forums are full of Jokes and Cartoons making a Joke of this.
While there is news of Scooterists fined as much as 23,000 and 24,000 Rs. ,there is a large section of citizens who question this increase in terms of quality of roads and amenities offered by authorities.
Yes, I agree the roads have potholes and is in poor condition at other places, but, Yamuna Expressway is a World class road ..... yet .... it sees fatal accidents daily.
In my opinion such a heavy dose is necessary for drivers to get road sense and to drive sensibly.