Latest news with #MinistryofRoadTransport
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Break traffic rules with kids onboard? Drivers face double fines and licence risk under new govt proposal
New points system to track driver behaviour Live Events Driving test may be required for licence renewal Experts raise concerns about enforcement (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed a significant revision to the Motor Vehicles Act: drivers flouting traffic rules while carrying children could soon face double the usual fines. The idea is to tighten safety around young passengers and to reinforce accountability, particularly among parents, guardians, and school transport to officials, the current pattern of violations involving school buses and family cars has prompted the ministry to act. These rules would apply not only to private individuals but also to vehicles owned or hired by schools. The intent, sources say, is to make both the driver and vehicle owner equally proposal is part of a larger draft of amendments now being circulated among various ministries for their input.A merit and demerit points system is also on the table. Under this plan, drivers who follow rules could earn positive points, while violators would rack up negative someone crosses a threshold of demerit points, they could lose their licence, either temporarily or permanently. Insurance premiums may also be tied to this points score. Good drivers could be rewarded with lower premiums, while repeat offenders may end up paying say this approach could help identify reckless behaviour early and create a record that reflects actual conduct on the road, not just isolated proposal that's gaining ground is the idea of mandatory driving tests for anyone applying to renew their licence — but only if they've broken traffic rules before their renewal would serve as an added checkpoint to filter out unsafe drivers, giving authorities the chance to reassess driving skills before extending legal permission to stay on the everyone is convinced the changes will deliver meaningful results. As reported by TOI, some road safety experts argue that without proper infrastructure and impartial enforcement, these amendments may just remain good on paper.'Even now traffic cops catch and penalise drivers only for half a dozen offences such as speeding, drunk driving, jumping red signal, using phone and not wearing seatbelt or helmet, while the MV law covers over 100 offences,' an expert told Times of also flagged practical issues with enforcing the rules. 'How will cameras installed identify if a juvenile is sitting in the rear seat of a car and will police personnel stop vehicles and check the age of people sitting inside? While framing laws and policies we don't think of India but Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and big cities,' the expert argument highlights the gap between policy creation and on-ground realities, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where enforcement capacity is ministry's proposals reflect a broader effort to bring discipline and consistency to Indian roads, where rule violations often go unchecked. But as always, the effectiveness of these reforms will depend not just on what's written into law, but on how it's rolled out — and whether authorities can ensure fair and consistent application across the amendments are currently in the consultation phase. Once ministries submit their feedback, the final version is expected to move forward for legislative approval.
India.com
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
BH Series Number Plates: What It Is, Who Can Get It And Why It Matters
New Delhi: A job that keeps moving. A life split between cities. Frequent state transfers. For many, this is routine. For such people, vehicle paperwork turns into a headache. The BH series number plate offers a solution. The government introduced this system in August 2021. It only applies to newly purchased private vehicles. Commercial vehicles are excluded. The plate looks like any other, except for the letters 'BH' – an abbreviation of Bharat. The format is simple – the year of registration, followed by 'BH', then four digits and finally two letters denoting vehicle category. For example, 22BH 4567AB. The difference lies in the flexibility. Regular number plates are state-specific. BH plates are valid nationwide. No matter where you go, you do not need to re-register. This means fewer rules to track, fewer forms to fill and fewer risks of getting penalised. It also helps with insurance. If your vehicle is not properly registered in the state you are in, insurance claims can get rejected. With BH plates, this worry disappears. There is a financial angle too. With regular plates, buyers must pay road tax upfront usually for 15 years. With a BH plate, road tax is paid in two-year blocks. Every two years, you renew. Tax is calculated on the vehicle price, excluding GST. Selling the vehicle also becomes easier. You can sell it to someone in any state without worrying about registration hassles. The BH plate stays valid. So who can get one? According to a 2023 press release from the Press Information Bureau, 26 states and union territories have implemented the BH series registration. Eligible individuals include central and state government employees, defence personnel, employees of public sector banks and civil services staff. Private-sector professionals can apply too, but only if their company has offices in four or more states or union territories. The application process is online. No RTO visit needed. Applicants can either log in to the Ministry of Road Transport's VAHAN portal or go through an authorised automobile dealer. Private sector employees need to submit Form 60, a work certificate and employment ID. Documents are verified. The RTO then approves the request. After paying the required motor vehicle tax, the BH registration is generated. What about downsides? Auto experts say the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. But a few concerns exist. If the vehicle was purchased on a loan, banks may ask for a No Objection Certificate. Some banks have not yet updated their policies for BH plates. Also, switching back to a regular state-specific plate later can be a long process. Tax slabs for BH plates vary. Vehicles under Rs 10 lakh attract 8% tax. Those between Rs 10-20 lakh fall under 10%. Anything above that is taxed at 12%. Diesel vehicles attract 2% extra, while electric vehicles get a 2% rebate. In short, for people on the move, the BH number plate brings relief. It simplifies the journey. Cuts the red tape. And gives your car the freedom to move with you.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Drive safe or lose your licence: Govt rolls out points system for traffic offenders
Ministry of Road Transport is introducing a new, stricter system for managing traffic violations . This initiative aims to reduce road accidents and enforce stricter penalties for repeat offenders. A key part of the plan is the introduction of a negative points system for driving licences, which could lead to suspension or cancellation if a driver accumulates too many points. This system would be in addition to existing fines and penalties for violations such as speeding and jumping red lights. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India strikes hard! New Delhi bans all imports from Pakistan How Pakistan is preparing for the worst as India weighs response If India attacks Pakistan, China & B'desh should seize 7 NE states, says Yunus' aide A global approach to road safety The proposed "demerit and merit" points system has been influenced by practices in countries like Australia, the UK, Germany, and Canada, where similar systems are already in place. According to an official, "While demerit points will be assigned for violation of traffic rules, merit points would be rewarded for good driver behaviour and to good samaritans." This new system is expected to be incorporated into the Motor Vehicles Act once it is amended in the coming months. It comes as part of a broader effort to overhaul India's road safety measures , which have been under scrutiny due to increasing traffic fatalities. The need for stronger enforcement Despite previous efforts, including the introduction of higher fines in 2019, road accidents and fatalities have continued to rise, with more than 1.7 lakh people losing their lives on the roads each year. Officials argue that the new penalty point system, which includes the potential for suspension or cancellation of driving licences, will act as a more effective deterrent. Enhanced technology will also play a role; with the rise of electronic monitoring, enforcement agencies will be able to track penalty points using handheld devices for real-time action. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Never Put Eggs In The Refrigerator. Here's Why... Articles Stone Undo In 2011, a review of the Motor Vehicles Act, headed by former Road Transport Secretary S. Sunder, had suggested a penalty point system for drivers. The report recommended that drivers accumulating 12 penalty points within three years should face a one-year licence suspension, with repeat offenders having their licences cancelled for five years. Mandatory tests and licence renewals In addition to the points system, the government has proposed that drivers applying for licence renewal before their existing licences expire, and who have violated traffic rules, will be required to take a mandatory driving test. At present, such tests are not required for renewal applications made before the licence expiry. Live Events The Ministry also plans to introduce a new provision requiring learners to obtain licences for electric vehicles under 1,500 watts and with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. The government is also considering the introduction of graded eligibility for obtaining learners' licences. Tackling unpaid E-challans A further area of concern for the government is the low recovery rate for e-challans. As of now, only 40% of fines are paid. The new regulations will target drivers who fail to clear their fines. One proposed measure is to suspend a person's driving licence for three months if they have pending e-challans that are more than three months old. Similarly, three violations for red light jumping or dangerous driving within a year could lead to a three-month licence suspension. The government is also exploring the idea of increasing insurance premiums for drivers with two unpaid fines from the previous year. To address concerns over technical issues or delayed notifications, officials are considering implementing a comprehensive procedure that ensures vehicle owners are alerted to pending fines. Challan recovery: State-wise disparities Currently, Delhi has the lowest rate of e-challan recovery , at just 14%, followed by Karnataka (21%) and Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh (27%). In contrast, Maharashtra and Haryana report significantly higher recovery rates, at 62% and 76% respectively. The government aims to improve these figures by implementing stricter enforcement measures. In Delhi, traffic police have received a significant upgrade with a 360-degree rotatable AI-powered radar interceptor designed to identify traffic violations like overspeeding, seatbelt violations, and mobile phone use while driving. The AI system, which features an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera, can track multiple vehicles simultaneously, measure their speed, and issue automated e-challans without human intervention. Integrated with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), this system ensures rapid enforcement of traffic laws. These new measures, combining stricter penalties, technology, and greater accountability, are part of India's broader effort to curb the rising number of road accidents and improve road safety. With stakeholders like state government representatives, experts, and non-government organisations involved in the consultations, the plan aims to build a safer road network for all.
NDTV
28-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
"Can You Be So Casual?" Top Court To Centre Over Plan For Accident Victims
New Delhi: "You are constructing huge highways but people are dying there because there is no facility," the Supreme Court said on Monday as it pulled up the Union government over a delay in formulating a cashless scheme for treating motor accident victims. "Can you be so casual? Are you not serious about this provision? People are dying in road accidents. There is no scheme for golden hour treatment. What is the use of constructing so many highways?" a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan told the secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport. On January 8, the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to formulate the scheme for the cashless medical treatment of motor accident victims in the golden hour period mandated under the law. The golden hour under Section 2 (12-A) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 refers to a one-hour window following a traumatic injury under which a timely medical intervention will most likely prevent death. The bench referred to Section 162(2) of the Act, and ordered the government to provide by March 14 the scheme which could save numerous lives with prompt medical care to accident victims. It underscored the importance of providing immediate medical care during the critical period and said delays caused by a financial crunch or procedural hurdles often cost lives. In the absence of any response, the court had summoned the Ministry of Road Transport. secretary to explain the reasons for the delay in the scheme. The bench observed that despite its January 8 order, the Centre neither complied with the direction nor did it ask for an extension of time. The top court said though Section 164A of Motor Vehicles Act was brought into force on April 1, 2022 for a period of three years, the Centre did not implement it by framing the scheme for the interim relief to claimants. "You are in contempt. You have not bothered to seek extension of time. What is this going on? You tell us when you will frame the scheme? You don't care for your own statutes. This is one of the welfare provisions. Three years (since) this provision has come into place. Are you really working for the welfare of the common man?" the bench said. The ministry's counsel said it is making all efforts to address challenges that have been identified and are critical for the smooth rollout and implementation of the cashless scheme. "You have to start somewhere, you can go on improving the scheme," Justice Oka said. The secretary said a draft scheme was prepared but a roadblock was hit as the GIC raised objections. "The GIC has not been cooperative. It has contended that it should be permitted to check the status of insurance policy of motor vehicles involved in an accident," the secretary said. The top court also recorded the submission that the scheme for the golden hour will be brought into force within a week from Monday. It then directed for the notified scheme to be placed on record by May 9 and posted the matter for May 13. The top court underlined the statutory obligation on the Centre to frame the scheme as it "sought to uphold and protect the right to life guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution". The law, therefore, provides the insurance companies carrying on general insurance business in India to provide for the treatment of road accident victims, including during golden hour in accordance with the scheme made under the Motor Vehicles Act, it said. The bench also noted that 921 claims under the hit-and-run compensation scheme remained pending as of July 31, 2024, due to document deficiencies, and asked the GIC to coordinate with claimants and address the issue.
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
You constructing huge highways but people dying due to lack of facilities: SC to Centre
New Delhi, You are constructing huge highways but people are dying there because of lack of facilities, the Supreme Court on Monday said as it pulled up the Centre over the delay in formulating a cashless scheme for treating motor accident victims. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan observed despite its January 8 order, the Centre neither complied with the direction nor did it ask for an extension of time. The top court said though Section 164A of Motor Vehicles Act was brought into force on April 1, 2022 for a period of three years, the Centre did not implement it by framing the scheme for the interim relief to claimants. "You are in contempt. You have not bothered to seek extension of time. What is this going on? You tell us when will you frame the scheme? You don't care for your own statutes. This is one of the welfare provisions. Three years this provision has come into place. Are you really working for the welfare of common man?" the bench asked. "Can you be so casual? Are you not serious about this provision? People are dying in road accidents. You are constructing huge highways but people are dying there because there is no facility. There is no scheme for golden hour treatment. What is the use of constructing so many highways?" the top court questioned the secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport further. The golden hour under Section 2 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 refers to a one-hour window following a traumatic injury under which a timely medical intervention will most likely prevent death. The top court had summoned the official to explain the reasons for the delay in the scheme. The secretary on Monday said a draft scheme was prepared but a roadblock was hit as the General Insurance Council raised objections. "The GIC has not been cooperative. It has contended that it should be permitted to check the status of insurance policy of motor vehicle involved in an accident," the secretary said. The top court also recorded the submission that the scheme for golden hour will be brought into force within a week from Monday. The bench then directed for the notified scheme to be placed on record by May 9 and posted the matter on May 13. On January 8, the top court directed the Centre to formulate the scheme for the cashless medical treatment of motor accident victims in the golden hour period mandated under the law. The bench referred to Section 162 of the Act, and ordered the government to provide by March 14 the scheme which could save numerous lives with prompt medical care to accident victims. It underscored the importance of providing immediate medical care during the critical period and said delays caused by financial concerns or procedural hurdles often cost lives. The top court also underlined the statutory obligation on the Centre to frame the scheme as it "sought to uphold and protect the right to life guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution". The law, therefore, provides the insurance companies carrying on general insurance business in India to provide for the treatment of road accident victims, including during golden hour in accordance with the scheme made under the MV Act, it said. Despite the provision being in force since April 1, 2022, the government was yet to implement the scheme, prompting the court's intervention. The Centre had submitted a draft concept note outlining the proposed scheme, which included a maximum treatment cost of ₹1.5 lakh and coverage for seven days. However, these limitations were criticised by the petitioner's counsel who argued they fell short of addressing the need for comprehensive care. It also came on record that the GIC was tasked with administering hit-and-run compensation claims and developing a portal to streamline the process. The portal is meant for uploading the required documents, inform states of deficiencies, and reduce delays in processing claims. The top court had noted 921 claims under the hit-and-run compensation scheme remained pending as of July 31, 2024, due to document deficiencies, and asked the GIC to coordinate with claimants and address the issue.
