Learn everything there is to know about the Indian Motor Vehicle Act.

Remember how our parents used to make home rules for us when we were being really mischievous? Do you, by any chance? So there were tight restrictions, and we were warned that if we did not follow these rules, we would be grounded or our pocket money would be taken away, so we instantly began obeying all of their rules in order to continue enjoying the small pleasures of life.

Assume our government here is similar to our parent's back in the day, and we've been so lax in our attitude to traffic regulations and discipline that they had to impose some stringent rules for us to obey, some grounding to be done, and some penalties to pay.

Let's start with an explanation of what the Motor Vehicle Act is in the first place.

What exactly is the Motor Vehicle Act?

The Motor Vehicles Act, enacted in 1988, governs practically all elements of road transport vehicles. It contains thorough rules on driver and conductor licences, registration of motor vehicles, management of their permits, traffic regulations, connected insurances, liabilities, and fines. The motor vehicle legislation requires all drivers to have a valid driving licence, and no vehicle may be operated unless it is registered under the motor vehicle act.

What kind of offences are covered by the Motor Vehicle Act?

1. Under section 3 r/w 181 Motor Vehicle Act : A person driving his vehicle without a valid license

2. Under section 5 r/w 180 Motor Vehicle Act : A person allowing his vehicle to be driven by a person who does not have a valid license

3. Under section 130(3) r/w 177 Motor Vehicle Act : A person not having all their relevant documents

4. Under section 130 r/w 177 Motor Vehicle Act : A person driving his vehicle without a valid insurance

5. Under section 130 r/w 177 Motor Vehicle Act : A person driving his vehicle without a valid permit

6. Under section 130 r/w 177 Motor Vehicle Act : A person driving his vehicle without a valid fitness

7. Under section 39 r/w 192 Motor Vehicle Act : A person without a valid R.C, for his vehicle

8. Under section 4 r/s 181 Motor Vehicle Act : A minor driving the vehicle

9. Under section 5 r/w 180 Motor Vehicle Act : Allowing an unauthorized person to drive

10. Under section 129 r/w 177 Motor Vehicle Act : A person riding without a helmet

11. Under section 138(3) CMVR 177 Motor Vehicle Act : A person driving his vehicle without fastening his seat belt

12. Under section 184 Motor Vehicle Act : A person found over-speeding and doing rash driving

13. Under section 112-183 Motor Vehicle Act : A person found doing hasty or dangerous driving

14. Under section 17(i) RRR 177 Motor Vehicle Act : A person driving in a one way against the way

There are various offences under the motor vehicle act for various scenarios, which can be found in detail on the government website and relate to road offences, number plate related offences, vehicle light related offences, horn related offences, traffic signal related offences, speed and overtake related offences, pollution-related offences, vehicle condition related offences, parking-related offences, and so on.

What are the amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act for 2019?

The new Motor Vehicle Act contains major changes, and driving faults will make a significant impact in your monthly budget, with some of them costing you the same or more than your monthly fuel expense. Here is a list of the most important new automobile laws:

Penalties : Some penalties are strengthened, while others are added. Check out the full list of new traffic penalties

Updated List of Traffic Fines in India for Various Violations: