New Delhi:
The union cabinet has cleared an array of amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act. This increases punishment for various offences. The new rules will apply across the country, if they are approved by Parliament. So fasten your seat belts, don't talk on your cell-phone while driving and don't jump that light. If you do, here is what it could cost you soon:
1) If caught speeding, you will pay Rs 1000 for the first offence; Rs 2000 to 5000 the second time. Right now, Rs 400 is all you shell out if caught speeding.
2) When you jump a light, you'll pay Rs 500 and not Rs 100 as you do now. The second time around jumping the light will cost you Rs 1000 to Rs 1500, not the Rs 300 you are fined now.
3) Ditto for not wearing helmets or seat belts. The fine is up from Rs 100 to Rs 500; and from Rs 300 to Rs 1000-1500 the next time you do it.
4) Call that cab when you've been out drinking. Getting caught will be rather more expensive soon. You could be fined anywhere between Rs 2,000 - Rs 5,000 and/or jailed for a period between six months and 2 years. The next time you are caught driving after consuming alcohol, you could shell out Rs 8000-10000 and could get a three or four year jail term.
5) Rash driving becomes dearer too. You could be fined Rs 100 and / or jailed for six months. If you drive dangerously again, you could pay Rs 2,000 - 5,000 in fine and / or get another six months in jail.
6) Getting caught using a cellphone while driving will make you poorer by Rs 500, not the very meagre Rs 100 that you pay now. And for getting caught again, be prepared to pay Rs 2,000-5,000.