The Cabinet has approved the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016. Here is how the proposed changes would help in making roads safer:
 

• Increase in compensation for hit-and-run cases from Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakh. Also, compensation of up to Rs 10 lakh in road accident fatalities.
• It would simplify third party insurance claims and settlement process.
• Insertion of 28 new sections to focus on issues relating to improving road safety and citizens’ facilitation while dealing with the transport department, by strengthening rural transport, last mile connectivity and public transport, automation and computerisation and enabling online services.
• Proposes that the state government specify a multiplier, not less than one and not greater than ten, to be applied to each fine under this Act and such modified fine.
• Proposes offences committed by juveniles. Says guardian/owner shall be deemed guilty in cases of offences by juveniles who should to be tried under the Juvenile Justice Act. Also, registration of the motor vehicle to be cancelled.
• Stricter provisions for offences like juvenile driving, drunken driving, driving without licence, dangerous driving, over-speeding, overloading etc.
• Stricter provisions for helmets along with provisions for electronic detection of violations.
• To help the road accident victims, Good Samaritan guidelines incorporated in the bill.
• Proposes to mandate the automated fitness testing for the transport vehicles with effect from October 1, 2018.
• To bring harmony of the registration and licensing process, creation of national register for driving licence and national register for vehicle registration through ‘Vahan’ and ‘Sarathi’ platforms.