Weeks after the newly amended Motor Vehicle Act came into force it has received much criticism from the people as well as many political leaders. Many states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka have refused to implement it or may reduce the heavy fines of the new MV Act.
The transport Minister Divakar Raote on Wednesday in his letter to Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari has urged the Center to reconsider and reduce the hefty fines collected from the citizens after the implementation of the new law.
Raote said that “The fines included in the act are high and common people are facing various problems with it and Center should reconsider and even reduce the finesâ€.
The Maharashtra government has decided to put the implementation of the Motor Vehicles Act on hold and is waiting for a positive reply from Gadkari.
Gujarat has reduced the fine for not wearing a helmet and seat belt to Rs 500 as against the prescribed amount of Rs 1000 in the new Motor Vehicle Act. Driving without a valid license will cost Rs 2,000 to bikers and Rs 3,000 to four-wheelers as against Rs 5000 mentioned in the act in Gujarat.
The new Motor Vehicles Act has enhanced the penalties for traffic violators and erring drivers. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had notified the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 last month and it was implemented in many states across the nation from September 1.