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Drunk driving: Road transport ministry proposes steep fines, jail time, cancelling licence for traffic offences

In the wake of increasing cases of road accidents, drunk driving and minors taking over wheels, state transport ministers will decide on a hike in penalties.

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Drunk driving cases currently attract imprisonment of six months and/or fine of Rs 2,000
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State transport ministers will discuss a proposal to hike penalties in cases of negligent driving at a meeting in Bengaluru next week. This comes in the wake of increasing cases of road accidents, drunk driving and minors driving vehicles.

According to a Times of India report, the road transport ministry has pitched for a ten-fold increase in fines and stringent punishment for traffic violations. The ministry is deliberating on hiking the fine for drunk driving up to Rs 10,000 and suspension of driving licence for three months for a first-time offender, whereas repeat offenders would face imprisonment and cancellation of licence.

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, those charged under drunk driving cases are currently imprisoned for six months and/or fined Rs 2,000, while repeat offenders attract two years imprisonment and/or Rs 3,000 fine.

In a move to discipline errant drivers, the ministry has suggested that speeding cases be fined Rs 2,000 first time, and Rs 4,000 for a subsequent offence. This would be a significant hike from the current Rs 400 and Rs 1000 respectively.

The proposal also says that those using mobile phones while driving could stand to lose their licence completely in case they repeat the offence. For general violations such as not wearing a helmet, seatbelt or jumping signals, the proposal suggests a fine increase of ten times from Rs 100 currently to Rs 1000.  

In the past few months, reports of juvenile driving have been increasing. The ministry plans to hold the guardian or owner of the vehicle liable for the offence and treat it as abetment to crime. In a recent instance in Pune, a minor ran a car over an elderly woman, which led to his uncle being booked for the crime too.

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