Bihar, Gujarat, Odisha modify implementation of MVA

NEW DELHI: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill (MVA) 2019, which was passed by the Parliament in July 2019, continues to face criticism from people across the country. While some states have promptly implemented the MVA, few others have pushed the date of implementation of these bills.

Enforcement agencies in Motihari, Bihar offer one such example. Instead of levying fines, the authorities have started providing helmets and vehicle insurance policies on the spot. This was done in light of the need for corrective measures in order to remove road accidents.

An official from Motihari Police Department said, “If you are caught without helmet or a lapsed insurance paper, you will be directed to vendors selling helmets and insurance policies nearby. We roped in some helmet sellers and insurance agents who have set up stalls beside the checking points. Riders are not being fined as that makes them feel like they are offenders. Instead, they are made to purchase good quality helmets and get their insurance renewed.”  The police department has also requested the state transport department to appoint an official to issue learner’s license to those driving without a license.

On the other hand, Vijay Rupani, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, has said that the fines laid down in the MVA are maximum limits suggested by the center. He added that his government, after careful and detailed deliberations, has reduced them in the state. The penalty for driving without a license has been brought down from Rs 5,000, as suggested by the new Act, to Rs 2,000 for two-wheelers and Rs 3,000 for four-wheelers.

With the aim of giving people time to comply with the recently modified traffic norms, the Odisha Government has relaxed implementation of the new rules for three months. Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha added that the government will consider reducing the fines too.