Repeat Traffic Offenders Face Mandatory Driving Test for Licence Renewal, Says Draft Bill
The Union government is set to introduce mandatory driving tests for motorists seeking renewal of their driving licences if they have a history of traffic rule violations, according to proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act. The amendments, which have been cleared by an informal Group of Ministers (iGoM) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, are expected to be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament.
The Road Transport Ministry has also proposed empowering Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs) to award interim compensation to road crash victims and their families, instead of making them wait until the final disposal of their claims. This move aims to provide timely relief to those affected by road accidents.
Other key proposals include increasing the deposit amount required when an insurer or offending party challenges a claims tribunal order. The new proposal requires a pre-deposit of Rs 10 lakh or 50% of the awarded amount, whichever is less, up from the current Rs 25,000 or 50% of the awarded amount. Additionally, the bar for filing appeals in high courts would be raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
The ministry has also proposed that no fresh driving licence would be issued for three years in case of revocation of an earlier licence. Furthermore, the age requirement for a medical certificate for a fresh licence or renewal would be increased from 40 to 60 years.
Experts have welcomed the proposal for interim compensation, noting that MACT cases often face delays. However, some have expressed concerns about the provision for double fines or penalties for traffic violations, fearing potential misuse by traffic police.
The amendments aim to rein in errant drivers and uninsured vehicles, and also seek to revert to the earlier practice of the insurance regulator IRDAI fixing third-party premiums based on vehicle age and challan history. In the 2019 amendment, this power was vested with the road transport ministry.
Overall, the proposed changes represent a significant overhaul of road safety and compensation mechanisms, with a focus on accountability and timely justice for crash victims.
