More importantly, if the driver is found involved in a second offence within three years, it will result in Rs 50,000 penalty or imprisonment for up to one year or both and a one year licence suspension. The hefty fines are proposed in the new draft Road Safety and Transport Bill 2014, which has been sent to all State governments, including Goa for suggestions.
“It’s a welcome decision. We hope the move would probably bring complete control on those who are involved in drunk driving,” Director Transport Arun Desai told Herald.
At present drivers go free after paying a minimal fine of Rs 500. Over the last one month, Panjim city itself has witnessed three major drunken driving cases, including the infamous Shobhika Gaur case, wherein two bike-borne youth were run over during the wee hours of July 20-21. The traffic police have booked nearly 1,700 cases of drunk driving during the same period ending September 20.
The Bill also proposes a fine of upto Rs one lakh and imprisonment of four years if the accident involves death in any circumstances or causes injuries to the other person.
In yet another major change, the Bill also speaks about imposing heavy fines for over speeding (light vehicles) on all roads – city, district and national highways. The fine ranges from Rs 5,000 and two-week licence suspension to Rs 12,500 and eight-week licence suspension and impounding of vehicle. It also proposes compulsory refresher training, post suspension of the licence. A fine of Rs 2,500 is also proposed if a driver is found without licence, the fine which is at present Rs 100.
Currently, over speeding is considered a general offence and a fine of Rs 100 is imposed, Desai said adding ‘violators pay this small fine without any hesitation’.
Taking cognizance that drivers, despite having children on board drive rashly and negligently, the government has proposed steep penalties of up to Rs 3 lakh along with a minimum 7-year imprisonment for death of a child in certain circumstances, besides the Rs 15,000 fine, if found driving dangerously.
According to statistics, in the first quarter ending March, 1143 road mishap including fatal and non fatal category were reported, resulting in death of 79 people including 53 two-wheeler riders. The transport director is often on record that maximum number of accidents and deaths are the result of rash and negligent driving.
BOX
Motor Vehicle offences Fine and punishment proposed
Driving while on alcohol or drugs Rs 25,000, 3 months imprisonment, suspension of licence
Over speeding Rs 5,000 to Rs 12,500, suspension of licence
Injures or death in any circumstances Rs 1 lakh and 4 years imprisonment
Person holding two driving licence Rs 25,000 & 3 month imprisonment
Driving without licence Rs 2,500
Offence relating to accidents Rs 10,000 & 2 week licence suspension
Offence related to children Rs 5,000
