Team Herald

PANJIM: As the government is set to implement the new Motor Vehicle Act from January 2020, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Tuesday said the decision with regard to lowering of fines will be taken by the cabinet. 

The Act, which was passed by Parliament amidst opposition, contains 63 provisions dealing with penalties, licences, registration and the National Transport Policy, and came into force from September 1, 2019.

Speaking to media persons, Godinho said that he has already moved a file for lowering fines for certain 

violations. “State was given freedom to decide on the fine structure, if required,” he said. “The final decision in this regard will be taken by the Cabinet,” the Minister added. 

Godinho said that the provisions of the Act will come into force from January, next month.

The new Act has enhanced the penalty for unauthorised use of vehicles without licence to Rs 5,000 from Rs 1,000. The penalty for driving without a licence went up to Rs 5,000. A person found involved in drunken driving will be fined up to Rs 10,000 or imprisoned up to six months for the first offence, and imprisoned up to two years and/or fine of Rs 15,000 for the second offence.

For over speeding, drivers will be fined between Rs 1,000 and Rs 4,000. Similarly, for dangerous driving, for the first offence there will be imprisonment of six months to one year and/or fine of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000; Subsequent offence (within three years from first offence) will lead to imprisonment up to two years and/or fine of Rs 10,000.