Motor Vehicles Act

In August 2010, India legal news reports indicate that one of the main reasons for road accidents in India pertains to overloading of vehicles. In 2005, the Supreme Court had ordered that the trucks that were caught carrying excess load shall offload their excess cargo. Further, the apex court ordered for strict compliance with the sections 113 and 114, of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. However, the Rajasthan government has permitted overloading of trucks, by imposing a penalty.

How many times have you noticed the signboard ‘Speed thrills but kills,’ while driving? Ironically, only a few yards after crossing the sign, hardly anyone remembers it; at least not those who engage in rash driving! Whatever the excuses for rash driving, the end result is usually the same: fatal accidents that claim innocent lives.

We all know how dangerous the road travel conditions are while driving in India. It makes sense to be aware of the safety regulations in India. The roads are in bad condition, with cows strolling about in the middle of the road, endless traffic jams that cause rage among commuters at peak hours and deadly potholes that you may not see while you are driving. Road construction is poorly executed in India. Roads are widened but the side-walks for pedestrians have become so narrow that it is of no use. If this is the condition in India’s popular metros such as Delhi and Mumbai, you can imagine what the road conditions are likely to be in other rural areas or places where there is more congestion and bad state of roads.

If you have sold off your car, it doesn’t mean that you have no ties with it anymore. Have you taken the legal steps that are necessary to sever your ownership of the said car? There are relevant rules and procedures you need to comply with otherwise you can still end up in legal trouble if the car you sold off is charged for any traffic or driving related offence.

Incidentally, India has held the distinction of recording the maximum number of reported road accidents in the world. In 2005, reports by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NTPRC) stated that India had three times more road accidents than most developed countries. There were approximately 35 accidents per 1,000 vehicles in India during the year; while this figure for developed nations was between 4 and 10.

Suspension of Driving License in India

The 24 October 2009 issue of India Today reports on the fateful escape of 30 passengers in a Delhi Transport Corporation bus, when its driver, while talking on a mobile phone, lost control over the bus and led it into a ditch. 

When the passengers related the story to the cops, the driver was charged with negligence and arrested.

In Meghalaya, if you are using your mobile phone while driving, chances are that you will be fined or worse still, disqualified to hold your driving license.  

Have you wondered about the power of the court to disqualify you from using your driving license under the Indian Motor Vehicles Act? Well, it is the court decision to debar a person from obtaining, renewing or adding to his driving license. So, what are the circumstances under which the court exercises its power of decision on license holders? Read on to discover.

When the Court Decision Favors Disqualification

Here are the provisions under Section 20 Motor Vehicles Act that determine the court’s power of decision to disqualify a license holder:

Addition to Driving License

Do you ride a two wheeler currently, and plan to graduate to a four wheeler vehicle? Then, what legal requirements must you furnish to facilitate a smooth transition? Well, the answers to your questions lie in Section 11 of the Motor Vehicles Act (framed by the Central Government). Here is a glimpse into its provisions.