Union Cabinet of India approved the Proposed Changes in the Motor Vehicle Act 1988

The Union cabinet of India on 1 March 2012 approved the proposed changes in the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, which includes longer jail terms and higher fines for repeat traffic violations. The new act has a provision of 500 rupees fine if one does not wear seat belt and helmet or jumps a red light.  Anybody caught using mobile phone while driving will be fined.
Repeat traffic offences like jumping red lights or not using seat belts and helmets will attract fine between 500 rupees to 1500 rupees. Crossing the speed limits could attract a fine of 1000 rupees, if the offence is committed first time. In case the offence is repeated, the penalty could be as much as 5000 rupees. 

In case, the same offender violates the traffic rules again, the fines will multiply. The new act also provides that the offence of drunk driving will be awarded with a punishment of a two-year jail term and a fine of 5000 rupees or both.

The fines are increased in the new act with the objective of targeting the major causes of accidents on Indian roads which are- speeding, use of cell phones, not wearing seatbelts and helmet and drunk driving. Motor Vehicle Act 1988 governs licensing rules and offences on Indian roads.  An expert committee appointed by ministry of road transport and highways suggested the changes.