The road transport ministry is pushing for a five-fold increase in fine for first-time offenders, in a bid to check drunk driving,  while the repeat offense will be attracting a stiffer penalty, besides imprisonment ranging from six months to one year and impounding of the vehicle for one year. The road transport ministry has circulated the latest version of the proposed bill by the law ministry to all state governments for their feedback. Presently, the fine is up to Rs 2,000 or jail up to six months for a first drunk driving offense. The new law proposes Rs 10,000 fine for first time offenders.

The bill also makes driving uninsured vehicle to attract fine between Rs 2,000 and Rs 1 lakh depending on the type of vehicle. It is being estimated that over 70% of two-wheelers in India don't have insurance cover.

Provisions are made to discipline the errant manufacturers for faulty design and for failing to recall the vehicle whenever a major fault in any category of the vehicle is detected. A fault in the design of vehicles would attract fines up to Rs 5 lakh. For refusal to recall, one can be jailed for up to three months or with fine which may extend up to the to the cost of the vehicle.

"We have taken out most of the offenses and penalty provision from the bill. These will be covered under the rules that will be framed after the bill is passed. So, we have incorporated a provision for penalty and punishment for contravening general provisions of the law or the rule. The fine for first offense could be up to Rs 1 lakh and Rs 3 lakh for subsequent offenses. It will depend on the type of offense," said an official.

The bill has the provision for negative point for most offenses, "Once an offender accumulates certain negative points, say 12 or 14, his license will be suspended," said an official.

The proposed revision of punishments in the law is most welcome. Drunken driving has to be treated seriously without gender bias. Accidents involving death due to drunken driving is to be treated as murder and strict punishment without bail in a fast track court has to be conducted.

By Premji