Beware Parents! Kids Caught For Traffic Violations May Land You In Jail

New Delhi: Parents need to keep a close watch on their children because any traffic violation by them could land the elders in jail for not less than three years and a fine of Rs 25,000.

This is one of the clauses in the amended Motor Vehicle Act which will come into effect from September 1. Traffic violation will cost vehicle owners dear as the penalties proposed has been raised by as high as 10 times in some cases.

The Act has recommended that parents of a juvenile caught for traffic offense be jailed for three years and a fine of Rs 25,000. The relevant section in the Act states that the Court shall presume that the use of the motor vehicle by the juvenile was with the consent of the guardian.

The juvenile who has committed such offence will not be eligible for driving license or learners license until the age of 25 years.

Keep in mind the following before hitting the road:

1. Do not drive in inebriated condition as Rs 10,000 will be slapped for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Earlier the penalty was Rs 2,000.

2. Give way to an ambulance or fire tender. Not doing so could qualify you as an offender with a fine of Rs 10,000.

3. Driving without a helmet will invite a penalty of Rs 1000. Earlier, it was Rs 100.

News agency PTI quoted Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari as saying that as many as 63 clauses under the amended Act will come into effect from September 1.

The Act was amended with a view to road accidents and ensure strict compliance of traffic rules.

The Minister said as many as 1.5 lakh people die on roads every year and the highest deaths occur in the age group of 18-35 years.