License - The Bill seeks to take the license issuing process online.
Tests for driving licences will be automated, and learner’s licences will be issued online.
Aadhaar will be mandatory for getting a driving licence and vehicle registration.
The time limit for renewal of driving licence is increased from one month to one year before and after the expiry date.
Compensation - Government will provide a compensation of Rs 2 lakh or more to the victim's family for deaths in hit-and-run cases (currently - Rs 25,000)
The time limit would be 6 months for application of compensation to the Claims Tribunal with regard to road accidents.
Fund - A Motor Vehicle Accident Fund is proposed to be created.
It will provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users in India for certain types of accidents.
Violation - In traffic violations by juveniles, the guardians or owner of the vehicle would be held responsible.
It proposes three-year jail for parents of minors drivers causing fatal accidents
However, they could prove the offence was committed without their knowledge or they tried to prevent it.
The registration of the motor vehicle in question will be cancelled.
The juvenile will be tried under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Penalties - The penalties for violations have been increased substantially from the present amounts.
E.g. Drunk driving - from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000, rash driving from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000, driving without a licence - from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000
Good Samaritans - People coming forward to help accident victims will be protected from civil or criminal liability.
It will also be optional for them to disclose their identity to the police or medical personnel.
Accountability - Contractors, consultants and civic agencies will be accountable for faulty design, construction or poor maintenance of roads leading to accidents.
The government can recall vehicles whose components or engine do not meet the required standards.
Manufacturers can be fined up to Rs 500 crore in case of sub-standard components or engine.
It will be mandatory to alter vehicles to make them suitable for specially-abled people.
Aggregators - The Bill defines taxi aggregators as “a digital intermediary or market place for a passenger to connect with a driver for the purpose of transportation.” E.g. Uber, Ola
The 2016 Bill required State governments to issue licences to aggregators as per guidelines issued by the Central Government.
The 2017 Bill made it optional for State governments to follow central guidelines.
Aggregators, however, now have to be compliant with the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Insurance - The Bill removes the cap on liability for third-party insurance.
The 2016 Bill had capped the maximum liability at Rs 10 lakh in case of death and Rs 5 lakh in case of grievous injury.
Third-party offers coverage against claims of damages and losses incurred by a driver who is not the insured.
