By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, SEPT 14, 2014: THE Ministry of Rad Transport & Highways yesterday unfolded the Draft of Road Safety & Transport Bill, 2014. The Bill proposes to set up a Regulator with 4-8 Members and statutory powers to regulate the sector. In case more than 100 buyers of a vehicle report designing or manufacturing defect in a particular model, the onus will be on the auto manufacturers will have to compensate buyers for the full value of the vehicle or replace or repair the defective vehicle with another vehicle of similar or better specifications. The Bill proposes to lay down detailed procedure for recall. For faulty design, it proposes to impose a fine of Rs 5 lakh per vehicle.

The Regulator will be vested with the authority to monitor fuel efficiency norms. In consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, it will issue regulations for improvements in engine's fuel efficiency. It may also regulate manufacture, maintenance, registration, licensing and working of drivers, maintenance and standards of road safety, control of traffic and promotion of new technologies.

In case of drunk driving, the Draft proposes to levy a fine of Rs 25,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months, or with both, and a six-month licence suspension. In case of second offence within three years it calls for Rs 50,000 penalty or imprisonment for up to one year or both and a one year licence suspension.

In case of rash and negligent driving, the Bill calls for penalties up to Rs 3 lakh along with a minimum 7-year imprisonment for death of a child in certain circumstances. If one drives a vehicle in unsafe conditions, it will also attract a penalty of Rs 1 lakh or jail of six months.

The Bill, seeking feedback from citizens, proposes that if school bus drivers are caught indulging in drunk driving, it will attract a fine of Rs 50,000 with jail of three years and quick cancellation of licence for three years.

In case of red light jump, the Bill proposes a steep hike in fine starting with Rs 5000/- and Rs 4000/- for use of mobile phones. In case of no helmet, it proposes a fine of Rs 2500/-.