The people who are opposing Helmets should be aware that in in proposed amendments’ to
the motor vehicle act fine for not not wearing helmets has been raised to rupees
2500/- . Not only that in addition to fine there will be system of penalty points.
The enforcing authority or any person authorized in this behalf shall allocate
penalty points corresponding to the specific offence to any person who commits
an offence.
At any point of time, if the cumulative total of the penalty
points accrued by a driver crosses the limit of twelve (12) points, the driving
licence shall be suspended for the period of one year. If a driver whose
licence has been suspended again accumulates twelve (12) points, that person’s driving
licence shall be cancelled for a period of five years.
Currently protests are being held against the wearing of
helmets by two wheeler riders. The protestors do not want that the law be
enforced while agreeing that helmets are necessary. They ask how many
government and police personnel are following the rule. They even quote Union
Minister Nitin Gadkari who did not wear a helmet recently. They even give the
excuse that small size helmets are not available in the market for children.
The protestors are against enforcement of the law and not to the law itself!
It appears that the protestors clean forget the humanitarian
aspect because lives are lost in the absence of helmets. Who can compensate the
loss of a life? This stand of those who protest against helmets is against the
prevailing law and encourages people to break our own laws. Additionally, it is
contempt towards the High Court and the Supreme Court who have upheld this law.
The protestors may well have a point but the manner in which
it is being put up is not appropriate. Surprisingly and sadly, public
representatives holding important positions are among the protestors. These
protestors obviously have political backing. Hence, they should take up with
the authorites to change the law rather than encourage the public to violate
the law.
Various schemes for penalty points and fines in proposed amendments
are as under
