5 Lesser Know Motor Vehicle Acts Offences, You Should Know

In order to make sure things always go well when it comes to the use of motor vehicles, it is crucial to regulate certain aspects relating to the use of motor vehicles. And this is where the Motor Vehicle Act comes into the picture. While you may be aware that the MV Act punishes offences such as red light jumping, not wearing a seat belt, speeding etc. The Act contains several other provisions that you might be unaware of. So here are 5 Offences the Motor Vehicle Act punishes, that you might be unaware of.

1. Driving when you are Mentally or Physically Unfit to Drive
   

   

   From our school and college days itself, we are taught not to drive our vehicles dangerously or under the influence of alcohol. But what we aren’t taught is that driving a vehicle in a public place when we are aware that we are suffering from a disease or disability that can cause danger to the public is also an offence. Punishable under Section 186 of the Act, the offence attracts a penalty of up to Rs. 1000 on the first instance and Rs. 2000 on the subsequent instance.

   Also Read: All States need to Comply to Motor Vehicles Amendment Act: Union Govt

2. Punishment for Abetment of Certain Offences
   

   

   While you might have come across cases where traffic cops stop people for either driving dangerously, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, what you might not know is that abetment to cause dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and even driving when mentally or physically unfit to drive is also an offence.

   This means that even if you yourself aren’t driving if you intentionally aid or encourage someone to drive dangerously, or under the influence of alcohol/drugs or when you know the person to be mentally/physically unfit to drive, you can be punished under Section 188 with the same penalty as the principal offence calls for. So the next time you hear someone say “Gaadi Tera Bhai Chalayega”, tell them to stop and not encourage them.

3. Driving Exceeding Permissible Weight
   

   

   Every now and then you might have come across trucks, tempos and trailers stopped by the transport department for overloading. But did you know that even a private goods vehicle/ private vehicle used to carry goods come under this ambit?

   Well, you heard that right, according to Section 113 of the Motor Vehicle Act read with Section 194, if the unladen weight of your private goods vehicle is more than what is mentioned on the RC, or the laden weight is more than the gross weight of the vehicle mentioned on the RC, then the cops can either ask you to weigh your vehicle at the nearest scaling place within 10 km., or fine you at least Rs 20,000 for overloading along with Rs 2000 additional fine for each ton of overload along with charges for removing the overload as well. Also note, that if, when requested, you refuse to submit your vehicle to be weighted, or remove the load prior to the vehicle being weighted, then you can be fined Rs. 40,000 straight up.

   Checkout: The 10 Road Hazards In India that you should LOOKOUT for!

4. Taking Vehicle Without Authority
   

   

   A provision that is often neglected in mainstream media coverage is Section 197 of the Act. According to Section 197 taking away or driving any motor vehicle without the consent of the owner can lead you behind bars for up to 3 months or a fine of up to Rs. 5000 or both. Moreover, under Section 197(2) of the Motor Vehicle Act, if someone through force, the threat of force, or other forms of intimidation, seizes control of a motor vehicle can also be punished in a similar manner. Not only that even an attempt to do the above-mentioned offence, or any abetment to commit the offence is also similarly punished under Section 197(3).

5. Unauthorized Interference with Vehicles
   

   

   Have you ever come across jealous neighbours meddling with your beloved vehicle for no reason? Well, fret not because Section 198 of the MV Act can come to your rescue. According to Section 198 of the MV Act, any person who without authority or reasonable excuse enters or tampers with the brake or any part of the mechanism of a motor vehicle shall be punished with a fine of up to Rs. 1000.

   So these were 5 unusual offences under the Motor Vehicle Act that you might be unaware of. Make sure to comment down below if you find the article insightful, and make sure to stay pinned to the GoMechanic Blog for everything automotive.

   Also Read: Upcoming Toyota Hyryder Teased | What We Know So Far

   Checkout: Scorpio N Variant Wise Price Revealed