What Is Section 184 Of The Motor Vehicle Act?

Given the increasing accidental mortality rates of over 43 per cent, the government had to make some crucial alterations to the Dangerous Driving section in the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. The act came into existence ever since the year 1988. It requires all the drivers to adhere to the rules and regulations. And if anyone fails to do so, their deeds are punishable by hefty fines or other things.

Understanding what Section 184 is all about

According to Section 184, whosoever drives the motor vehicle at speed or in a dangerous manner that may impact the public, including the nature, vehicle parking or where it is stored and traffic amount at that particular time will be punishable for the first offence with imprisonment for a term.

It might even get extended to up to six months, or the authorities may charge a fine of one thousand rupees. For the subsequent or second offence, if the individual commits it within three years of a commission is liable for imprisonment for the term. It might get extended to about two years, or the fine may extend to 2000 rupees (or even both)!

Section 184 of the MVA covers complexities and details arising from the geographical location, weather condition, traffic situation, and everything depending on the sanctioned imprisonment or penalties. The ones found guilty of the offence are punishable under the section.

What are the new fines imposed by the government?

When a majority of riders love the adventure behind the wheels, you need to ensure to know the consequences speeding and dangerous driving might fetch you. There are multiple charges and fines of Rs. 5 lakh & Rs. 2.5 lakh for specific offences. It is also a common sight where drivers do not give way to emergency vehicles on roads. 

The law now states that anyone who obstructs the ambulance or other emergency vehicles will be charged around ten thousand rupees or even more. These penalties fall under multiple sections, but here in this post, let's read about section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act.

Significant Alterations Made:

It becomes difficult to track each law amendment concerning the daily lives. On this note, let's learn about the changes in section 184 of MVA:

• According to the old rule, someone who drives dangerously will pay Rs 1,000 or face imprisonment of around six months.
• Under new changes, the fine will get extended to Rs 5,000, while imprisonment can get extended to one year.
• The latest law increased the early fine of around Rs. 2,000 to around Rs 10,000 that constitute the following scenarios:
  • Violating the stop sign
  • Jumping the red signal
  • Passing or overtaking other vehicles by the wrong means
  • Reckless driving below expected competencies of the driver
  • Driving against an authorized traffic flow
  • Using handheld devices or mobile phones when driving
• For the initial offence, one's punishment may include Rs. 1000 fine or even imprisonment. When repeated, it will attract the same penalties.
• While the act gets imposed only upon the circumstances, when the driver is under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicants, he may be punishable under the section. Speeding or racing the vehicle will fetch a penalty of around Rs 5,000 for the initial offence. On the contrary, the second and subsequent offences may cost Rs 10,000 or more. 

In a nutshell

The changes alongside an upsurge in digital monitoring and fines keep you safer when on roads. The new traffic laws need vehicle drivers to carry related documents such as driving licenses, pollution checks, and insurance papers. If you are driving without third-party insurance, it may result in penalties of Rs 4,000 for repeating the offence. Hence it is crucial to compare the different plans carefully and buy car insurance effectively. Higher fines and stringent rules may be the recipe for better adherence to current laws.