What is Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act?

Motor Vehicle Act 1988

The Motor Vehicle Act 1988 is a guideline for efficient traffic management. It applies to all vehicles and includes license provision, traffic management, registration of new vehicles, motor insurance, penalties, and liabilities involved in violation.

 

These guidelines are clear enough and give a clear idea about on-road behaviour. However, people are still found to violate rules. Some common incidents that lead to road accidents are overtaking on the wrong side of the road, rash driving, jumping signals, talking on the phone while driving and activities that threaten road safety. To address all these violations, the government framed rules to make sure that everyone followed traffic rules. One such is the Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act.

 

What is Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act?

Careless driving is dangerous not only for the vehicle driver but also for others driving on the roads. Such incidents risk the lives of drivers and pedestrians. To prevent such dangerous driving, Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act was formed.

 

Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act states that people who drive vehicles in a way that is dangerous to others on the road are punishable under the law. The punishments may differ depending on the severity of the violation, starting from fines, penalties, and even imprisonment.

 

Additionally, repeated offences can lead to imprisonment for a term of two years or more and a hefty fine that can be in the thousands. Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act has a strict approach against people who drive dangerously and pose a risk to other people on the road.

 

Dangerous Driving Offences in the Motor Vehicle Act (Section 184)

People who drive dangerously on the road and affect others' driving are considered dangerous drivers. Such activities can endanger the safety and lives of others. The below-mentioned activities are considered dangerous driving, which can impose hefty fines, penalties, and even imprisonment.

 

• Jumping signals

• Using a mobile phone or any handheld communication devices while driving

• Driving against the flow of the traffic

• Overtaking or passing other vehicles in a dangerous manner

• Violating stop signs

• Reckless driving that can be cause serious injury to others

In addition, if an individual is seen involved in racing or illegal driving, these activities are also punishable under law. They can lead to imprisonment and hefty fines.

 

Penalties for Dangerous Driving (Section 184)

The penalties and fines under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act vary depending on the type of offence and its severity.

 

Under this section, a first-time violation of the rules can result in imprisonment of up to six months to one year and a fine of about five thousand rupees. Following the 2019 amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act, the penalty may be imprisonment for a term ranging from six months to one year, or a fine between one thousand and five thousand rupees, or both.

 

Violating the rules for the second time within three years of the previous offence can lead to two years of imprisonment and a hefty fine of ten thousand rupees or even both.

 

Over speeding, violating traffic signals, overtaking other vehicles on the wrong side, and jumping signals can result in hefty fines of ten thousand rupees.

 

Correlation Between Section 184 Of the Motor Vehicle Act and Motor Insurance

Motor Vehicle Insurance states that Third-Party Insurance is mandatory for driving on Indian roads. Accidents can occur at any time, and the risk increases due to mindless driving.

 

Accidents can bring monetary loss and emotional distress. This is where Third-Party Insurance comes into place. It provides coverage for damages caused to the third party by the policyholder. It also provides coverage for damages or accidents caused to passengers, pedestrians, divers of other vehicles or people on the road affected by the accident. It will not cover the policyholder’s vehicle, but it will cover the damages caused to the third party by the policyholder.

 

The Motor Vehicle Act makes it mandatory for every Motor vehicle owner to have Third-Party Insurance. Additionally, Third-Party Insurance safeguards vehicle owners from legal liabilities, accidental damage, and property damage caused to the third party by the policyholder.

 

Conclusion

Road safety is important for all people, and that is why Indian Law decided to draft guidelines for travelling safely on Indian roads. According to the law, people who violate traffic rules will be fined heavily and can even face imprisonment. This will help people ride responsibly on Indian roads and also safeguard other drivers and pedestrians on the road.

 

Additionally, the Motor Vehicle Act states that third-party insurance is mandatory to drive on Indian roads. This helps the policyholder in case of legal liabilities and financial burdens. Shriram General Insurance provides Car Insurance for your car. It also provides Third-Party Insurance, Own Damage coverage, and Comprehensive Insurance.

 

FAQs

1. What is the fine for dangerous driving in India?

A hefty fine of ten thousand rupees or even imprisonment for up to a year can be imposed for dangerous driving. In some cases, if the violation is very serious, it can lead to both.

 

2. Is Section 184 under the Motor Vehicle Act important?

Yes, Section 184, under the Motor Vehicle Act, provides guidelines for driving safely on Indian roads. Additionally, rule violations may lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment.