Road safety has always been a topic of concern worldwide, and India is no different. Although the Indian Government is vigilant about this concern and is working on improving road infrastructure, India still stands as a country with the most road accident cases. Over-speeding is the prime reason contributing to road casualties in India; other factors include not wearing a helmet, breaking traffic rules, distracted driving, and drunk driving, among others. Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act deals with dangerous driving and other aspects of road safety. In this blog, we will learn about Section 184 and its importance in ensuring road safety. We will also shed light on the challenges faced by the government in implementing this act.

What is Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988?

Before jumping to Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act, let’s understand the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. The act was passed to provide comprehensive guidelines for traffic management and has provisions for penalties and punishments for those who violate it.

Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, largely deals with dangerous driving. As per the act, if you are over-speeding or driving in a way that may cause distress or danger to the lives of other people on the road, then you will have to pay a fine or face imprisonment. This section is aimed at reducing the cases of reckless or negligent driving and thus improving road safety.

Offences Under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act

Section 184 covers multiple offences related to dangerous driving. As per this section, dangerous driving may include, but is not limited to:

• Ignoring a Stop Sign: Rushing your vehicle while ignoring a stop sign or signal is an offence under Section 184 of the MV Act.
• Violation of Red Light Signal: If you violate the traffic light, you will have to face penalties under Section 184.
• Distracted Driving: Using a handheld device like a mobile phone while driving will attract a fine and penalty. 
• Driving in the Wrong Direction: If you are running against the flow of traffic, then this will also contribute to a violation of the law.
• Overtaking: If you overtake other vehicles in a way that is unlawful, then this will also be considered an offence under this section.

Penalties Under the Motor Vehicle Act Section 184

If found guilty, the offender can be arrested immediately. They will have to pay a fine or serve jail time, or both in certain cases.

If the person has committed the offence for the first time, then they will have to pay a fine of ₹1,000 that may get extended up to ₹5,000. Also, they may face imprisonment for six months that may last up to one year. In certain cases, both a fine and imprisonment can happen.

If the person commits a repeated offence within three years, they may face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of ₹10,000, or both.

Challenges and Obstacles faced by the Government in Implementing Section 184

Though Section 184 of the MV act has multiple provisions to curb road accidents and ensure road safety, the government still faces many challenges for its proper implementation. Some of these challenges are:

• Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate signage and traffic lights can also become the cause of uncontrolled traffic and road accidents.
• Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware of the act and its penalties, therefore diminishing the purpose of the act.
• Delays in Judicial Verdict: Many cases keep piling up in the courts, and people have to wait for years to get justice, which increases the confidence of offenders.
• Enforcement-Related Problems: Corruption and unwillingness on the part of authorities also pose a significant challenge in the implementation of this provision.

Major Changes that You Should Know Under Section 184 of Motor Vehicle Act

In 2019, government made some amendments to section 184. These amendments were:

Also, a compensation amount of ₹2.5 lakhs will be provided if injuries are severe and ₹5 lakhs will be provided if the accident turns fatal under amended section 184. 

Summing It Up!

Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act has a great potential to reduce road tragedies and increase road safety if implemented effectively. Although the government keeps making relevant changes and amendments to the act, there are many challenges that exist. Spreading awareness about the act, using technology to implement things in a better way, and taking the cases seriously are musts to improve the compliance rate and achieve the goals of this act and Section 184.

FAQs 

Q: What is considered dangerous driving under the MV Act?

Rash driving, wrong overtaking, drunk and distracted driving, over-speeding, etc. come under dangerous driving.

Q: Is there any penalty for those who obstruct the passage of emergency vehicles like ambulances?

A: Yes, anyone doing this offence will have to pay a fine of ₹10000 under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act.

Q: What fine will I have to pay if I violate the rules under Section 184 of the MV Act?

A: You will have to pay a fine of ₹5000 in case of the first offence and ₹10000 in case of the second offence.

Q: Can I get jailed if I violate the traffic rules under Section 184?

A: Yes, you may have to serve a jail term if you violate the rules under Section 184.

Q: What is the purpose of Section 184 of the MV Act?

A: This section aims to curb road accidents and improve road safety in the country.

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