The Union Cabinet approved the Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2007 on Thursday to streamline implementation of traffic rules in the country.
As per the new amendment, driving under the influence of alcohol will fetch a punishment of six months imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 2000 to Rs 10,000 depending upon the amount of alcohol present in the blood and repeated offence.
According to sources, 30-60 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood will fetch six months in jail or Rs. 2,000 as fine or both.
In the second category, a fine of Rs. 4,000 or imprisonment in jail for one year or both will be imposed on offenders with 60-150 mg of alcohol.
In the case of repeated offence in the same category, the person will be imprisoned for three years or will have to pay a fine of Rs.8,000 or both.
In the third category, if there is over 150 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, the punishment would be two years in jail or a fine of Rs.5,000 or both.
While an imprisonment of four years or Rs.10,000 as fine or both or even cancellation of the driving licence will be imposed upon those who repeat the offence under the same category.
Another stringent feature of the new amendment is for people who talk on the mobile phone or listen to the iPod while driving.
According to the new amendment, offenders will be fined Rs. 500 and in a repeated offence between Rs. 2,000-5,000.
