New Delhi, Mar 1 (IANS): The cabinet Thursday approved the Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill increasing penalties manifold for traffic violations. Following are the highlights:
* Using mobile phones or iPads while driving: First offence - fine of Rs.500. Second offence - fine between Rs.2,000 and 5,000.
* Drunken driving: Three categories and varying fines:
First category -- 30-60 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood; first offence would attract a fine of Rs.2,000 or six months in jail or both.
Second category -- 60-150 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood; first offence would invite fine of Rs.4,000 or one year jail term or. Second offence would attract fine of Rs.8,000 or three-years jail term or both.
Third category -- over 150 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood; first offence would invite fine of Rs.5,000 or two years in jail or both. The second offence would attract fine of Rs.10,000 or four years in jail or both. It could even lead to cancellation of the driving license.
* Death in road accident: Compensation to be hiked from Rs.25,000 to Rs.1 lakh; compensation of Rs.50,000 in case of serious injury.
The bill would be tabled in the Rajya Sabha during parliament's budget session starting March 12.