Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 109 shall be punishable with a fine of five thousand rupees for any subsequent offence.
Simplified Explanation
Section 182A of the Motor Vehicles Act deals with the punishment for offences related to the construction, maintenance, and use of motor vehicles that do not comply with the safety standards prescribed under the Act. This section aims to penalize individuals or entities responsible for vehicles that do not meet required safety norms, ensuring the safety of road users and maintaining standards for vehicle construction and maintenance.
Overview of Section 182A
This section addresses offences related to:
- Non-compliance with vehicle safety standards.
- Neglecting prescribed norms for construction and maintenance of vehicles.
- Failing to ensure the safe functioning of essential vehicle components, like brakes, steering, and emissions control.
Key Elements of Section 182A
- Offences Relating to Construction and Maintenance:
- This section covers violations concerning the construction, equipment, and maintenance of motor vehicles that do not comply with the safety standards and rules set forth by the Central Government.
- It ensures that vehicle manufacturers, owners, or operators maintain vehicles to meet safety and performance standards for components like brakes, steering, tyres, and pollution control devices.
- This provision applies to manufacturers, vehicle owners, operators, or those responsible for altering or modifying vehicles in ways that make them unsafe or non-compliant with regulations.
- First-time Offences:
- If a person or entity violates safety standards in vehicle construction, equipment, or maintenance, they may be punished with:
- Imprisonment of up to one year, or
- A fine of up to ₹1,00,000, or
- Both imprisonment and a fine.
- If a person or entity violates safety standards in vehicle construction, equipment, or maintenance, they may be punished with:
- Subsequent Offences:
- For repeated offences, the penalties increase. The offender may be punished with:
- Imprisonment of up to three years, or
- A fine of up to ₹3,00,000, or
- Both imprisonment and a fine.
- This increased penalty for subsequent violations serves as a deterrent to ensure ongoing compliance with safety regulations.
- For repeated offences, the penalties increase. The offender may be punished with:
- Specific Violations:
- The section may cover various violations, including:
- Substandard manufacturing or assembly of vehicles.
- Modifications that render the vehicle unsafe.
- Failing to maintain essential systems like brakes, steering, or emissions in a safe and functioning condition.
- The section may cover various violations, including:
- Ensuring Public Safety:
- This provision reinforces the importance of maintaining roadworthy vehicles by imposing penalties on those who fail to adhere to safety standards. Vehicle safety is crucial to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures or poorly maintained vehicles.
Practical Implications
- Accountability for Manufacturers and Owners: Section 182A ensures that vehicle manufacturers, owners, and those responsible for maintaining vehicles are held accountable for ensuring compliance with safety standards. This helps prevent accidents caused by mechanical defects or poor vehicle maintenance.
- Encouraging Regular Vehicle Maintenance: By imposing penalties for non-compliance with maintenance standards, this section encourages regular vehicle inspections and maintenance, ensuring that vehicles are safe for road use.
- Deterrence Against Negligence: The provision of increased penalties for repeat offences serves as a strong deterrent against manufacturers, vehicle owners, or operators neglecting vehicle safety regulations.
- Improving Road Safety: The section contributes to improving road safety by ensuring that only vehicles meeting prescribed safety standards are allowed on the roads, reducing the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Conclusion
Section 182A of the Motor Vehicles Act provides for punishment related to offences concerning the construction and maintenance of motor vehicles that do not meet prescribed safety standards. By imposing fines and imprisonment for first-time and repeat offences, this section ensures that manufacturers, owners, and operators are held accountable for maintaining vehicle safety and performance. This provision is essential in promoting road safety and preventing accidents caused by unsafe or improperly maintained vehicles, encouraging compliance with the law and fostering responsible practices in the construction and maintenance of motor vehicles.
