Motor Vehicles Act: Section 183 – Driving at excessive speed, etc

(1) Whoever drives a motor vehicle in contravention of the speed limits referred to in section 112 shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to four hundred rupees, or, if having been previously convicted of an offence under this sub-section is again convicted of an offence under this sub-section, with a fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.

(2) Whoever causes any person who is employed by him or is subject to his control in driving to drive a motor vehicle in contravention of the speed limits referred to in section 112 shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to three hundred rupees, or, if having been previously convicted of an offence under this sub-section, is again convicted of an offence under this sub-section, with a fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.

(3) No person shall be convicted of an offence punishable under sub-section (1) solely on the evidence of one witness to the effect that, in the opinion of the witness, such person was driving at a speed which was unlawful, unless that opinion is shown to be based on an estimate obtained by the use of some mechanical device.

(4) The publication of a time table under which, or the giving of any direction that, any journey or part of a journey is to be completed within a specified time shall, if in the opinion of the Court it is not practicable in the circumstances of the case for that journey or part of a journey to be completed in the specified time without contravening the speed limits referred to in section 112, be prima facie evidence that the person who published the time table or gave the direction has committed an offence punishable under sub-section (2).

Simplified Explanation

Section 183 of the Motor Vehicles Act deals with the penalties for driving a vehicle at a speed that exceeds the limits prescribed by law or failing to follow speed regulations. It aims to curb reckless and dangerous driving by imposing fines and other penalties on drivers who drive at excessive speeds or violate speed-related regulations.

Overview of Section 183

This section addresses:

1. Driving at excessive speeds beyond the prescribed speed limits.
2. Allowing a vehicle to be driven at such excessive speeds.
3. Establishing penalties for those violating speed limits, including both drivers and owners.

Key Elements of Section 183

1. Offence of Driving at Excessive Speed:
   • Any person driving a motor vehicle in a public place at a speed exceeding the limits prescribed by the State Government or Central Government is guilty of an offence.
   • These speed limits are usually set for different types of vehicles (e.g., heavy vehicles, light motor vehicles) and vary based on the road conditions (e.g., highways, city roads).
   • Driving above the designated speed limits is considered reckless and dangerous to both the driver and other road users.
2. Offence by Owners:
   • Vehicle owners or persons in charge of a motor vehicle who allow or permit the vehicle to be driven at an excessive speed, either by a hired driver or anyone else, are also liable under this section.
   • This provision ensures that not only the driver but also the owner of the vehicle is responsible for maintaining compliance with speed regulations.
3. Penalties for Drivers:
   • The penalty for drivers who violate speed limits is:
     • First offence: A fine of up to ₹1,000.
     • Subsequent offences: A fine of up to ₹2,000.
   • These fines are intended to deter drivers from driving at unsafe speeds and encourage compliance with the speed limits.
4. Penalties for Vehicle Owners:
   • If a vehicle owner or person in charge knowingly permits their vehicle to be driven at excessive speed, they may face penalties similar to those imposed on the driver. This ensures that owners take responsibility for ensuring their vehicles are used in compliance with speed limits.
5. Special Speed Limits for Certain Vehicles:
   • The government may impose special speed limits for certain types of vehicles (like heavy goods vehicles, buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials) to enhance road safety. Violating these special speed limits also constitutes an offence under this section.
6. Focus on Road Safety:
   • Section 183 reinforces the importance of following speed limits to prevent accidents caused by excessive speeds. Speeding increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in road conditions or the actions of other drivers.

Practical Implications

• Ensuring Compliance with Speed Limits: Section 183 helps enforce speed limits, which are critical to maintaining road safety. By imposing fines on violators, it encourages drivers to comply with speed regulations.
• Deterrence Against Speeding: The fines serve as a deterrent to prevent reckless driving, which is one of the major causes of road accidents. Repeat offenders face higher fines, further discouraging dangerous driving behavior.
• Owner Accountability: By holding vehicle owners liable for allowing excessive speed, this section ensures that owners monitor the driving behavior of those who drive their vehicles. This is especially relevant for commercial vehicles where the owner may not be the driver.
• Road Safety Awareness: Speeding is a significant contributor to road accidents. This section helps promote awareness of the dangers of speeding and encourages both drivers and vehicle owners to adhere to safe driving practices.

Conclusion

Section 183 of the Motor Vehicles Act imposes penalties for driving at excessive speeds beyond the prescribed limits or permitting a vehicle to be driven in such a manner. By setting fines for both drivers and vehicle owners, the section ensures accountability and deterrence against speeding, which is a major cause of accidents. The provision promotes road safety by enforcing compliance with speed limits and encouraging responsible driving behavior, ultimately reducing the risk of road accidents caused by reckless speeding.