The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified the implementation of the amended provisions concerning the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The changes are aimed at simplifying enforcement and making minor violations easier to settle
Under the amended framework, eligible offences can be settled by paying the prescribed compounding amount through authorised channels. Representational Pic/iStock/File
Vehicle owners, drivers and transporters are set to get relief from criminal proceedings for certain minor motor vehicle offences, with relevant provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 coming into force from August 15, a Maharashtra transporters body said on Saturday.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified the implementation of the amended provisions concerning the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The changes are aimed at simplifying enforcement and making minor violations easier to settle.
One of the key changes is the inclusion of Section 177A under Section 200 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
According to the All India Motor Transport Congress, Section 177A deals with violations of regulations made under Section 118, including certain provisions relating to traffic regulations, lane discipline and road signs.
Under the amended framework, eligible offences can be settled by paying the prescribed compounding amount through authorised channels. The system also allows for settlement through digital platforms such as e-Challan, where applicable.
Less dependence on criminal courts
The reforms are expected to reduce the need for criminal court proceedings in cases involving minor violations.
Once a compoundable offence is settled in accordance with the prescribed procedure, the relevant legal proceedings can come to an end.
The move is expected to provide vehicle owners and transport operators with a faster mechanism to resolve minor violations while reducing procedural delays.
Benefits for drivers and transporters
The reforms are expected to offer several benefits, including:
- Decriminalisation of certain minor offences
- Faster settlement of eligible violations
- Reduced dependence on criminal court proceedings
- Greater use of authorised digital payment and e-Challan systems
- Greater clarity in enforcement
- Reduced procedural delays for vehicle owners and transporters
Transport sector welcomes move
Bal Malkit Singh, adviser and former president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, welcomed the reforms and said they would make the motor vehicle enforcement system more practical and transparent.
He said decriminalising minor offences and simplifying the compounding process could reduce unnecessary litigation and save time for vehicle owners and transporters.
Singh also called for smooth and uniform implementation of the reforms across states, with greater use of technology.
Focus on ease of compliance
The implementation of the amended provisions from August 15 is expected to particularly benefit the commercial vehicle and transport sector, where minor violations can sometimes lead to lengthy procedures and operational disruptions.
The reforms are being seen as part of the government's broader efforts to promote ease of compliance, ease of doing business and ease of living for vehicle owners, drivers and transporters.
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