COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON MV ACT PROPOSED AMENDMENTS & IT’s IMPACT
Motor Vehicles Act Set for Major Overhaul with 61 Amendments
Government plans stricter safety norms, digital reforms, and decriminalization of minor offences
New rules to impact drivers, businesses, and everyday commuters across India
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 12, 2026:
India’s road transport sector is on the brink of a major transformation. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has identified 61 amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, which are expected to be introduced in Parliament during the upcoming Budget Session of 2026.
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The proposed changes, subject to Cabinet approval, were recently discussed at a meeting of transport ministers from all states and Union Territories. A sub-committee chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will examine the revisions before they are tabled in Parliament.
Key Proposed Changes
1. Road Safety and Technology
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication: Cars and trucks will be equipped with technology to share real-time data, reducing accidents.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Mandatory installation in new vehicles to improve safety.
- Stricter Safety Norms: Enhanced crash testing, seatbelt reminders, and child safety measures.
2. Decriminalization of Minor Offences
- Minor traffic violations such as failure to carry documents will be decriminalized.
- Offences will be treated as civil penalties rather than criminal charges, reducing court burden.
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3. Emission and Environmental Standards
- Stricter emission regulations aligned with global standards.
- Push for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid technology adoption.
- Incentives for green transport and penalties for non-compliance.
4. Digitalization and Ease of Doing Business
- Digital permits and licenses to reduce paperwork.
- Online systems for vehicle registration, fitness certificates, and insurance verification.
- Simplified definitions and harmonization with international transport laws.
5. Enforcement and Compliance
- Stronger penalties for serious offences like drunk driving, over speeding, and hit-and-run.
- Use of AI-powered surveillance and e-challan systems for enforcement.
- Integration of transport databases across states for better monitoring.
Impact on Common People
Everyday Drivers
- Simpler compliance: Carrying digital documents will be enough, reducing harassment.
- Safer roads: Mandatory safety features and V2V technology will lower accident risks.
- Stricter penalties: Serious violations will attract heavier fines and possible license suspension.
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Businesses and Transport Operators
- Ease of doing business: Digital permits and harmonized rules will reduce red tape.
- Higher compliance costs: Upgrading fleets to meet emission and safety norms may increase expenses.
- Better monitoring: Transport companies will face stricter oversight through digital systems.
Environment and Society
- Cleaner air: Stricter emission norms will reduce pollution.
- Boost to EV adoption: Incentives will encourage a shift to electric mobility.
- Reduced fatalities: Safer vehicles and better enforcement will save lives.
Expert Opinions
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has emphasized that the amendments aim to reduce road deaths and modernize India’s transport system.
- Policy analysts believe decriminalization will ease the burden on courts and improve compliance.
- Environmental experts’ welcome stricter emission norms but caution that enforcement must be robust.
Wider Context
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India records over 1.5 lakh road fatalities annually, among the highest in the world. The government has set a target to reduce road accidents by 50% by 2030. These amendments are part of a broader push to align India’s transport laws with global best practices and support the country’s transition to green mobility.
Conclusion
The proposed 61 amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act mark one of the most ambitious reforms in India’s transport sector. By combining technology, safety, environmental responsibility, and ease of compliance, the government aims to create a safer, cleaner, and more efficient road transport system.
For everyday citizens, the changes promise safer roads and simpler compliance, while businesses must prepare for stricter standards and digital oversight. If passed, these reforms will reshape how India drives, commutes, and manages its transport infrastructure.
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