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The Centre is preparing sweeping changes to tighten control over uninsured vehicles and unsafe driving practices on Indian roads. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed key amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, under which vehicles found without valid insurance could be seized or detained. The proposal also seeks to bar drivers whose licences have been cancelled in the past three years from obtaining a fresh driving licence.
The proposed measures were recently discussed with state transport ministers and senior transport department officials. According to official assessments, a large number of vehicles—particularly two-wheelers—are currently operating on roads without valid insurance. In the event of an accident, such cases create serious complications in determining compensation and legal liability, often leaving victims entangled in prolonged legal processes.
Under the proposed amendments, the insurance framework is set to become more risk-based. Changes to Section 147 of the Motor Vehicles Act would empower the insurance regulator to determine premiums and liabilities based on factors such as a vehicle’s age and its traffic challan history. The government believes that higher premiums for habitual offenders could act as a deterrent and strengthen overall road discipline.
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Stricter norms for licence renewal
The process of issuing and renewing driving licences is also likely to undergo significant tightening. At present, a driving test is generally not required if a licence is renewed within one year of its expiry. The new proposal aims to revisit this provision.
Sources indicate that drivers with a history of unsafe driving and repeated traffic violations may be required to undergo a mandatory driving test at the time of licence renewal. The government argues that this step would help reassess driving skills periodically and promote responsible behaviour on the roads.
Graded licensing system for heavy vehicles
The ministry is also considering the introduction of a graded driving licence system for heavy and large vehicles. Under this system, eligibility to drive such vehicles would depend on prior driving experience and demonstrated skill levels. The objective is to prevent inexperienced drivers from operating heavy vehicles directly, thereby reducing the risk of serious accidents.
In addition, the scope of third-party insurance is proposed to be widened. Currently, for private vehicles, third-party insurance coverage is largely limited to external parties. The new proposal seeks to extend coverage to include the vehicle owner, driver and passengers as well. At present, such comprehensive coverage applies mainly to commercial vehicles.
Medical certificate age limit under review
Another significant proposal involves revising the age threshold for mandatory medical certification. The government is considering raising the compulsory medical certificate requirement for issuing or renewing a driving licence from 40 years to 60 years. Officials argue that this would reduce unnecessary medical checks while ensuring that essential health screenings remain in place for senior drivers.
Government’s focus on road safety
The Centre has underlined that the objective of these measures is not to increase revenue through fines, but to improve road safety and encourage responsible driving. Vehicles operating without insurance, officials note, not only violate the law but also create major hurdles in compensating accident victims.
If the proposed amendments are enacted, vehicle owners and drivers will be required to exercise far greater caution regarding insurance compliance, licence validity and traffic rules. Experts say that stricter laws, coupled with consistent and fair enforcement, could play a crucial role in curbing rising road accidents and habitual violations across the country.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
