The Janata Dal (United) (JDU) MLA Abidur Rehman on Monday was fined under the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act. He was fined for not wearing a helmet while riding on the pillion seat of a motorcycle in Bihar.

"JD-U MLA Abidur Rehman was riding on the pillion seat of a motorcycle without a helmet. He was fined Rs 1,000 for the offence. The vehicle's papers were found to be alright," an officer of Patna Police said.

Earlier, an auto driver in Saraiya, Muzaffarpur in Bihar was 'mistakenly' imposed with a fine of Rs 1,000 for not wearing a seat belt while riding his auto on September 14, stated a police official. However, auto drivers do not need a seat belt. According to reports, the auto driver had to pay a 'minimum' fine for not wearing a seat-belt as he was an extremely poor man. 

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'Significant impact'

Earlier, according to reports, the State transport department said that the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act is seen making a significant impact in Bihar. They claimed that the people wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers have comparatively increased after the enforcement of the newly amended Act. In Patna, the percentage of two-wheelers riders wearing helmets has increased from 80% to 98%. Whereas, in other districts, it has increased from 35% to 75%, as per reports.

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About the New Motor Vehicle Act

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019, came into effect from September 1, which was approved by the President on August 9, 2019. The government has notified 63 clauses in the Bill that deal with penalties, licences, registration and National Transport Policy, among others. The changes in the Bill imposes a hefty penalty for offences providing no specific penalty. For the first offence in the Act, the fine has increased from Rs 100 to Rs 500 and the subsequent offences from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,500. A driver without a helmet will be fined Rs. 1,000. The minimum fine for driving without a licence has been increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000, while the charge for driving despite disqualification has been increased to Rs. 10,000.

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(With ANI inputs)