Vehicles

Third-party insurance is mandatory for all motor vehicles in India under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It covers liability for death, injury, or property damage caused to others.

Yes, you can still get compensation through the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) even if the other vehicle was uninsured, as the law mandates compensation from the Solatium Fund or the owner/driver personally.

Yes, an insurance company in India can deny your accident claim — but only for valid legal reasons such as fraud, non-disclosure, or breach of policy terms.

Driving with expired insurance in India is illegal and can lead to a fine of ₹2,000 for the first offence and ₹4,000 for subsequent offences, along with possible vehicle impoundment and liability for all accident-related damages.

Using a mobile phone while driving in India is punishable with a fine of ₹1,000 for the first offence and ₹2,000–₹5,000 for subsequent offences, along with possible disqualification of driving licence.

Drunk driving in India is punishable with imprisonment up to 6 months, a fine up to ₹10,000, or both — and harsher penalties for repeat offences.

No, a minor (under 18 years) cannot legally drive any motor vehicle in India.

Yes, wearing a helmet is compulsory for all two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers in India under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 increased fines for common traffic violations — e.g., ₹5,000 for driving without a licence, ₹10,000 for drunken driving, and ₹2,000 for not wearing a helmet.

You have the right to receive a seizure memo, know the legal grounds, get your vehicle released on furnishing bail or bond, and challenge the seizure in court within 30 days.

No-fault liability in India means the owner of a motor vehicle is legally liable to pay compensation for death or injury caused by the vehicle—even without proof of negligence—under Section 140 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

MACT stands for Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal — a special court under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 that awards compensation to victims or families affected by road accidents. You file a claim by submitting Form MACT-1 (or written petition) with evidence to the local MACT within 6 months of the accident.

Yes, as an injured passenger in India, you can claim compensation from the vehicle owner (and driver) under the Motor Vehicles Act, especially if the accident was due to their negligence or breach of duty.

You can appeal a driving licence suspension to the State Transport Authority or the Motor Vehicle Appellate Tribunal within 30 days of the suspension order.

While driving in India, you must carry your valid driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, insurance certificate, PUC certificate (if applicable), and fitness certificate (for commercial vehicles).

Yes, it is mandatory for every motor vehicle in India to carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate at all times while on the road.

No, commercial vehicle drivers in India cannot work more than 8 hours continuously — the Motor Vehicles Act and rules mandate a mandatory rest break after every 4.5 hours of driving.

No, e-rickshaws cannot operate without registration in India. They are classified as motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act and must be registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

The 2019 Amendment to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act introduced stricter penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences, enhanced punishment for aggravated offences, and provisions for speedy trials.

Yes, you can be arrested without a warrant for causing a road accident in India if it involves injury or death and falls under cognizable offences like those in Sections 279, 304A, or 323 IPC.

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 has a Good Samaritan provision (Section 134A) that protects bystanders who voluntarily help road accident victims from civil or criminal liability, unless they act with gross negligence or intentional harm.

A motor accident victim in India can claim compensation for death, permanent disability, medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — primarily through the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.

Compensation for permanent disability in India is calculated based on the worker’s monthly wages, age, and degree of disability, as per the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923 — typically 60% of monthly wage × relevant factor from Schedule I.

In India, not wearing a seatbelt is punishable with a fine of ₹1,000 for the first offence and ₹2,000 for subsequent offences under the Motor Vehicles Act.