IndiaWhat is the good samaritan provision in the MV Act?
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.
What the Law Says
The Good Samaritan provision was added to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 through the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. It legally shields individuals who voluntarily assist injured persons in road accidents from harassment, legal liability, or procedural coercion.
Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 states that no person coming forward to assist an injured person in a road accident shall be held liable for any civil or criminal action, provided the assistance is rendered voluntarily and without expectation of reward.
The law also prohibits police or hospitals from compelling a Good Samaritan to disclose personal details or become a witness unless they choose to do so. Any refusal to help cannot be used as evidence against them.
This provision aims to encourage prompt medical aid by removing fear of legal entanglement — a major barrier identified in India’s high road fatality rates.
Statutory TextNo person coming forward to render assistance to the victim of a motor vehicle accident shall be held liable for any civil or criminal action in respect of such assistance, unless such person acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 134A — Protection of Good Samaritans
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.