In a bid to enhance road safety and accountability, the Superintendent of Police (SP) Traffic Rahul Gupta has unveiled a new regulation pertaining to the rental of vehicles in Goa. Effective immediately, individuals seeking to hire cars or bikes will be mandated to sign an undertaking before venturing onto Goan roads.
This initiative aims to instil a sense of responsibility among vehicle renters, ensuring they adhere to traffic regulations and exercise caution while driving. By signing the undertaking, renters acknowledge their commitment to obeying traffic laws, driving responsibly, and safeguarding the well-being of fellow road users.
The introduction of this rule comes amid growing concerns over road safety, rising accidents on Goan roads and the need for stricter measures to curb reckless driving practices. With an increasing number of tourists and locals availing rental services, authorities are keen to promote a culture of accountability and respect for road rules.
SP Traffic emphasized the importance of this undertaking, stating that it serves as a agreement between renters and rental agencies, reinforcing the obligation to prioritize safety on Goan roads. Violation of the terms outlined in the undertaking may result in penalties or legal consequences for the concerned parties.
Gupta said that one of the major reason behind implementing this rule is that the tourists are negligent about the traffic rules as they are on holiday. Secondly they are not aware of the topography of Goa, peculiarity of the roads and the diversion on the Goan roads.
The undertaking for rental car consists 10 points as follows:
· I will not violate any traffic law and following traffic signs. (Punishable u/s 177 of MV Act with Rs 500/-fine).
· I will not allow anyone else to drive this vehicle if they don't have a driving license. (Punished u/s 181 of MV act with penalty Rs 5000/-).
· I will not drive the Car under the influence of Alcohol (punishable u/s 185 of M.V. Act with a minimum fine of Rs. 10,000/-, which will be decided by the Court or with Six Months imprisonment or with both).
· I will not drive the Car without wearing a Seat Belt (punishable u/s 194(B) of M.V. Act with Fine of Rs.1,000/-).
· I will not use the mobile phone while driving the car. (punishable u/s 184 (C) of M. V. Act with fine of Rs. 1000/- for 1st offence and Rs. 10000/- for 2nd offence).
· I will not allow anyone to stand through the Sun Roof in my car (punishable u/s 184 of M.V. Act with a Fine of minimum Rs. 1000/- which may extend to Rs. 5000/- or with imprisonment upto 1 year or with both to be decided by the Court).
· I will not perform stunts with the car. (Punishable u/s 184 of M.V. Act with a Fine of minimum Rs. 1000/-which may extend to Rs. 5000/- or with imprisonment upto 1 year or with both to be decided by the Court).
· I will not drive the Car on Beach (punishable u/s 279 & 336 IPC).
· I will not drive the Car in a rash and negligent manner (punishable u/s 184 of M.V. Act with a Fine of minimum Rs. 1000/- which may extend to Rs. 5000/- or with imprisonment upto 1 year or with both to be decided by the Court).
· I will not jump the Red-Light Signal (punishable u/s 184 of M.V. Act with a Fine of minimum Rs. 1000/-which may extend to Rs. 5000/- or with imprisonment upto 1 year or with both to be decided by the Court)
While the undertaking for rental bikes consists 10 points as follows:
· I will not violate any traffic law and following traffic signs. (Punishable u/s 177 of MV Act with Rs 500/- fine).
· I will not allow anyone else to drive this vehicle if they don't have a driving license. (Punished u/s 181 of MV act with penalty Rs 5000/-).
· I will not ride the said Bike under the influence of Alcohol (punishable u/s 185 of M.V. Act with a minimum fine of Rs. 10,000/-, which will be decided by the Court or with Six Months imprisonment or with both).
· I will not ride the Bike without wearing Helmet (punishable u/s 194(D) of M.V. Act with Fine of Rs. 1,000/- & disqualification of DL for 3 months).
· I will not ride the Bike Triple Seated (punishable u/s 194(C) of M.V. Act with Fine of Rs. 1,000/- & disqualification of DL for 3 months).
· I will not use the mobile phone while riding the bike. (punishable u/s 184 (C) of M. V. Act with fine of Rs. 1000/- for 1st offence and Rs. 10000/- for 2nd offence).
· I will not perform stunts with the Bike (punishable u/s 184 of M.V. Act with a Fine of minimum Rs. 1000/-which may extend to Rs. 5000/- or with imprisonment upto 1 year or with both to be decided by the Court).
· I will not ride the Bike on Beach (punishable u/s 279 & 336 |PC).
· I will not ride the Bike in a rash and negligent manner (punishable u/s 184 of M.V. Act with a Fine of minimum Rs. 1000/- which may extend to Rs. 5000/- or with imprisonment upto 1 year or with both to be decided by the Court).
· I will not jump the Red Light traffic signal (punishable u/s 184 of M.V. Act with a Fine of minimum Rs. 1000/- which may extend to Rs. 5000/- or with imprisonment up to 1 year or with both to be decided by the Court).
Gupta further said that the PIs have been instructed to circulate these undertaking forms to all the agencies, and also make sure that this is being complied. They are also advised to conduct random inspections to keep a check on it, wherein a weekly report will be taken from them.
As Goa continues to strive towards enhancing its transportation infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all road users, initiatives such as this undertaking requirement signify a proactive approach by authorities in addressing pertinent issues affecting the region's roadways.