Wide-ranging changes are in the winds for road-users in India. The amended Motor Vehicles Act is in the final stages of approval at the Rajya Sabha (Upper house of Indian parliament), the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian parliament) has already passed it, and will bring updates to laws that have remained largely unchanged since 1988.

The big change is the much higher penalties for driving offences. Driving without a license will invite a Rs. 5,000 (US$ 72) fine, up from Rs. 500.

Breaking speed limits and not wearing seatbelts can get a Rs. 1,000 fine, up from Rs. 400 and Rs. 100.

Using a phone or rash driving will have a fine of Rs. 5,000, up from Rs.1,000. The fine for drunk driving has been raised to Rs. 10,000 from Rs. 2,000.

There is more protection in the case of accidents. A compensation of Rs. 200,000 or more will be provided to hit-and-run victims, up from Rs. 25,000.

In case a juvenile is involved in an incident, their parents/guardians will be held accountable unless proven innocent. A Motor Vehicle Accident Fund will provide cover to victims of accidents and a provision for the protection of Good Samaritans has also been made. Further, contractors, civic bodies and consultants will be held accountable for accidents arising out of faulty road design.

Aadhar (Indian biometric identification system) is now compulsory for applying for driving licenses and vehicle registrations. The time limit for renewing your license will increase to a year before or after the expiry date.

Manufacturers are also more liable now. Cars with sub-standard components or engines will have to be recalled, failing which a Rs. 5 billion fine will be charged.

Rounding of these changes is new insurance coverages. All road users now get compulsory insurance for certain accidents, but a six-month time limit has been placed on claims.

All of these changes seem to address pertinent, long-standing issues that road-users face. This is especially important due to India's terrible road safety record and a rapid increase of road safety accidents.