Jan Vishwas Motor Law Changes To Ease Minor Offences From August 15, Lawyers Flag Road Safety And Due Process Concerns

From August 15, several minor and technical violations under the Motor Vehicles Act are set to be dealt with through a simplified compounding mechanism instead of criminal proceedings, according to the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. The reform aims to reduce the burden on motorists, transporters, and courts, providing wider compounding of offences and rationalisation of penalties.

However, lawyers have raised concerns over road safety, victims' rights, and the powers of executive authorities. Advocates have warned that while the decriminalisation of minor offences could promote the reformative theory of punishment and reduce court burdens, giving executive authorities the power to levy punishments, even fines, could violate fundamental rights and endanger public safety if applied broadly.

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