Srinagar, Feb 10: Despite clear regulations requiring valid insurance for all vehicles, many vehicle owners in Srinagar continue to drive without renewing their policies, violating legal mandates and putting public safety at risk.
According to Section 145 of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) 1988, every vehicle on public roads must have insurance. Additionally, Section 146 mandates third-party insurance for all motor vehicles in India to cover liabilities for injuries, deaths, or property damage caused to third parties.
Failure to comply with this requirement is an offense under Section 196 of the MVA. First-time violators may be fined up to Rs 2,000 or face up to three months in jail. For repeat offenses, the penalty increases to Rs 4,000 fine, with the possibility of a three-month imprisonment.
Despite these legal requirements, many vehicle owners fail to renew their insurance. Some cite lack of awareness, while others believe they can avoid penalties.
“I assumed as long as I drove carefully, insurance wouldn’t be necessary,” said Rubina Akhtar from Rajbagh. Riyaz Lone from Nowgam shared a similar view: “I kept delaying it since no one checked for months, so I didn’t feel the urgency.”
For some, renewal was simply overlooked. “I almost forgot about the insurance. It only came to my attention when I was sorting out other paperwork,” said Faisal Ahmad, a resident of Lal Chowk.
Insurance agents say such delays are common. “We get calls every day from people needing urgent renewals after being fined or involved in accidents,” said Shakeel Wani, an insurance advisor. “Most admit they kept putting it off, thinking it wasn’t a priority.”
Authorities acknowledge that non-compliance remains widespread, prompting increased enforcement measures. Traffic police have stepped up inspections to ensure vehicles on the road meet legal requirements.
“Many drivers assume they won’t be caught, but stricter checks are now in place,” said SSP Traffic Srinagar, Muzaffar Ahmed Shah. “Regular inspections are being conducted, and those without valid insurance will face fines or legal action. Driving without insurance is not just illegal but also endangers others on the road. We urge all vehicle owners to renew their policies on time to avoid unnecessary trouble.”
A senior official from the Motor Vehicles Department, requesting anonymity, admitted that ensuring compliance remains a challenge. “With the sheer volume of vehicles on the road, monitoring every violation is difficult. Still, we are conducting regular enforcement drives to improve adherence. In the end, the responsibility falls on vehicle owners. Authorities can enforce regulations, but unless people take them seriously, the issue will continue. Keeping insurance updated isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s a matter of road safety for everyone.”
Interestingly, In March 2023, MoS Finance Bhagwant Karad informed Parliament that nearly 54% of vehicles in the country were uninsured. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, he stated that the estimated vehicle fleet stood at 30.48 crore (excluding data from Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Lakshadweep), with 16.54 crore vehicles lacking insurance.
As the number of uninsured vehicles continues to rise, the responsibility for change lies with both vehicle owners and authorities. While stricter enforcement measures are crucial, a shift in mindset is equally important. Vehicle insurance should no longer be viewed merely as a legal obligation, but as an essential safeguard for public safety. Only through increased awareness and adherence to regulations can the issue of uninsured vehicles be effectively addressed
