The key amendment to Section 138 of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) is the addition of subsection (1A), which empowers State Governments to make rules regulating the movement of pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles in public places, essentially allowing each state to create its own specific traffic rules for non-motorized road users like cyclists and pedestrians within their jurisdiction; this includes rules for their behavior on main roads, though coordination with the National Highways Authority of India may be required for national highways.

Key points about the amendment:


Increased state power:
This amendment significantly expands the authority of state governments to manage pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle traffic within their respective states.
Potential for inconsistency:
Different states may have different rules regarding pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle behavior, potentially causing confusion for travelers crossing state borders.
Focus on safety:
The goal of this amendment is to enhance road safety by providing states with the ability to create specific rules for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles.