Mumbai police bans music while driving
August 27, 2008 – 10:12 am by Charles PennefatherThe Mumbai police have banned the use of car audio systems while driving under Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicles Act. The fine is Rs 500 for offenders that are caught.
There is no country in the world that bans music while driving, although some do have limits on how loud you can play music in your car. The rationale behind this move is studies that have shown music being played in a car to be distracting to the point of making the driver dangerous. The Mumbai Police are also claiming to curb noise pollution with this move. However, here are some interesting things for you to think about: 1. We’re used to incessant honking from all and sundry, but not much is being done to curb honking. 2. Radio has been effective in letting drivers know about traffic snarls, but the ban will not allow motorists to listen to radio. S.M. Sabde, deputy commissioner of traffic police (suburbs), has gone on record saying that drivers can receive alerts via SMS or call the control room for updates. 3. The drives are going to be carried out in the evenings and will concentrate on areas that tend to have youngsters speeding about with blaring music.
We think that the intention is good – the police want to curb accidents caused by irresponsible drivers – but a blanket ban on music systems does not make sense. Asking drivers to use their mobile phones makes even less sense. We’ll leave you with one last observation – fine for driving without a seatbelt: Rs 100. Fine for talking on the phone while driving: Rs 100. Fine for driving with music: Rs 500 – when the maximum fine stated by law is Rs 100!
7 Responses to “Mumbai police bans music while driving”
Wonderful news! Given the state of the police force in India and the crime rates, it’s good to see that they are taking their jobs seriously and cracking down on major crimes. NO country in the world bans music while driving, and again, it’s good to see India on the forefront on change and “research” into safe driving. What’s next? A ban on bribing people to get your driving licence without a test? Wait wait - women drivers! Or maybe having those distracting, annoying children in the car? Or *gasp* maybe even banning talking - that would be fantastic! Can’t wait to see what the genius cops of the Motherland do next! Retards. Oh… and the SMS/call to teh control center is done how, with mobile phones also banned?
By Neil on Aug 27, 2008
Great! What next. Get fined for wearing sunshades??? The CMVR law does not clearly state a decibel limit that defines noise pollution. Until I see that, I would like to think that this is only another way by the cops to harass motorists. Yes, I do think that people who crank up the volume on systems with Subs and Amps - the kind you can hear a block away - should be fined. Also, don’t studies indicate that listening to soothing music in your car (in peak traffic environs) can prevent road rage. Come on you law enforcers. Get real!
By KG on Aug 27, 2008
If the law did exist in the past, they why do the RTO approve registration of vehicles which provide pre-installed audio system or a slot for the same? What if the passengers in the car are singing, wont this distract the driver? Shouldnt be the driver (as per the drive initiated for banning music) be fined for it. We may have a very thin line between this and the HUMAN RIGHTS Act
By honest citizen on Aug 27, 2008
it has to be done..
By hemlata on Aug 28, 2008
oh exactly…sms alerts !!!….d police sed dat !!…wow……. so netime i get caught for usign mobile…i’ll b lik “oh …officer i was reading ur sms only “……n i just deleted it right now ..!!!!….u can’t fine me !!!!
India is doing alot of research work it seems !!!…..
also ..coming soon—
no Food while driving !
no talking !!!……
no children !
no gf/bf!!!
no spouse !
n last bt not d least….
or maybe —-NO DRIVING !!!!!…..haha…ne which ways…..we wont b wanting to drive after all the above !!!!!
By karan gambhir on Oct 20, 2008