The Union Cabinet has reportedly green-signaled the states to amend the Motor Vehicles Act to deal sternly with violators of traffic rules.

The Cabinet, at its meeting today, has approved the proposed amendments to the Act to impose harsher punishment for those indulging in drunken driving, using mobile phones while driving and violating other traffic rules such as jumping the signal, sources said.

Once the amendment comes into force, the first offence of talking over mobile phones while driving can lead to a fine of Rs 500 and the subsequent violations can be as high as Rs 5,000.

Jumping red lights or not using seat belts and helmets may attract fines between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 in the first instance and higher fines during repetitions.

In some cases, the offenders may go to jail also after several repetitions of offences. (J)