Death on wheels: 44% vehicles on India's roads are uninsured, Gadkari tells parliament
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Every vehicle speeding on the road isn't just a piece of iron; it also carries with it a significant legal responsibility to comply with regulations and compensate for losses in the event of an accident. However, the reality on India's roads is terrifying. Not just lakhs, but crores of vehicles are running without any trace or necessary insurance. If you are involved in an accident with one of these vehicles, who will compensate for the losses has become a major question. Now, the government itself has presented shocking figures in Parliament that have taken everyone by surprise.
The horrifying truth of 44 percent came to light in the Rajya Sabha
According to the latest data presented in Parliament, about 44 percent of the total vehicles plying on the country's roads are running without any valid insurance. In simple words, almost one out of every two vehicles is flouting the law and speeding on the road. This serious information was given by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha. He said that these alarming figures have been prepared on the basis of the 'VAHAN' database. This data is based on information of active vehicles till March 6, 2026, in which the registration of vehicles and their fitness status have also been prominently taken into account.
Driving without insurance is a major crime
According to the rules, Section 146 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 requires third-party insurance to drive on any public road. Any vehicle found without insurance faces a heavy fine and severe penalties under Section 196 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Despite this, this rule is being flouted across the country. In response to this growing problem, the Ministry of Road Transport has issued several strict advisories to all states and union territories. The government is now emphasizing new technologies, such as digital verification, to quickly identify such vehicles.
This is how victims get compensation in case of an accident
The biggest question is how will the victim's family receive compensation if a fatal road accident occurs involving an uninsured vehicle. The government has stated that in such serious cases, victims can claim compensation under Section 164 or 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Furthermore, provisions for assistance to such victims have been made in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. Furthermore, significant assistance is provided to victims through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. In January 2026, the fund's rules were updated and separate accounts were created for uninsured vehicles and hit-and-run cases. Additionally, significant arrangements have been made for the treatment and compensation of the injured through important schemes like "PM RAHAT."