Section 200 of MVA : Section 200: Composition Of Certain Offences

Explanation using Example

Imagine John is driving through the city and is caught by a traffic officer for using his mobile phone while driving, which is a violation of Section 184 of The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, specifically in the context of using handheld communication devices while driving. The traffic officer informs John that this offence can be compounded, meaning that it can be settled without going to court.

Under Section 200(1) of The Motor Vehicles Act, the local state government has authorized traffic officers to collect a fine on the spot for such offences. John is given the option to pay a predetermined fine right there and, as per the state's regulations, he might also be asked to do some community service.

John decides to pay the fine and agrees to the community service. The officer issues a receipt for the fine and informs John that, as per Section 200(2), he is free to go without any further legal proceedings for this particular offence. However, this incident will be recorded and if John commits the same offence again, it will be considered a repeat violation.

The officer also reminds John that even though the offence is compounded, if the law requires, he must still attend a driver refresher training course to avoid future penalties.