Guwahati, Aug. 6 -- Every year, thousands of Indian motorists are fined, have their vehicles impounded, or even face jail time for driving without valid insurance. Yet a significant portion of vehicles on Indian roads remain uninsured. The law on this is clear and has been for decades. The gap between what the law demands and what actually happens on the ground is worth examining closely.

The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 is the primary legislation governing vehicle insurance in India. Section 146 of this Act makes it illegal to use a motor vehicle in a public place without a valid insurance policy. This applies to every type of motor vehicle, whether it is a two-wheeler, a private car, a commercial truck, or an auto-rickshaw. There are no ...