The Union road transport ministry is planning key amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act to curb uninsured vehicles and improve road safety.

Enforcement agencies may be empowered to detain vehicles without valid insurance. A major proposal bars issuing a new driving licence for three years to offenders whose licences were revoked, targeting repeat violations.

Licence renewals could require driving tests for motorists with poor challan histories. Insurance premiums may be linked to driving behaviour, vehicle age and violation records, with IRDAI playing a larger role.

Mandatory third-party insurance may be expanded to cover owners, drivers and occupants of personal vehicles. The ministry also plans graded licensing for heavy vehicles and proposes raising the mandatory medical fitness age from 40 to 60, aiming for safer, more accountable driving.