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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter V

Section 131-133

Duty of Driver to Stop; Duty to Provide Name; Duty Not to Interfere with Controls

Control of Traffic
Fine: ₹500–₹2,000Compoundable: Yes/NoEndorsement: No
BARE ACT PROVISION

Legal Text

Section 131: The driver of a motor vehicle shall stop the vehicle on being so required by a police officer in uniform. Section 132: The driver of a motor vehicle shall give his name and address to the police officer and to any person affected by the accident or violation. Section 133: No person shall interfere with the controls or fittings of a motor vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.

Simplified Explanation

Sections 131–133 create three fundamental driver duties that underpin traffic enforcement effectiveness. Section 131 — the duty to stop — is essential: a driver who refuses to stop when signalled by a uniformed police officer is obstructing traffic enforcement and faces Section 179 (₹2,000). Section 132 — duty to give name and address — ensures accountability after incidents; refusing to give correct details is an offence. Interestingly, Section 132 also requires giving details to 'any person affected' — not just police — which is relevant in accident situations. Section 133 — no tampering with controls — covers passenger interference (grabbing the steering wheel, activating handbrake while vehicle is moving) and also third-party tampering (cutting brake lines, adjusting vehicle controls while parked to cause future failure).

Historical Context

The duty to stop and identify provisions are fundamental to traffic law enforcement everywhere. India's enforcement challenges partly stem from the perception that traffic violations are victimless — Sections 131–133 reinforce that compliance with traffic law is a civic obligation.

Practical Scenarios

"A driver who ignores a police officer's stop signal and drives away — Section 131/179 violation."
"A passenger grabbing the steering wheel of a moving vehicle — Section 133 violation."

Common Queries

Refusing to stop when signalled by a uniformed police officer is a violation of Section 131, penalised under Section 179 with a fine of ₹2,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months.