(1)Whoever drives a motor vehicle or causes or allows a motor vehicle to be used in contravention of the provisions of section 22 or without the permit required by sub-section (1) of section 42 or in contravention of any condition of such permit relating to the route on which or the area in which or the purpose for which the vehicle may be used [or to the maximum number of passengers and maximum weight of luggage that may be carried on the vehicle], shall, be punishable for a first offence with fine which may extend to [two thousand rupees] [Substituted for the words 'one thousand rupees' by Act 47 of 1982, section 25 (i) (w.e.f. 1.10.1982).] and for [any second or subsequent offence] [Substituted for the words 'a subsequent offence if committed within three years of the commission of a previous similar offence', by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 1982 (47 of 1982), Section 25 (w.e.f. 1.10.1982).] with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to [three thousand rupees] [Substituted for the words 'two thousand rupees' by Act 47 of 1982, section 25 (ii) (w.e.f. 1.10.1982).] or with both.Provided that no Court shall, except for reasons to be stated in writing, impose a fine of less than five hundred rupees for any such [second or] [Inserted by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 1969 (58 of 1969), Section 67 (w.e.f. 2.3.1970).] subsequent offence.
