Act fast
If I help an accident victim, will police trouble me?
Simple answer
No. The law protects anyone who helps in good faith. You are not liable if the victim is hurt or dies despite your help. Nobody can force you to give your name, be a witness or pay for treatment, and you can leave right away.
Real-life examples
Ayesha saw a biker bleeding on a highway near Jaipur. She called 112 and drove him to the nearest hospital. The hospital started treatment without asking her for money or her name, and she left after telling staff what she saw.
Rahul knocked down a cyclist himself and then took him to hospital. He is not a Good Samaritan. As the driver, he must still report the accident to police and inform his insurer.
What should you do?
- 1Call 112 (or 108 for an ambulance) and give the exact location.
- 2If it is safe, take the injured person to the nearest hospital. The first hour after injury (the golden hour) matters most.
- 3Tell police or hospital staff what you saw. Giving your name and phone number is your choice.
- 4Want proof that you helped? Ask the hospital for an acknowledgement on its letterhead.
- 5If you agree to be a witness, ask to be questioned at your home or workplace at a time that suits you.
- 6If you saved a life, ask the district authorities about the government's Rah-Veer award of ₹25,000 and a certificate.
Exceptions & limits
- The protection is for people who help voluntarily, in good faith and without expecting a reward. It does not cover the driver who caused the accident.
- If you choose to be a witness, you will have to give a statement and maybe evidence. The rules allow evidence on affidavit and wide use of video conferencing.
Official legal reference
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 134A
A Good Samaritan is not liable in civil or criminal law for the victim's injury or death caused by negligence while helping.
Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 — Rules 168, 169
Good Samaritans' rights: no forced disclosure of identity, no medical charges, free to leave; how they may be examined as witnesses.
SaveLIFE Foundation v. Union of India (2016)
Supreme Court gave the Centre's Good Samaritan guidelines the force of law across India until a law was made.
Pt. Parmanand Katara v. Union of India (1989)
Doctors must give immediate medical aid to injured people without waiting for police formalities.
Where to get help
Source & status
- Applies to
- All of India
- Law in force since
- 1 Oct 2020
- Legal review
- Draft — awaiting lawyer review
Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.