Road Transport Ministry proposes a multi-fold increase in traffic violation fines to curb offences

As a result of the rising indiscipline among drivers and bikers, the road transport ministry has proposed a sharp rise in the penalty and imprisonment along with suspension or cancellation of a license depending upon the offence.

Reports suggest that for drunk driving, which is one of the most serious offences, the ministry has proposed a maximum penalty of Rs. 10,000 as well as suspension of the license while a second instance of the same offence can land the offender in prison along with the cancellation of the license. The current penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act stands at Rs 2,000 and imprisonment for six months or both for the first offence while a repeat offence attracts two years imprisonment or a fine of Rs 3,000 or both.

In the case of speeding, a fine of Rs 2,000 on the first occasion and Rs 4,000 for second is also on the cards. The current fine in the same situations is Rs 100 and Rs 300 respectively. The same proposal also states that in the event of a juvenile being caught behind the wheel, the parent or the guardian would be held liable as it would be presumed that the adolescent drives with the approval of the concerned person. The incident could result in the cancellation of the registration of the vehicle involved. Repetition of the aforementioned offences could result in suspension or cancellation of license.

Also read: Hyderabad: Drunk driving may cost you your job and visa

Other offences such as not wearing a helmet or a seat-belt could also see an increase from the current fine of Rs 100 to a proposed fine of Rs 1000. The aforementioned proposals will be discussed next week during a group of state transport ministers meet.

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Source: Times of India