Gujarat Government Reduces Traffic Fines

Other states might follow suit in the coming weeks

• The state government has reduced the fines by 25-90 per cent.
• Fines for violations such as riding without a helmet and wrong-side riding/driving has been reduced.
• Karnataka’s state government will also reduce the fines soon. 

A few weeks back, the central government passed the updated Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) according to which fines for traffic-related violations were increased to astronomical amounts. From paying Rs 5,000 for driving/riding without a license to Rs 10,000 for driving without a permit, here’s a detailed list of the new fines. However, the Gujarat government thinks that these fines are pretty hefty and has reduced some of them by around 25-90 per cent. 

Also read: Traffic Police To Fine Two Wheeler Riders Wearing Slippers, Sandals

The Motor Vehicle Act allows the state governments to reduce fines for some violations and abiding by this rule, the central government of Gujarat has reduced the fines on riding without a helmet and wrong-side riding/driving. However, fines for major violations such as drink and drive, jumping traffic lights, underage drinking and so on are still the same as before. Along with Gujarat, even the Karnataka government is planning to revise the fines in the coming few weeks. In fact, other state governments have asked the government to reduce the fines as well.  

Agreed, they are pretty hefty and most people won’t be able to pay such fines, but if everyone would’ve followed the rules in the first place, we would’ve never faced this situation. And wearing a helmet or following traffic rules are basic elements that need to be followed whether the fine is Rs 50 or Rs 5,000.

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