Is jacking up the Traffic violation fines the way to go ahead?
In this post we take a closer look of what the new traffic rule violation fines look in India and can they make the roads safer and less prone to accidents and traffic violations?
The world wants to move in the fast lane of life
If you are on the roads in a developing economy like India then the first feeling you get is that everyone is in a hurry to reach somewhere.
There are a sea of people out there all in a hurry
With a huge population who seem always on the go and more often than not in some kind of hurry there is every reason to make sure that the average person on the road is safe and has an accident free commute.
With this context one has to say that having a policy of putting a traffic violation fine makes sense.
Let us see how the traffic violation fines have been modified.
The Drunk driving fine
From Rs 1000 to 1500 for repeat violation the fines have seen an increase to Rs 10,000 an or up to 6 months in prison.
For the repeat violators The fine goes up by 10X to Rs 15000 and or two years in prison for those who are caught with a history of repeat violations.
The Helmet fine
Two wheeler vehicle drivers and riders are supposed to wear a helmet. This rule applies to the driver as well as the pillion rider.
Earlier the fine was Rs 100 for each violation now the fine has been jacked up to Rs 1000 and the licence would get scrapped for 3 months in case caught violating.
Fine for using Mobile while driving
Earlier this fine was Rs 500 and now with the new rule the fine has gone up to Rs 5000
Fine for not carrying the driving licence
This use to cause a fine of Rs 500 and now this fine has been jacked up to Rs 5000
The triple ride fine
Two wheelers are meant for two people however in case there is triple riding there used to be a fine of Rs100. This fine has gone up to Rs 1000
Fine for not having an insurance
The fine for this offence used to be Rs 200 to Rs 400 This has been jacked up to Rs 2000 and/ or 3 months in prison for the violator. Additionally there can be community service.
For the repeat violators the fine would be Rs4000 if found not carrying the insurance in the vehicle.
Pollution certificate fine
This certificate needs to be renewed periodically and the certificate needs to be carried in the vehicle when on the road.
The fine for this violation was Rs 1000 and this has been taken to Rs 10000 and / or up to 6 months of prison or community service.
The dangerous driving fine
The fine used to be Rs 500 if caught. However with the new rule the the fine would be a steep Rs 5000
Fine for not giving way to emergency vehicles like an ambulance
The fine for this violation used to be Rs1000 and now the fine has been pushed to Rs 10000
Fine for racing or speeding on public roads
This fine used to be Rs500 and now the fine stands at Rs 5000
Overloading fine
The fine for overloading commercial vehicles used to be Rs2000 with the new rule the fine stands at Rs 20000
The signal jumping fine
For those who do not respect the red light at the crossing and jump the red light the fine used to be Rs500. The new fine stands at Rs 5000
Offences by Juveniles
If the offender was below the age of 18 then the fine was Rs2500 however in the new rule the fine has been made to Rs25000
along with three years in prison. There would be cancellation of the vehicle registration for one year.
Further it would make the culprit ineligible to obtain the driving licence till the age of 25
Can such high fines deter traffic violations?
The implementation of the rules is very sketchy. The rules are strictly implemented in the metros and the big cities however as we move from the bigger cities and metros to the tier two and tier three cities the implementation tends to get more lax.
Little or no awareness about the rules
There is less effort to educate the common citizens on the road. Unless an awareness is created the traffic related risks cannot be reduced.
A large population is living in the rural belts
Here again there is little or no education about the traffic rules.
Can People get off the hook by bribing
Often the offenders have the attitude that if they get caught violating a rule they would try to wriggle out of the situation by bribing the officer on duty.
Little do they realize that the rules are for the safety of the citizens.
Can such high fines be used to fill the coffers?
It really depends upon how much of the fines get collected and how many people get off the hook by paying a bribe. A number which is hardly noted or documented.
Final thoughts
Having hefty fines is one thing, however what is the use of the fines if they do not increase the safety on the road or do not bring out the traffic violations.
There needs to be a drive to make the citizens aware about the rules of commute and
Make them feel responsive about their own safety and that of the other commuters.
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