KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Drunken driving can land you in prison for up to 2 years.
- If caught not making way for an ambulance, you will have to pay a fine of Rs 10,000.
- The fine for overloading has increased to Rs 20,000 from Rs 2,000.
In a sudden and unexpected move, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced new motor vehicle fines, which are significantly higher than the previous fines. To everyone's surprise, these were implemented by March 1st. This step was taken by the government as the rise in traffic offenses shows no signs of slowing down. Just a few days ago, a news report revealed that on Holi celebration day, March 16th, Delhi saw a 100% rise in traffic violations. What are the new rates of fines? Let's learn below. In the meantime, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates
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New Motor Vehicle Fine
Let's start with the drunken driving offense, which is the most commonly recorded by the traffic police. On the occasion of the Holi festival, the highest number of violators were fined for this particular offense. Earlier, the fine ranged from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, but now the penalty has been increased to Rs 10,000 and/or 6 months in prison. Additionally, if the person is fined again, the penalty will rise to Rs 15,000 or 2 years in prison. So, don't drink and drive, and follow all the rules.
Riding without helmet - For all the bike lovers, read this carefully. If you, by any chance, forget to wear a helmet and are caught by the police, be ready to pay a fine of Rs 1,000 along with a 3-month license suspension, after which you will have to collect it from the court. Earlier, the fine was Rs 100, but now MoRTH has decided to punish those who take the laws lightly.
Offenses made by juveniles - This violation has seen a 100% escalation in fines, along with even stricter punishments, which can really put a huge dent in people's financial health. The new penalty is Rs 25,000, with three years of punishment, cancellation of vehicle registration for one year, and ineligibility to obtain a driving license until the age of 25. Before March 1st, the old fine was just Rs 2,500. Well, this change was imperative, as the number of cases where youngsters (aged below 18 years) committed traffic crimes has exponentially grown. Almost every day, we saw videos on social media where children were caught driving cars recklessly and putting the lives of people on the road in danger.
Here are some other new fines for offenses
- Driving Without Fastening the seat belt - Rs 1000
- Using Mobile phone while driving - Rs 5000
- Driving of a vehicle without carrying a valid driving license - Rs 5000
- Tripple Riding on Two Wheeler - Rs 1000
- Driving Without A Valid Insurance - Rs 2000 and/or 3-months in prison. Plus Rs 4000 in case of repition of violation
- Driving Without A Valid Pollution Certificate - Rs 10,000 and/or 6 months in prison
- Dangerous Driving - Rs 5000
- Not Making Way For Emergency Vehicle - Rs 10,000
- Racing - Rs 5000
- Overloading - Rs 20,000
- Signal Jumping - Rs 5000
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Verdict
So, these are the new fines, which are now in action. If you're caught by a traffic police officer and they issue a challan with such a huge amount, don't be shocked, as we're telling you this now. Every person in command of a vehicle must follow all traffic rules and think before accelerating, as the lives of people on the road also matter. The number of offenders in the past few months has grown, which shows that people are no longer taking the law seriously. But you should strive to be a law-abiding citizen.
