Traffic rules violators brace for hefty fines!

Hyderabad: Violators of traffic rules will have to pay very heavy penalties, probably from September 1, as the Motor Vehicle Rules (Amendment) Bill passed by the Parliament, has received the assent of the President of India.

The State government is gearing up to implement the harsher punishments and penalties, as the amended law aims at reducing, if not stopping, the traffic accidents, which have become one of the major causes for the increasing number of deaths in the country.

The penalty amounts now existing and those which will be coming to force from September 1, for different violations, are as follows: Not using helmet Rs100 penalty now; the proposed one is Rs1000, plus three months disqualification (from use of vehicle); Drunken driving Rs.2,000 penalty now; proposed amount is Rs10,000; Not tying the seat belt  increased from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000; Driving without driving license Rs 500 to Rs 5,000; Rash driving  From Rs 400 to Rs1,000 – 2,000; driving vehicle in a dangerous manner from Rs1,000 to Rs 5,000; If way is not given to emergency vehicles Rs10,000; Vehicle not having Insurance – from Rs1,000 to 2000; vehicle not having permit Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

If goods transport vehicles resort to over loading, the penalty has been increased to Rs.20,000. Similarly, if vehicles are over loaded with passengers, the fine will be levied at Rs.1000 per each person above the prescribed limit.