Traffic Fines Set To Really Sting As Bengal Implements Stricter Rules | Kolkata News – Times of India

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[google-translator]

KOLKATA: Get ready to cough up as much as Rs 5,000 if you are caught talking on your mobile while driving, or if you jump a traffic light. Traffic fines in Kolkata and the rest of the state are set to increase by up to tenfold, following the amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act and hike in compounding fines for different traffic offences kicking in.
The revised notification comes more than two years after the state government had decided against implementing the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, as it was against the imposition of such steep fines.

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While dangerous or rash driving (talking on mobiles and jumping signals come under this) and racing will initially attract a fine of Rs 5,000, the driver will have to pay up Rs 10,000 if the person commits another fine within three years. The fine for not carrying a valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate will attract a fine of Rs 10,000 and the driving licence confiscated for three months. The amount is similar for plying vehicles without valid registration, fitness certificate or permit.
Not adhering to personal safety protocols, such as wearing seatbelts and helmets, will be a fine of Rs 1,000. For the latter, the offender will also be disqualified for holding a driving licence for three months. If a person whose licence is disqualified for an offence is caught driving, s/he will be fined Rs 10,000. Any unauthorised alterations to their vehicles can be fined Rs 1 lakh.

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Traffic cops have also been empowered to enforce silence zones in the city. If someone blows a horn near a hospital, school or any other silence zone, the person will be fined Rs 1,000 for the first offence and Rs 2,000 for repeat offences.
Taxi refusal, a major problem in the city, will henceforth invite a fine of Rs 500.
Transport officials said a spurt in accidents and revenue loss were the primary reasons for the state changing its mind on the implementation of the amended act. “Many states have implemented the enhanced fines. This was leading to a revenue loss for the state. More importantly, we saw a number of accidents where there was major negligence by the drivers. With the sharp rise in vehicles, such negligence cannot be accepted on the road. Hence we decided to notify the enhanced fines,” said a transport officer.
The city police said it would update the citation app with the newly compounded fines before implementing the enhanced penalties. “Sergeants will now prosecute violators according to regulations laid out in the new notification,” said DC (traffic) Arijit Sinha.
There were mixed reactions from motorists. Sourav Sikdar, a Salt Lake resident, said, “Traffic offences are common in the city. With an increase in fines, people will think twice before committing an offence. Safety on city roads will definitely increase.” But Behala resident Satadru Banerjee countered that it would lead to under-the-table deals. “Increase in fines for the second time, especially, for those without helmets will only increase bribes. The fines for second-time violation should have been Rs 800 and not Rs 1,500.”

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