MV Act: Karnataka to reduce quantum of fines for traffic violations
2 min read 11 Sep 2019, 10:57 PM ISTCM Yediyurappa takes cue from Gujarat government, which proposed to nearly halve the finesBetween 4 September and 9 September, Bengaluru traffic police booked 6,813 cases and collected fines to the tune of almost ₹72.5 lakh
PremiumBengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Wednesday said that the state would follow the model adopted by Gujarat government that proposes to almost halve the fines for traffic violations as per the amendments of the Motor Vehicles Act.
“I have given directions that we will also follow the decision of the Gujarat government to bring down the quantum of fines," Yediyurappa said in Bengaluru.
He added that the Karnataka government will seek more details from Gujarat and implement an order to this effect in the state in the next few days to bring down the fines.
Karnataka following the Gujarat government that decided to slash the quantum of fines to bring down the burden on motorists.
Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday said that the fines were reduced after detailed deliberations and became the first Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)-ruled state to roll back the central guidelines increasing fines for motorists to bring down instances of traffic violations.
Since the order came into effect on 1 September, stories of motorists being fined exorbitant fines have been reported from across the country dividing opinion on those who favour the increase with arguments of saving lives and respecting rules and those who vehemently oppose it on the basis that the hikes seemed unjust when the government has been unable to provide even basic infrastructure.
Gujarat government had brought down the fine for riding without a helmet down to ₹500 from ₹1,000 as proposed by the centre, the Press Trust of India reported on Tuesday.
The penalty for driving without a licence has been brought down to ₹2,000 for two wheelers and ₹3,000 for four wheelers from ₹5,000 as stated by the new amended act.
Nitin Gadkari, the union road transport and highway minister had remarked that states can revise fines. Gadkari said the Motor Vehicles Act falls in the concurrent list, and states as well as the Centre can revise and frame rules under the amended act.
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, that came into effect on 9 August, seeks to improve road safety and discipline by imposing hefty penalties for traffic violations. As many as 63 clauses from the Act, which states have the power to revise.
Karnataka is yet to decide the quantum of decrease in fines.
Since the implementation of the amended rules, police in Bengaluru have been spotted spending all its time on checking motorists than managing traffic snarls due to large number of vehicles, dug up roads and crumbling infrastructure among other reasons.
Between 4 September and 9 September, Bengaluru traffic police had booked 6,813 cases and collected fines to the tune of almost ₹72.5 lakh.
"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels 🚀 Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
