Many activists and traffic experts have expressed dismay over the State government’s decision to reduce penalty for traffic violations, especially driving without a licence. “This was one violation that should have been strictly enforced,” they said.
The penalty for driving without a licence has been reduced from ₹5,000 to ₹1,000 for bikers and to ₹2,000 for car owners. Heavy vehicle owners will continue to pay higher penalty for offences such as plying vehicles without insurance, without registration, and others.
The State government has decided not to change the penalty for certain offences like racing on roads, a major menace for motorists and pedestrians. The penalty of ₹5,000 for first offence and ₹10,000 for subsequent violations will remain. The offence for illegal modification of vehicles will invite a fine of ₹1,000, imposed by the Union government.
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The decision to not reduce the high penalty for offences such as driving under the influence of alcohol (₹10,000 and jail time) has been welcomed.
However, several people took to social media to demand that the State government take up various safety measures to protect motorists and pedestrians. Vinay Sreenivas said: “I’m happy that the State has introduced various slabs while revising the penalty. They must work towards providing safe roads for motorists and pedestrians. Public transport must get an impetus.”
Radhakrishna Holla, who runs a taxi business in the city, said: “We have several issues, including issuance of permits and others that we are going to discuss with the government.”
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Raveesh T. said: “The Centre brought out rules considering the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Heavy penalty acts as a deterrent to motorists from violating rules. It is very sad that State government has reduced the penalty.”
₹4.28 cr. fine collected
Since the time the penalty fixed by the Centre came into effect on September 3, the Bengaluru traffic police have imposed ₹4.28 crore as fine on various violations. The effect of the high fines was immediate, said a police officer. The police will levy the revised fines with immediate effect. “The devices given to the police personnel to generate fines have been updated with the revised penalty,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda.