Reduction in traffic fine likely to be marginal

According to the traffic police, as many as 2,735 cases were registered in January and February this year against those riding on pavements in Bengaluru.

Motorists are unlikely to get a huge relief from the high penalties under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act.

Sources in the secretariat said that there is a possibility that fines will reduced for only a few violations that come under the purview of State government, such as driving vehicles without registration, DL, or insurance and rash driving.

A source in the government secretariat said, "The State government can only revise the penalty amounts that come within its purview. The legal department is yet to give an opinion on whether the State has the power to revise penalties along the lines of the Gujarat government. The Centre is also studying the legality of the notification issued by the Gujarat government."

The official said that for now, only penalties of five violations are likely to be revised. A decision will be taken on other penalties after getting legal opinion.

Last week, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had directed the Transport Department to study the notification issued by the Gujarat government on the reduction of penalties. The transport commissioner's office sent a proposal to the State government for downward revision in penalties for more than 20 traffic violations. The proposal was forwarded to the legal department for legal opinion.