Motorists who park their vehicles in a haphazard manner and block traffic or are guilty of other parking violations are likely to shell out as much as ₹1,000 for the first offence. And if the Transport Department has its way, repeat offenders will be fined as high as ₹2,000. Currently, the penalty for the offence is only ₹100.
The department has submitted a proposal to the government suggesting a steep increase in the penalty levied not just for illegal parking but also for other violations, including the use of mobile phones while driving, speeding, driving without an insurance policy or registration papers.
Officials hope that if the traffic offender’s wallet is lightened significantly, he/she will think twice before breaking the law again. If the proposal is approved, motorists in cities such as Bengaluru would end up paying as much as ₹3,000 once towing charges are taken into consideration. The traffic police charge towing fees of ₹750 for two-wheelers and ₹1,100 for cars.
Transport Commissioner V.P. Ikkeri told The Hindu that the proposal was pending before the government. “Once the government approves it, a notification will be published on the proposed increases in the penalty amount.”
The government is likely to seek objections and suggestions from the public before issuing the final notification.
Another driving hazard that officials want to clamp down on is the use of mobile phones while driving. Currently, the fine ranges between ₹200 and ₹500, depending on the type of vehicle.
“We propose to increase this to ₹1,000. In case of dangerous driving, the traffic police can recommend the respective RTOs to suspend the offender’s driving licence,” said an official. The department has also proposed that the penalty be increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000 for using vehicles without an insurance policy.
“Increased penalty will act as a deterrent for the motorist to indulge in any traffic violation. At present, penalty for an offence like parking a vehicle in a no-parking zone is meagre. Motorists get away by paying ₹100. If a hefty penalty is imposed, they will think twice before violating law,” said an official of the department.
‘₹5,000 penalty for plying unregistered vehicle’
People who evade tax by not registering their vehicle may have to pay a heavy fine if the government approves the Transport Department’s proposal. Transport officials have recommended that the penalty for a first-time offender be increased nearly 67% from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000. Repeat offenders can be fined ₹10,000 every time they are caught, said officials.
