‘Cops liable to pay double for flouting traffic norms’

A Delhi traffic police officer, who asked not to be named, said the order will ensure police officers abide by the norms.

The Delhi traffic police earlier this month issued an order reminding police officers of a provision in the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, which directs that police personnel will be liable to pay double the standard fine for traffic violations, a move that comes after the force received “regular complaints” that police personnel were not wearing seat belts while driving government police vehicles or occupying the front seat beside the driver.

Delhi Police personnel manning at a checkpost. (Amal KS/HT Photo)

Under Section 210(B) of the amended MV Act, 1988, “Any authority empowered to enforce the provisions of this Act shall, if such authority commits an offence under this Act, shall be liable for twice the penalty corresponding to that offence under this Act.”

“All officers posted under your command should be sensitised and directed to adhere to the traffic rules and regulations strictly to avoid penalty, as well as embarrassment to the department,” said the order issued by Ajay Krishnan Sharma, additional commissioner of police (traffic), on March 8.

At present, the penalty for not wearing a seat belt is ₹1,000.

A Delhi traffic police officer, who asked not to be named, said the order will ensure police officers abide by the norms. “These issues are often highlighted by commuters who see them violating the rules as well. Till now, not much was done to ensure police personnel don’t violate these traffic rules. But after this order, each of us will be doubly sure of wearing appropriate gear for our safety. The police will now be more vigilant and lead by example,” said the officer.

“All traffic inspectors are also directed to brief all prosecuting officers that all violators should be dealt with as per provisions of the MV Act and other relevant laws, irrespective to their class and categories. If any police personnel either in uniform or driving government vehicles is found violating traffic norms, he should be prosecuted under appropriate provisions of law and provisions made under Section 210(B) of the MV act,” added the order.