Steep fines for traffic rule violations soon

Drivers caught violating traffic rules in the Capital may soon have to pay bigger fines. The Delhi government is planning to bring in a new legislation in the state assembly to hike the penalty for traffic violations. Proposed rules

Drivers caught violating traffic rules in the Capital may soon have to pay bigger fines. The Delhi government is planning to bring in a new legislation in the state assembly to hike the penalty for traffic violations.

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The new plan proposes a fine of Rs 500 instead of the current Rs 100 for offences like jumping a red light, driving without a helmet or seat belt.

Chief minister Sheila Dikshit had said at a recent meeting that the minimum fine of Rs 100 was not effective enough to stop traffic violations.

Following her observation, the Delhi Traffic Police made a comprehensive proposal to raise the penalty structure and sent it to the chief secretary for clearance last Friday.

"We hope a final decision would be taken soon," a senior police officer said.

"A final decision will be taken next Monday at the Delhi cabinet meeting," said an official in the chief secretary's office.

In 2009, the Centre had constituted an expert committee to review the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and make appropriate recommendations for amendments in the act. The committee had proposed an increased penalty structure in January this year.

The proposal, however, is yet to be tabled in Parliament.