Maharashtra: Soon, hefty fines to be levied for traffic violations

The new laws with revised fines are likely to be implemented soon after receiving a nod from state government.

Under the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019, motorists can be fined up to Rs 5,000 for jumping red light, using a cellphone while driving, overtaking wrongly or driving against the flow of traffic. The offenders can also be put behind bars. Penalties for drunk driving, not wearing a helmet or seat belt have also been increased. Also, for the first time, a provision has been made to impose a stiff 200% fine on traffic police and transport department personnel caught contravening traffic rules. Repeat offences will attract higher fines.

The traffic police are waiting for the state government to release an official notification enforcing the implementation of amendments in the act. However it is expected that the execution might be delayed as the state legislative elections are approaching in a few months, said a source from traffic police. On Thursday, the state transport ministry Diwakar Raote said that government was not in favour of penalising traffic rule violators with hefty fines and further instructions in this regards shall be given by the state home department.

A senior traffic police officer who requested anonymity told DNA, "The date of implementation of the new fines was from the beginning of this month but we are yet to receive an official notification from the state government. The moment state's political leadership gives a green signal, we are ready to swing into action. Mostly after the state legislative elections are done in a few months, we can expect some action on fines If the fines are implemented, we shall show no leniency on law breakers,"

A traffic police source told DNA that the police force is making itself ready for the new fines and are at present updating their database and records thereby preparing for the new entries. Traffic officials say vehicle owners are now rushing to obtain various documents like the Pollution Under Control (PUC), registration certificates, vehicle insurance papers and other documents, whose absence will call for penalties.