The fine imposed on the traffic rules violation will
cost you a hefty sum, as per the latest notification released from the Punjab Government.
As per the new rules, the fine imposed over the violation of traffic norms has
been increased for two and four-wheelers in the state. The new rules find mention
of over speeding, Red Light Jump, using mobile phones while driving, drink,
drugs and driving, overloaded vehicles, and more than two passengers on a
two-wheeler. It doesn’t end here only in certain cases, the provision of
driving license suspension is also included.
The new rule further guides that an officer at the
rank of ASI, Assistant Superintendent of Police is only authorized to impose
the fine on defaulters. Whereas the state transport officer will have to look
into the matters with heavy vehicles. A total of six offenses were listed by the authority
in the released notification, in all six of them, the provision of suspending
driving license for three months has been included besides an additional fine
depending upon the offense. The entire detail mentions offense in comparison to
the old rules.
Over speeding:
New Rules: - Under the new norms, a Fine of Rs 1000 whereas for the second time fine will be increased to Rs 2000.
Old Rules: - The old rule had the provision of paying a Rs 1000 fine for both the first and second time.
New Rules: - Under the new norms, a Fine of Rs 1000 whereas for the second time fine will be increased to Rs 2000.
Old Rules: - The old rule had the provision of paying a Rs 1000 fine for both the first and second time.
Light Jump:
New Rules: - Rs 1000 fine in the first instance, whereas for the second time Rs 2000.
Old Rules: - Fine of Rs 500, for the first time and Rs 1000 for the offense the next time.
Using Phones While Driving:
New Rules: - Rs 5000 fine the first time found guilty of the offense and Rs 10,000 the next time.
Old Rules: - It had the provision of Rs 2000 at first and a whopping Rs 10000 the next time.
Drink, Drugs, and Drive:
New Rule: - Rs 5000 at first and Rs 10000 in the second instance.
Old Rules: - Mentally Unfit and a fine of Rs 1000, whereas in the second instance the defaulter will have to pay a fine of Rs 2000.
Overloaded Vehicle:
New Rules: - Rs 20000 plus Rs 2000 for every additional tonne above permissible limits which will exceed Rs 40,000 the next time.
Old Rules: - In both cases the provision is the fine of Rs 20000 plus Rs 2000 for every additional tonne above the permissible limit.
More than two passengers in a two-wheeler:
New Rules: -Rs 1000 fine in the first, while 2000 in the second instance of the default.
Old Rules: - Under the old norms for both the instance Fine of Rs 1000 and 3 months suspension of license.
The traffic norms recently released had certain other provisions under, details on that as well;
Campaign in
the schools to raise awareness:
As per the new notifications, the transport department
of the state will run a campaign spreading awareness about the traffic rules
and principles in every single school in the district among students of classes
10th and 12th. The department is of the firm belief that it
will be a better deal for the future if a person while (s) he is a student takes
up this idea of traffic norm’s importance and these children will even stop
their parents from violating traffic rules.
Entitling defaulters
for community services:
The competent authority can entitle the defaulters if
found guilty to the charges of overspeeding, drink, drugs, and drive, for the
community services as per their wish. As per this, the defaulters will have to
teach at least 20 students from the class of 9th till 12th
for at least 2 hours based on the refresher course of the transport authority. After
the completion of this lecture, the defaulter will be issued a certificate from
the nodal officer. Apart from this, the defaulter will have to perform
community service in the nearest hospital for at least two hours or donate a
unit of blood.
Road rage cases
in Punjab:
In the past 10 years a total of 56, 959 accidents have
taken place in Punjab in which 46, 550 people have lost their lives. Bathinda was
the worst affected: In between 1997 till 2000, due to the black spot on the
roads, a total of 191 incidents occurred grievously injuring 237 people.
Every year around 425 people have lost their lives due
to overspeeding and consumption of alcohol. Taking the matter as a huge concern
the officials are going to establish special checkpoints to stop the cases of
drink and drive, which will also cater to the case of drugs driving after
consuming drugs.