New Delhi: The Motor Vehicles Amendment Act came into force on September 1, and as per the new rules, the fines for violating traffic rules have been raised multiple times.
However, not all states have welcomed the amendment, with many opting to put on hold the implementation of the new provisions.
Assam: Will shortly implement
The Assam government will be implementing the new provisions shortly. "It will be implemented as it is, and we might add a few points. We are awaiting an opinion from the Home Department on the level of the officer who will fine the offender," Assam minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said.
Bihar: Implemented
The Bihar transport ministry issued a notification asking all state and district authorities to ensure compliance with the amended Act, and passed an order on September 1 saying that the fines prescribed by the Centre would be implemented in the state.
Chhattisgarh: On hold
The Congress government in Chhattisgarh has decided to stick with the old spot fines. Home Minister Tamrandhwaj Sahu said that it is being examined if the state government can make amendments.
Gujarat: Penalties cut
The BJP government has slashed the penalty for 15 violations under the Act, thereby reducing the quantum of fine by 50 per cent in most cases and by 70 per cent in some, compared to the penalties under the new Act.
Haryana: Implemented
The Manohar Lal Khattar government has implemented the new rules. However, Khattar said an awareness campaign would be launched on the amended Act.
Karnataka: Implemented, but penalties to be cut
The amended Act came into force on September 3. However, the new BJP government in the state said it will approach the Centre for permission to reduce the penalties. The government will seek a report from Gujarat on the new penalties and efforts will be made to ensure that the new fines are not detrimental to the interests of common people, Transport Minister Laxman Savadi said.
Kerala: Implemented, but currently on hold
Kerala had initially levied the hiked fines for three days, but protests by the public and trade unions forced the state government to put it on hold. Transport Minister AK Saseendran said that for the time being, revised fines will not be levied. He added that the decisions of other states will also be factored in.
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Madhya Pradesh: On hold
The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has put on hold the implementation of the amended Act, saying the fine for violations is excessive. Law Minister PC Sharma said the state will study its implementation in other states, and that fines will probably be cut.
Maharashtra: Not implemented
The BJP-Shiv Sena government is yet to implement the penalties under the amended Act. Transport Minister Diwakar Raote said that though his department has made an administrative decision, it is awaiting the opinion of the Law and Judiciary Department before announcing the modified fines.
Odisha: Relaxation for 3 months
Odisha has relaxed implementation for three months after spats between police and the public at several places in Bhubaneswar. The CM directed the enforcement agencies not to go on an overdrive, but rather counsel and handhold the public. The next three months have been set as the transition period for the public to ensure compliance.
Read: Free helmets to offenders, roses for law-abiding persons in Bhubaneswar
Puducherry: Awareness first
Chief Minister V Narayanasamy stated that the heavy fines would be levied only after spreading awareness among the public on the provisions of the Act.
Punjab: On hold
The Congress government in Punjab has not implemented the amended rules yet. Transport Minister Razia Sultana said that until any decision is taken on the implementation of the amended Motor Vehicles Act, old fines would be taken from traffic violators.
Rajasthan: Partial implementation
The Rajasthan government has decided to implement the rules partially. Compounding fee for 17 offences will initially be kept low "for practical reasons", so that people are "self-motivated" to follow traffic rules. However, the fines for 16 serious offences will be kept high, in accordance with the amendments.
Telangana: Committee to study Act
The Telangana government has formed a committee that will first study the amended Act, and will then send its recommendations to the Transport Minister and Chief Minister for approval. The new provisions would be implemented only after the committee's recommendations are approved.
Uttarakhand: Implemented, but penalties cut
The state government on September 11 decided to adopt the amended Act but with cuts in penalties. For instance, driving without a licence will attract a penalty of Rs 2,500 as opposed to Rs 5,000 in the amended Act.
Uttar Pradesh: No notification yet
The Yogi Adityanath government is yet to issue a notification on the implementation of the amended Act. UP Traffic Police at present collects compounding fines for certain traffic violations as per the notification issued on June 7, but for some offences like drunken driving, fines are imposed by the court.
West Bengal: On hold
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government will not implement the amended Act as it will "burden" the people. The state will continue with the existing West Bengal Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Read: Delhi truck owner pays over Rs 2 lakh fine, highest under amended MV Act
