Within days of imposing heavy fines under the amended Motor Vehicles Act for traffic violations, the Uttar Pradesh government has now decided to impose fine of Rs.2000 for truck drivers and their helpers if found flouting dress code and wearing ‘lungi’ and ‘banyan’, reports Times of India.

Reportedly, under the new provisions added to the amended Motor Vehicles Act, which imposes heavy fines for violating the law, dictates that drivers wear full-length pants with a shirt or t-shirt. They must also wear closed shoes whenever driving the vehicle.

The new law also dictates mandatory proper dress code for drivers of school vans and government vehicles.

Speaking to media ASP (Traffic) Lucknow Poornendu Singh explained that the dress code has been a part of the MV Act since 1939. “A fine of 500 rupees was introduced when the Act was amended in 1989 for violation of the dress code. Now a fine of 2000 rupees will be imposed under section 179 of MV ACT 2019 on those who will be found violating the dress code,” he said.

Additional Transport Commissioner (UP) Gangaphal stated that that the new law gives powers to the states to introduce safety rules and impose hefty fines in case of violation. He said that “lungi-vest” will be unacceptable in view of the dress code. “Under the law, driving trucks, tractors and other such heavy and light commercial vehicles wearing lungi and vest is not permitted. One must wear full pants, proper shirt and closed shoes. The rule will be for everyone, even if it is a government vehicle driver,” he added.

It is notable here that Section 28 of the MV Act gives state government power to make some other provisions like mandating the drivers of transport vehicles to wear badges or uniforms. UP government is using this provision to impose dress code for truck drivers and school bus drivers.