Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 22: The state government, taking note of widespread opposition to steep hike affected in fines imposed for traffic violations, has slashed the fines. The government issued a gazette notification on Saturday September 21 in this regard.

As per the notification, helmet-less travel will attract fine of Rs 500 in place of Rs 1,000 while driving of vehicles without licence will cost Rs 5,000 in place of Rs 10,000 to the concerned. Although the government had said that the reduction in fine would be on the lines toed by Gujarat and Maharashtra, it had not announced the quantum of reduction.

In case of safety norm violation, the fine will be Rs 500. Fine for not wearing seat belt has been brought down from Rs 1,000 to Rs 500. But drunken driving will attract fine of Rs 10,000 as before.

The revised fines are Rs 500 (earlier Rs 1,000) for driving without helmet, Rs 500 (Rs 1,000) for not wearing seat belts, Rs 1,000 (Rs 5000) for driving without licence), Rs 4,000 (Rs 5,000) for driving heavy vehicles without driving licence, riding motor bike without registration Rs 2,000 (Rs 5,000), while drunken driving will be charged Rs 10,000 as before.

The new rates have brought respite to a large number of habitual offenders and in most cases, violations are seen in not wearing helmets and seat belts. However, there have been complaints that the reduction of fines have not been up to the expected extent.