The hike in fines for traffic rules violations became effective from Saturday.

The government had amended the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act of 1993 seven months ago to increase the penalty. The range of fine has been increased from earlier Rs25 to Rs200 to between Rs500 and Rs1,500 at present. Although the government had announced that the new regulations will come into effect on May 1, Metropolitan Traffic Police Division has started enforcing it from Saturday.

There are only three types of fines now—Rs500 for simple traffic offences like not wearing helmets while riding a motorbike, Rs1,000 for moderate offences like driving motor vehicles without carrying a licence and Rs1,500 for serious offences like driving vehicle from the wrong side of the road. As per the new rules, motorists who repeat simple offences will be fined Rs1,000 in the second time and Rs1,500 in the third time.

The new rules are applicable across the country. According to traffic police, the hike in penalties is expected to deter motorists from violating traffic rules.

Meanwhile, transport entrepreneurs have demanded that the new rule be scrapped immediately. Representatives of several transport unions including National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs met Home Minister Shakti Basnet on Friday and submitted a memorandum for the same.

Transport unions have said that increasing fines will not solve the problem of traffic mismanagement as the country utterly lacks proper road infrastructures. Earlier, NFNTE had warned of protest programmes if the government does not roll back its decision.

 Home Minister Basnet assured the protestors of addressing their demands but senior officials at the Ministry said that the new rules cannot be taken back as the Transport Management Act has already been amended.

Offences that can result in Rs500 fine

Not wearing a helmet while riding a motorbike or not wearing seatbelts

Public vehicles carrying passengers on the roof

Vehicles carrying load beyond capacity

Vehicles being used for different purposes without permit

Reckless driving

Obstructing the road

Offences that can result in Rs1,000 fine

Driving under influence

Haphazardly parking motor vehicles in public places

Driving without licence or letting someone without licence to drive

Causing accidents or absconding from a scene of accident

Offences that can result in Rs1,500 fine

Disregarding traffic signs or traffic police instructions

Dangerous driving

Driving a vehicle without a number plate

Driving in the wrong lane or from the wrong side of the road

Driving a public vehicle without route permit or deviating from approved route

Driving a vehicle which in not in good condition

Charging passengers more than the fixed rate in public vehicles

Over speeding

Driving in prohibited areas

Driving without turning lights on during night time

Refusing to take in passengers in public vehicles