The Government of Punjab has provided major relief to the public by issuing a gazette notification reducing traffic fines and abolishing prison sentences for several traffic-related offences.
According to media reports, the new bill issued by the Punjab Law Department significantly lowers heavy fines for various traffic violations, while jail terms for a number of offences have also been removed.
Under the new law, licensing-related violations previously carried fines ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 rupees along with imprisonment. These penalties have now been reduced to fines between 5,000 and 10,000 rupees, while imprisonment has been abolished.
Similarly, violating one-way traffic rules previously resulted in a fine of 50,000 rupees or up to six months in prison. Under the revised law, offenders will now face a fine of only 5,000 rupees.
Driving in the wrong direction also previously carried a penalty of either six months’ imprisonment or a 50,000-rupee fine. This has now been reduced to a 5,000-rupee fine only.
The law relating to underage drivers has also been amended. Previously, the offence carried six months in prison and a 50,000-rupee fine. Under the new rules, offenders will now face a 10,000-rupee fine. In such cases, the vehicle will be impounded and handed over to a licensed driver.
Strict penalties previously applied to driving without a fitness certificate. However, under the new bill, offenders will now only face a fine of 5,000 rupees, and the vehicle will only be permitted to travel to an inspection station.
