Need to drive mindfully
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| Image: ChatGPT/Concept: LB Thpaa |
Need to drive mindfully
The
government is preparing to adopt a tough stance against reckless driving and
violations of traffic regulations. It is drafting a new law that proposes
significantly higher penalties, with fines of up to Rs. 50,000 for certain
traffic offenses. Under the proposal put forward by the Ministry of
Infrastructure Development, motorists found driving under the influence of
intoxicants could face fines of up to Rs. 50,000. Depending on the severity of
the offense, traffic violators may be fined anywhere between Rs. 500 and Rs.
100,000. The proposed legislation also prescribes penalties for a wide range of
offenses, including speeding, driving excessively slowly, improper lane
discipline, and failing to carry a valid driving license. Under the existing
Transport Management Act, 2049 (1993), the penalty for driving under the
influence of intoxicants ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,500. But the new proposal
would increase this fine dramatically to a maximum of Rs. 50,000. Likewise,
driving without a valid license would carry a fine ranging from Rs. 5,000 to
Rs. 15,000.
For not
following lane discipline, driving without signaling, driving on the sidewalk,
driving against the one-way direction, and using a mobile phone while driving,
the current fine of 1000 to 1500 rupees is set to be increased to 10,000
rupees. There are also plans to increase fines for controlling vehicle speed.
If a vehicle is driven over the designated speed limit, a fine of 5,000 to
50,000 rupees is proposed. Similarly, if a vehicle is driven below the limit, a
fine of 3,000 to 5,000 rupees is mentioned in the draft. Currently, traffic
police impose fines of 500 to 1500 rupees on those who violate speed limits.
If public
transport does not display a fare list or charges more than the designated
fare, a fine of up to 10,000 rupees will also be imposed. If traffic signals
are not followed, fines of 3,000 to 5,000 rupees will be applied. Driving with
doors open will incur a fine of 5,000 rupees, and driving an unfit vehicle will
also result in a fine of 5,000 rupees. A proposal for a fine of 100,000 rupees
is in place for driving in prohibited areas.
When
violating traffic rules, the fines will vary based on the offense. For lane
violations, fines will range from 25,000 to 50,000 rupees. Driving in the wrong
direction on a one-way street will incur a fine of 10,000 rupees. Using a
mobile phone while driving will also result in a fine of 10,000 rupees. Using a
vehicle for purposes other than registered will incur fines of 5,000 to 15,000
rupees. Driving without a license will also result in fines of 5,000 to 15,000
rupees.
Driving
without a helmet will incur a fine of 3,000 rupees. Keeping opaque glass or any
other object that obstructs visibility can lead to fines of up to 100,000
rupees. Blocking the road with goods, construction materials, or animals will
result in a fine of 5,000 rupees. If
taxi meters do not comply, a fine of 3 thousand rupees; if two-wheeled vehicles
operate offline, a fine of 2 thousand rupees; for littering from vehicles, a
fine of 1 thousand rupees; if pedestrians cross the road other than at zebra
crossings, a fine of 500 rupees. In this way, strict penalties are being
arranged to bind both pedestrians and drivers under the law, and the process of
law-making has been advanced.
Implementing
the law on the road and reducing accidents is an important responsibility, and it
seems that the government is working to maintain road safety and discipline,
making citizens' journeys pleasant and facilitating smooth transportation.
The
government has already launched various activities to bring general awareness
and the sense of responsibility among the citizens. Various interactions,
workshops, and discussions with different stakeholders have been conducted to
reduce traffic accidents. Recently, the government has promoted a faceless
traffic management system and plans are being made to develop an automated
monitoring system. Later the government wants gradually reduce the physical
presence of traffic police managing traffic on the roads and adopt
technology-friendly traffic management, where technology will manage traffic in
a reliable and dependable manner.
Recently, it
has been observed that as the number of vehicles increases in proportion to the
development of road infrastructure, it has become a challenge to manage traffic
on the road. Additionally, the presence of older vehicles on the roads has
created some difficulties in traffic management. Currently, due to the lack of
development in certain areas, traffic is still being managed in a traditional
manner where the government has become unable to utilize technology
effectively.
It seems
that the government is committed to implementing technology-friendly traffic
management in the country. Like in many advanced countries where everything can
be controlled from a control room. The traffic police monitor road activities,
and technology can oversee, control, and take action. If a similar system is developed
in the country, traffic management can reach to a next level.
Nepali
people are generally law-abiding citizens who welcome strict laws that promote
discipline and a sense of responsibility in traffic management. However, one important
issue the government should reconsider is the amount of fines imposed for minor
traffic violations. As Nepal is one of the world's poorest countries, the
current fines for minor traffic offenses are disproportionately high and place
an unnecessary financial burden on ordinary citizens. There is no objection to
imposing hefty penalties for serious traffic violations that endanger public
safety. However, for minor infractions, the government should adopt a more
balanced and reasonable approach by reducing the fines. Otherwise, these
excessive penalties will disproportionately affect the common people and add to
their financial hardships.
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