KATHMANDU, June 25: The government is preparing to significantly increase traffic penalties through a bill aimed at amending and consolidating transport laws.
The proposed legislation, currently under review at the Ministry of Law after being forwarded by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, recommends fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 50,000 for various traffic and transport-related offences. Once the legal review is completed, the bill will be sent back to the concerned ministry before being endorsed by the Cabinet and registered in Parliament.
The draft proposes a fine of Rs 5,000 for two- and three-wheelers, Rs 10,000 for small and medium vehicles, and Rs 15,000 for large vehicles if they are used for purposes other than those specified during registration.
A Rs 10,000 fine has been proposed for driving without a licence, operating a vehicle outside the authorised licence category, violating lane discipline, changing lanes improperly, driving on footpaths, driving on one-way roads, or using a mobile phone while driving.
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Failure to obey traffic signals could attract fines ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000. Carrying goods in public vehicles in a manner that endangers passengers or allowing a learner driver to operate a vehicle without a licensed instructor present could result in a Rs 3,000 fine.
Drivers, co-drivers or other personnel who fail to fulfil their responsibilities following a road accident could be fined Rs 2,000.
The draft proposes a Rs 500 fine for honking in prohibited areas and a Rs 1,000 fine for littering from vehicles. Drivers who fail to carry mandatory documents would face a Rs 1,000 penalty, although no fine would be imposed if the documents can be produced through an electronic portal.
Driving with vehicle doors open or operating a vehicle that is not roadworthy could result in a Rs 5,000 fine. Driving in restricted areas or during restricted hours would carry a Rs 1,000 penalty.
Public transport operators refusing to carry passengers up to the approved seating capacity could face a Rs 2,000 fine, while taxi drivers refusing to operate on a meter could be fined Rs 3,000. Two-wheelers providing offline ride-sharing services would also face a Rs 2,000 penalty.
Drivers and conductors who fail to wear prescribed uniforms or identification cards could be fined Rs 500. Operating a vehicle without obtaining a required route permit would attract a Rs 10,000 fine.
Vehicles operating without mandatory inspections would face fines of Rs 5,000 for two-wheelers, Rs 10,000 for three-wheelers and small vehicles, and Rs 15,000 for medium and large vehicles. The same penalties have been proposed for operating vehicles without pollution test certificates.
The bill also recommends a Rs 15,000 fine for running public transport services without registration. Tampering with, removing, damaging or altering traffic signs without authorisation would result in a Rs 5,000 penalty.
Public transport operators that fail to display approved fare rates or charge passengers above the prescribed fare could be fined Rs 2,000 for three-wheelers, Rs 5,000 for small vehicles and Rs 10,000 for medium and large vehicles, in addition to refunding the excess fare collected.
The highest penalties have been proposed for drunk driving. Drivers of two- and three-wheelers could be fined Rs 25,000, drivers of small vehicles Rs 35,000, and operators of medium and large vehicles Rs 50,000 if found driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances.
