Kerala government slams brakes, not to impose maximum penalty

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With resistance from people over the steep hike in penalty for traffic violations, the transport department has proposed to revise the fine amount. Transport minister A K Saseendran will convene a meeting with transport secretary and transport commissioner in this regard on Monday.

Since the state government cannot reduce the penalty mentioned in the Motor Vehicles Act (amendment) 2019, the transport department has proposed to impose only the minimum fine recommended in the Act.
Also, the state government is expected to wait for a directive from the Centre on bringing in change in the penalties fixed by the Centre.
“Until there is clarity over the amendment of penalty for traffic violation, the amendment will not be implemented in the state. Based on the decision taken at the meeting convened by Union minister with chief ministers, the state will study the possibility of revision in penalty and its implementation,” said Saseendran.
A final proposal will be sent to the chief minister’s office for approval based on decisions taken in the meeting.
According to sources from transport department, it is likely to take a month for another amendment in MV Act and its implementation by states.
“The state government cannot reduce the fine until the Centre issues a new notification. The state can only recommend to impose the minimum amount in the fine charges, which are mentioned in a range based on the gravity of the offence in the MV Act. And, it has been proposed to increase the fine charges in the range of Rs 50 to Rs 500. For example, the punishment for speeding is mentioned as Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 for light motor vehicles. The transport department is likely to charge not more than Rs 1,500. The transport department will suggest MVD not to impose the maximum punishment mentioned in the Act,” said an official attached to transport department.