KATHMANDU: The government has proposed raising traffic fines in Nepal up to Rs 100,000 for violating road rules. The move aims to discourage increasing traffic violations across the country.
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has prepared a draft bill titled Vehicle and Transport Related Law Amendment and Consolidation Bill 2082.
Under the proposal, traffic police or authorized officers would be able to impose on-the-spot fines ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 100,000, depending on the offence.
The current Vehicle and Transport Management Act 2049 allows immediate action for 20 offences. The new bill proposes expanding that number to 34 offences.
This would be the first major revision of traffic fines in nearly a decade. The last update came into effect on April 29, 2016.
Ministry spokesperson Gyan Raj Lamsal said the draft has been made public and suggestions are being collected from stakeholders. After revisions, it will be sent to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Law for approval. It will then go to the Cabinet, followed by registration in the Federal Parliament.
The bill will become law only after approval by both houses of Parliament, presidential authentication, and publication in the Gazette.
Proposed traffic fines in Nepal
- The highest proposed fine is Rs 100,000 for using dark tinted or opaque glass that blocks visibility inside the vehicle.
- Driving without a valid license will result in a fine of Rs 2,000 for two/three-wheelers, Rs 5,000 for small/medium vehicles, and Rs 10,000 for large vehicles.
- Operating a vehicle without a route permit will carry a fine of Rs 10,000.
- Driving without an inspection pass will lead to a fine of Rs 5,000 for two-wheelers, Rs 10,000 for three-wheelers/small vehicles, and Rs 15,000 for medium/large vehicles.
- Driving without a pollution certificate will result in a fine of Rs 1,000 for two-wheelers, Rs 2,000 for three-wheelers/small vehicles, and Rs 5,000 for medium/large vehicles.
- Over speeding, parking outside designated areas, or not displaying hazardous cargo markings will each carry a fine of Rs 5,000.
- Driving without a helmet or seatbelt will result in a fine of Rs 3,000.
- Negligent or risky driving will carry a fine ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000.
- Failing to stop when required will result in a fine of Rs 2,000.
- Unsafe overtaking or driving without lights at night will carry a fine of Rs 2,000.
- Lane violations, changing lanes without signal, driving on footpaths, driving the wrong way on one-way roads, or using a mobile phone while driving will each result in a fine of Rs 1,000.
- Violating traffic signals will carry a fine ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.
- Driving without compulsory insurance will result in a fine of Rs 10,000 for public vehicles and Rs 5,000 for other vehicles.
- Charging above approved fare, not displaying fare lists, refusing passengers within seat capacity, or taxi drivers refusing meter rides will carry fines ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 depending on vehicle type.
- Honking in restricted zones will result in a fine of Rs 500.
- Throwing litter from a vehicle will carry a fine of Rs 1,000.
- Driving without required documents will result in a fine of Rs 1,000.
- Driving with the vehicle door open will carry a fine of Rs 5,000.
- Driving an unfit vehicle will result in a fine of Rs 1,000.
- Driving in restricted areas or during restricted hours will carry a fine of Rs 1,000.
- Drivers or conductors not carrying ID cards will be fined Rs 100.
- Repeating the same offence a second time will add 50 percent extra fine, while a third time or more will add 100 percent extra fine.
