KATHMANDU: The government has proposed a major increase in traffic penalties under the draft Vehicle and Transport Management Bill. The bill prepared by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure aims to discourage traffic violations by introducing higher fines and expanding the scope of punishable offenses.
According to the proposed law, traffic police will be allowed to impose fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 100,000 depending on the violation. The new draft has increased the number of offenses eligible for immediate action from 20 under the existing law to 39.
Driving under the influence of alcohol will attract fines of up to Rs 50,000. Two- and three-wheelers will face a Rs 25,000 fine, small four-wheelers Rs 35,000, and medium and large vehicles Rs 50,000. Repeat offenses will lead to additional penalties.
Overspeeding will also carry higher fines. Two-wheelers and three-wheelers may be fined Rs 25,000, small vehicles Rs 35,000, and medium and large vehicles Rs 50,000. Driving below the safe speed limit may also result in a fine of Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000.
The draft proposes a Rs 100,000 fine for vehicles with dark or unauthorized tinted glass that blocks visibility. Driving without a license, operating vehicles in the wrong category, and failing to maintain pollution certificates will also carry penalties based on vehicle type.
Lane violations, using mobile phones while driving, changing lanes without signals, driving on footpaths, and operating without route permits may result in a Rs 10,000 fine.
The bill also includes penalties for passengers and pedestrians. Pedestrians using roads outside designated footpaths may be fined Rs 500, while throwing waste from vehicles can lead to a Rs 1,000 fine.
Blocking public roads with goods, construction materials, vehicles, or animals may result in fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000. Removing, damaging, or altering traffic signs may attract a Rs 5,000 penalty.
The ministry has sent the draft bill to the Ministry of Law for approval. After legal review, it will be presented to the Cabinet and later to the Federal Parliament. The proposed rules will come into effect only after parliamentary approval and publication in the Nepal Gazette.
