The new Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, will be implemented from September 16 in Gujarat, with the state government deciding to introduce a five-fold increase in the fine for driving without helmet.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said in Gandhinagar on Tuesday that there are a few more days left to purchase helmets and get all the documents in place.
Though the state government has reduced the fines announced by the Central government, it is more than the fines currently prevalent in the state. Rupani clarified that the state government has the power to make changes in the fine structure brought out in the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 by the Centre.
For example, while the Centre had suggested Rs 1,000 as fine for those who ride bikes without helmet, the state government has reduced it to Rs 500. The current fine is Rs 100.
Those using mobiles while driving vehicles will have to pay a fine of Rs 500 instead of Rs 1,000 for the first violation and Rs 1,500 for the second violation.
Those not wearing seat belts on the front seats of cars will have to pay a fine of Rs 500 instead of Rs 100. The Centre had suggested Rs 1,000.
For dangerous driving, the offenders on two and three-wheelers will have to pay a fine of Rs 1,500 instead of the existing fine of Rs 1,000. Those violating the rules while driving a car will have to pay Rs 3,000 and heavy vehicles Rs 5,000.
Rupani said the state government is not interested in fines. However, it is unlikely that the people will follow the rules in the absence of strict rules, he pointed out.
He said Gujarat reports around 8,000 traffic related deaths every year.