Bisma Bhat
Srinagar: Beware motorists! Next time you flout traffic rules, you may have to shell out huge fines and penalties.
Post the abrogation of Article 370, the amendments made in the Central Motor Vehicle Act 2019 have been implemented in Jammu and Kashmir as well. This is for the first time that the amendments made in the central law have directly been implemented in J&K.
The Centre has notified 63 provisions of Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019, which specifies huge penalties for various traffic offences.
Under the new rules, the penalty for drunk driving is six months imprisonment or fine up to Rs 10,000 for first time offence. For the same offence committed second time, the penalty includes imprisonment up to two years or fine of Rs 15,000.
The penalty for driving without a license has been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000. Fine for not wearing a seatbelt would attract a fine of Rs 1,000 as against Rs 100. The over-speeding penalty has been increased from Rs 400 to Rs 1,000-Rs 2,000.
Senior Superintendent of traffic police, Tahir Gillani told The Kashmir Monitor that the amendments in the Motor Vehicle Act have been implemented in Jammu and Kashmir from September 1.
“Traffic department is filing challan according to the new rules of Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019,” he said.
Sources said that those who are not able to renew the insurance and pollution under control certificate due to the internet blockade are being given relaxation.
Traffic police department has also started series of awareness programme to inform the commuters and motorists about the amended Motor Vehicle Act 2019.
