. KATHMANDU: The government has proposed to significantly increase the fine for traffic rule violations through amendment to the Vehicle and Transport Management Act. As per the proposed provision, a fine of Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 will be imposed on those found driving under the influence of alcohol.

Currently, a fine of Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 is imposed on a person.TAG_OPEN_p_26 Similarly, a fine of Rs 10,000 has been proposed for encroaching lane, driving on one-way and using mobile phone. Currently, the penalty ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 for such offences.

A fine of TAG_OPEN_p_25 Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 has been proposed for driving without a license and using a vehicle for a different purpose than the registered purpose. Currently, the penalty for these offences is up to Rs 2,000.

According to the proposal, a fine of Rs 25,TAG_OPEN_p_24 000 to Rs 50,000 will be imposed on those driving at higher speed. A fine of Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 will be levied for driving at a lower speed. Currently, there is a provision for a fine of up to Rs 1,000 for over-speeding and there is no clear penalty for driving at low speed.

A fine of TAG_OPEN_p_23 Rs 3,000 has been proposed for driving without a helmet. Currently, a fine of Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 is imposed for not wearing a helmet.

Similarly, a fine of up to TAG_OPEN_p_22 Rs 1 lakh has been proposed for keeping opaque glass or other objects that make them invisible from outside. A fine of Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 has been proposed for obstructing the movement of goods and construction materials, livestock or vehicles on the road. Currently, a fine of Rs 5,000 is imposed on such offenses.

There is a proposal to impose a fine of Rs 500 if pedestrians cross the road from places other than zebra crossing.TAG_OPEN_p_21 A fine of up to Rs 25,000 will be imposed on those driving foreign vehicles in Nepal without taking permission. Currently, a fine of Rs 5,000 is levied.

A fine of Rs TAG_OPEN_p_20 2,000 has been proposed for overtaking in unsafe places, Rs 1,000 for throwing garbage on the road, Rs 3,000 for non-motorized taxis and Rs 2,000 for two-wheelers.

The government has proposed to increase the fines to maintain road discipline, reduce road accidents and make drivers responsible.TAG_OPEN_p_19 The proposed provision will come into effect only after it becomes law.