All of us have heard about revised traffic rules that have resulted in road users being fined huge amounts in recent times. Often these amounts sound absurd to us – because there have been cases where the value of the fine exceeds the value of the vehicle driven. Reports of such large fines continue to come in from different places. While some feel that the new traffic fines are exorbitant and unfair, others support the new rules. Yet others simply make funny memes about the situation.
A truck driver was fined this amount in Gurgaon according to some sources. The challan included as many as 10 violations including not having papers, driving without licence, jumping a light, carrying dangerous items etc.
I have had my share of altercations with auto drivers, but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone!
Many who support the stiffer fines, pointed out how much stiffer penalties are in other countries.
People pointed to better road conditions, excellent drainage facilities, low traffic congestion in countries that levy heavy fines vis-à-vis Indian conditions. Our roads are often nothing short of life-threatening.
This sarcastic tweet underlines the kind of problems that Indian road users have simply learned to live with.
Police vehicles breaking traffic laws with utter impunity is one of the most infuriating of experiences. One wonders whether the police will modify their actions or fine their own with the same zeal they currently display towards the mango people.
In India, there is no shortage of legislation. The problem has always been proper implementation. Some feel that the higher fines will simply promote greater corruption among the traffic police.
The stories about poor people being fined large amounts continue to come in.
Obviously the new #TrafficFines have triggered plenty of jokes on social media.
This commentator suggested this unique use of prize money.
Maybe these fines will be a good lesson for all those men who seem to use helmets like bangles to decorate the arm rather than something to wear to protect the head?
What about this sort of behavior that our netas indulge in, asked some of the tweeple.
Loose cattle are a common menace on Indian roads, but rarely is anything done about this, pointed out some.
It used to be बुरी नज़र वाले तेरा मुँह काला. This commentator has an alternative suggestion: wish the offending individual a traffic fine; much worse than a blackened face.
Where there is a rule, there is an Indian who’s found a loophole to circumvent it. This innovative t shirt design appears to be one way to evade the law, it would seem.
Perhaps some will not be able to afford to use a motorised vehicle after paying the fine. Others may decide to use cycles for health and environmental reasons.
While the sight of a policeman makes people in other countries feel safe, in India, we feel threatened and uncomfortable --- especially now.
This is a guy who clearly wants to take no chances at all. There is a legal term for this: ‘abundant caution’.
While some have become extra cautious, others remain oblivious to rules, regulations, laws and fines.
Some road users are quite fed-up with the daily angst of driving in India. They have proposed this counter-fine system.
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
