Traffic fines increased

Cabinet yesterday greenlighted a move to increase fines for violations of traffic rules with the aim of curbing road accidents. 

However, the effective date for the new fine structure has not been determined yet, Cabinet Co-spokesperson Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday.  

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva’s proposal to increase the fines was approved, where the minimum fine will be Rs. 25,000 for driving a vehicle without a license, employing people without a license as drivers, driving after consuming alcohol, violating railway crossing rules and driving a vehicle without a valid insurance, Cabinet Co-spokesman Minister Gayantha Karunatilleke told journalists at a press briefing held in Parliament.

The revision also imposes a fine for reckless driving and driving without regard for other users of the road amounting to Rs. 10,000. 

In addition, the fine for overtaking from the left has been increased to a minimum of Rs. 2,000 while the fine for a minor taking the wheel has been raised from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 30,000. 

However, if vehicle speeds exceed the imposed speed limit by 20% the fine imposed will be increased to Rs. 3,000, while exceeding the speed limit by 20% but below 30% of the imposed limit will get the offender fined Rs. 5,000. If the speed limit is exceeded over 30% but below 50% of the stipulated limit, the fine imposed is Rs. 10,000 while jumping the speed limit by 50% will cost the offender Rs. 15,000 as per the new regulations. 

The 2017 Budget proposal suggested that the minimum fine for violating road rules be increased to Rs. 25,000, with the objective of preventing road accidents. However, due to public opposition, the President appointed a committee to look into the matter. (CD)