Proposed Transport Bill Could Bring Fines of Up to Rs. 50,000 for Traffic Violations
Proposed Transport Bill Could Bring Fines of Up to Rs. 50,000 for Traffic Violations
The government is preparing to introduce a stricter traffic enforcement regime through the proposed Vehicle and Transport Management Bill, with fines ranging from Rs. 100 to Rs. 50,000 depending on the offence.
The draft bill, prepared by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, aims to discourage traffic rule violations by significantly increasing penalties and expanding the number of offences that can be penalised on the spot. Under the proposal, the number of offences subject to immediate action by traffic police and transport inspectors would increase from 20 to 34.
One of the most notable provisions is the increase in penalties for dangerous driving behaviour, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (MAPASE), overspeeding and reckless driving.
Key Proposed Penalties
• Driving a stolen vehicle: Up to Rs. 50,000
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (MAPASE): Up to Rs. 25,000
• Dangerous or reckless driving that endangers others: Up to Rs. 25,000
• Overspeeding: Up to Rs. 5,000
• Operating a vehicle without a valid fitness certificate:
- Two-wheelers: Rs. 5,000
- Three-wheelers and light vehicles: Rs. 10,000
- Medium and heavy vehicles: Rs. 15,000
• Falsely claiming compliance with emissions or technical standards: Rs. 5,000
• Failure to change drivers on long-distance routes after the prescribed driving period: Rs. 5,000
• Transporting goods in a manner that endangers passengers in public vehicles: Rs. 3,000
• Learning drivers operating a vehicle without the required instructor: Rs. 3,000
• Overtaking in prohibited areas: Rs. 2,000
• Driving at night without headlights: Rs. 2,000
• Failure to issue passenger tickets in public transport vehicles: Rs. 2,000
• Disobeying traffic police instructions: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000
• Lane discipline violations: Rs. 1,000
• Driving on footpaths or restricted lanes: Rs. 1,000
• Ignoring traffic signs or signals: Rs. 1,000
• Driving against a one-way system: Rs. 1,000
• Failure to display fare charts in public transport vehicles: Rs. 1,000
• Littering from vehicles: Rs. 1,000
• Honking in restricted zones: Rs. 500
• Smoking while driving: Rs. 1,000 (new provision)
The draft bill also proposes setting the maximum speed limit in urban areas at 50 km/h, while speed limits on highways and other roads would be determined by the relevant authorities. Another notable provision would allow authorities to fine pedestrians up to Rs. 500 for violating traffic rules or road discipline.
According to the ministry, the proposed legislation has been forwarded for government approval and will need to pass through the Cabinet and Parliament before it can come into effect. If enacted, it would represent the most significant overhaul of Nepal’s traffic penalty system in a decade.
