Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma announced sweeping changes to traffic fine regulations during a cabinet briefing in Nalbari district. The reforms, aimed at easing financial burdens on commuters, particularly the economically disadvantaged, address concerns over excessive penalties and unfair treatment.
Effective immediately, fines for two-wheelers will focus solely on helmet violations, eliminating penalties for document discrepancies. Auto rickshaws and rickshaws will similarly only face fines after five or more offenses, with initial violations exempt from penalties.
“The transport department has been directed to establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline enforcement,” stated CM Himanta adding, “We are committed to reducing undue harassment of commuters.”
“We have received complaints that traffic police are imposing fines on poor auto rickshaw drivers,” highlighted the CM.
Last year’s revenue from fines was modest at Rs 6 crore to Rs 7 crore, reinforcing the government’s stance against targeting low-income individuals over minor infractions. “There are no points in harassing people, especially the poor, over such small amounts,” asserted CM Himanta.
