Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced significant changes in traffic fine regulations during a cabinet briefing today in Nalbari. Addressing concerns of unfair treatment towards auto rickshaw drivers and simplifying rules for two-wheelers, Sarma declared a series of reforms aimed at reducing financial burdens on commuters, particularly the economically disadvantaged.
Effective immediately, fines for two-wheelers will solely focus on helmet violations, omitting penalties for document discrepancies. Similarly, auto rickshaws and rickshaws will not face fines for initial violations; penalties will only be enforced after repeated offenses, defined as five or more instances.
"The transport department has been directed to establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline enforcement," stated Sarma.
Sarma stated the government's stance against undue harassment, citing last year's modest revenue of approximately 6-7 crores from fines. "Targeting poor individuals over such minor amounts is unacceptable," he said.