Nalbari, June 27: In a significant move aimed at reducing the financial burden on commuters, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced major changes in traffic fine regulations during a cabinet briefing today. The reforms particularly focus on addressing concerns of unfair treatment towards auto rickshaw drivers and simplifying rules for two-wheelers.
Effective immediately, fines for two-wheelers will solely target helmet violations, eliminating penalties for document discrepancies. Similarly, auto rickshaws and rickshaws will be exempt from 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.
Emphasizing the government’s stance against undue harassment, Sarma highlighted last year’s modest revenue of approximately 6-7 crores from fines, stating, “Targeting poor individuals over such minor amounts is unacceptable.”
These reforms are designed to alleviate financial pressures on economically disadvantaged commuters and ensure fair treatment across Assam’s transportation system.
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