BJP Workers Openly Flout Traffic Rules During Nagpur Bike Rally, Fined

The police in Union minister Nitin Gadkari's hometown, Nagpur, took action against 52 participants of a motorcycle rally organised by the BJP on Wednesday for not wearing helmets and riding triple-seat. Gadkari, Nagpur MP and Union Road Transport Minister, is a staunch supporter of hiked penalties for traffic offences under the amended Motor Vehicles Act.

The motorbike rally was part of a procession of vehicles which took BJP working president JP Nadda from the city airport to Deekshabhhomi, Dr B R Ambedkar's memorial. Nadda, though, travelled in a car. He was here to address a gathering of party workers ahead of Maharashtra assembly polls.

A senior traffic police official said 52 'challans' (fine receipts) were issued to two-wheeler riders for driving without helmets and riding triple-seat during the event.

Also Read | Nitin Gadkari has a SIMPLE solution for those worried over hefty traffic fines

The new Motor Vehicle Act came into force on September 1. The Parliament in July passed the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2019 which seeks to tighten road traffic regulations such as the issuance of driving licence and imposed stricter penalties for violations in an attempt to improve road safety.

the penalty for over-speeding will be between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 for the light motor vehicles, while medium passenger or goods vehicles will have to pay between Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000, respectively with impounding of driving license for a second or subsequent offence.

In the case of drink and drive, the penalty has been increased to imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine up to Rs 10,000 for the first offence and imprisonment up to 2 years and/or fine of Rs 15,000 for the second offence.