MARGAO
A fortnight after The Goan highlighted how overzealous traffic cops challaned two-wheeler riders with a fine of Rs 700 for riding without helmets, the traffic
department has now sent a directive to the subordinates to levy a fine of only Rs 100 as mandated under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Sources at the South Goa police headquarters informed that the officials manning the traffic cell has received clear oral instructions from the headquarters not to invoke the provisions of
dangerous driving while levying the fine for riding without helmet.
Many a two-wheeler rider, who were caught on camera by traffic sentinels, were forced to cough up Rs 700 as fine “ Rs 100 for riding without helmet and the balance amount for dangerous driving, when the Motor
Vehicle Act has clearly prescribed Rs 100 fine for violating the helmet rule.
A senior traffic police officer said the department after addressing the issue threadbare has felt that driving without helmet can at the most invite a penalty of Rs 100.
“We have communicated the decision to the subordinates in Margao as well as at other centres to ensure those riding without helmets can be punished with a fine of Rs 100,” the officer said, putting a rest the controversy over the action by the traffic cops to levy a fine of Rs 700.
