The concerns of motorists and transport operators, the state government has revised the penalty structure under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, for non-compliance with pollution and noise regulations. Effective immediately, the penalties have been restructured to impose ₹2,000 for the first offence, ₹5,000 for the second, and ₹10,000 for each subsequent infraction.
Previously, a blanket penalty of ₹10,000 was levied on violators, irrespective of the frequency of the offences. This stringent measure was introduced in 2022 as part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety and environmental standards, including penalties for infractions such as violating stop lines, moving against traffic on one-way streets, speeding, driving under the influence, and failing to possess a valid pollution-under-control (PUC) certificate. The steep penalties, however, sparked discontent among bus and minibus operators, who argued that the inflexible fine structure was unduly punitive. They particularly highlighted the hardships faced by those who missed the PUC renewal deadlines by a narrow margin, resulting in hefty fines. Responding to these grievances, transport operators petitioned for a more equitable penalty system.
Following a meeting between the transport minister and representatives of the All Bengal Bus Minibus Samannay Samity on August 9, the state government issued a notification effecting the partial modification of the fine structure. According to the notification, offenders will also face a three-month licence suspension each time a violation occurs. The revised regulations have been disseminated to police commissioners, district magistrates, superintendents of police, and regional transport officers to ensure compliance and enforcement. The decision to introduce graded penalties has been lauded by several stakeholders in the transportation sector. Operators of buses and minibuses have expressed relief and satisfaction with the new structure, viewing it as a fairer approach that acknowledges the varying circumstances of different offences. The general secretary of the All Bengal Bus Minibus Samannay Samity remarked, “The revised fine structure is a welcome change. It provides some relief to transport operators who were often penalised heavily for minor lapses.”
This development underscores the government’s responsiveness to public feedback and its willingness to adapt policies to balance regulatory objectives with the practical realities faced by motorists. By instituting a more flexible penalty regime, the state aims to foster greater compliance with environmental standards while alleviating the financial burden on vehicle operators.
