New traffic rules: How heavy fines may rein in reckless driving in India

The hefty fines seemed to have given a great boost to Delhi Traffic Police, for one, as it issued 3,900 challans on the very first day

What: On September 1, a Sunday, India awoke to an amended Motor Vehicles Act that sent state governments, traffic police and the general public into a tizzy. Motorbike riders began reminiscing fondly about the time they could pay a fine of Rs 100 for not wearing a helmet, while auto rickshaw drivers had to apply long-forgotten brake-application skills every time they had the urge to jump a light. While car drivers began counting the cash in their wallets, pedestrians — the most neglected community of road users — rejoiced. 

The new act revised the fine for helmet-less riding to Rs 1,000.