Traffic Fine Hikes Ranging From Rs 500 For Pedestrians Crossing Outside Zebra Crossings; Up To Rs 1 Lakh For Dark Windows

The government has proposed updates to the laws regulating vehicles and transportation, introducing a substantial increase in fines for traffic violations. Aimed at improving road discipline, reducing accidents, and making drivers more responsible, the draft proposal sets penalties that are several times higher than the current rates for various traffic offenses.

Among the major changes, driving under the influence (DUI) will carry a minimum fine of 25,000 Rupees and a maximum of 50,000 Rupees, which is a major jump from the current penalty that ranges between 500 and 1,500 Rupees. Drivers who fail to stay in their lanes, enter one-way streets, or use mobile phones while driving will face a flat fine of 10,000 Rupees, replacing the existing penalty of 500 to 1,500 Rupees. Additionally, driving without a license or using a vehicle for purposes other than what it was registered for will result in fines ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 Rupees, compared to the current maximum fine of 2,000 Rupees.

Speeding regulations will also become significantly stricter under the new proposal. Motorists exceeding the set speed limits could face fines between 25,000 and 50,000 Rupees, rising sharply from the current fixed rate of 1,000 Rupees. For the first time, a new rule has been introduced to penalize driving too slowly, with fines ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 Rupees for drivers who cause unnecessary slow-downs on the road. Meanwhile, riding a motorcycle or scooter without a helmet will carry a 3,000 Rupees fine, up from the current 400 to 1,500 Rupees penalty range.

The proposed amendment also introduces strong penalties to address public security and road obstructions. Vehicle owners using heavily tinted, dark, or covered windows that block the view inside the vehicle will face a strict fine of up to 100,000 Rupees for the first offense. Leaving construction materials, goods, livestock, or vehicles on the road to block traffic will attract a fine between 5,000 and 25,000 Rupees, which is significantly higher than the current 1,000 Rupees penalty.

Several other rules and penalties have been introduced or updated to improve everyday order. Pedestrians crossing the street outside of zebra crossings or designated areas will be fined 500 Rupees. Foreign vehicles operating in Nepal without the required permits will face a fine of up to 25,000 Rupees, an increase from the current 5,000 Rupees. Dangerous or unauthorized overtaking will result in a 2,000 Rupees fine, and tossing litter onto the road from a moving vehicle will attract a 1,000 Rupees penalty. Taxi drivers who refuse to use the transport meter will be fined 3,000 Rupees, and two-wheeled vehicles operating unauthorized, offline ride-sharing services will face a penalty of 2,000 Rupees.

Focused entirely on increasing public safety, this proposal to raise traffic fines is currently in the draft phase. These strict rules and updated penalties will only come into full effect after the draft is officially approved and passed into law by Parliament.