Drunken driving, jumping red lights, overspeeding and use of mobile phones behind the wheels among other traffic offences will henceforth attract higher fine and jail term under new rules approved by the Union Cabinet on March 1. Given below are the increased fines now applicable for various traffic related offences.

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Offence

 Fine for first instance Fine for 2nd instance
Driving under influence of narcotics Rs5,000 Rs10,000, 6 months imprisonment, license cancellation
Jumping the red light Rs 100-500 Rs 300-1,500
Using mobile phones while driving Rs500 Rs2,000-5,000
Over speeding  Rs400-1,000 Rs2,000-5,000
Dangerous driving Rs1,000 Rs2,000-5,000, 2 years imprisonment
Drunken driving Rs2,000 to Rs10,000, 4 years imprisonment  

Giving details of the proposed fine on drunken driving, the official said that in cases where the alcohol level detected is 30 mg per 100 ml of blood, it would not amount to an offence. However, if it is between 30-60, the proposed penalty would be six months of imprisonment and/or Rs2,000 fine.

In case the alcohol level is 60-150 the penalty would be one year imprisonment and/or Rs4,000. If the offence is repeated within three years, the penalty will go up to three years imprisonment and/or Rs8,000.For those who are found heavily drunk with alcohol levels of over 150 mg, the penalty will be two years imprisonment and/or Rs5,000. Repeat offence within three years will attract a penalty of four years and fine of Rs10,000 besides cancellation of licence.

In another proposed amendments, the government has cleared four-fold increase in compensation for the victims of road accidents. Rs1 lakh will provided to the victim's family in case of a fatal accidents, and Rs50,000 for grievous hurt in hit and run cases.