Nepal's government proposes steep traffic fines, sparking nationwide debate

Nepal's Ministry of Infrastructure Development has drafted new traffic legislation that could impose fines from Rs500 to Rs100,000 for a wide array of offenses. The proposed bill, currently with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, aims to enhance road discipline and decrease accidents. However, transport experts, former officials, and lawmakers have voiced strong opposition, arguing that enforcement-focused policies will fail without concurrent improvements in infrastructure and governance.

Under the proposed law, pedestrians crossing roads outside designated zones could face a Rs500 fine. Motorists with tinted windows or modifications that reduce visibility into the vehicle could be fined up to Rs100,000. The draft also introduces strict penalties for driving under the influence, with fines ranging from Rs25,000 for two- and three-wheeler drivers to Rs50,000 for heavy vehicle drivers. Transport inspectors and traffic officials of assistant sub-inspector rank and above would be empowered to issue on-the-spot fines.

Speeding violations are also addressed with a tiered penalty system. A tolerance of up to five percent above the speed limit will not be penalized. Fines increase based on the percentage by which the speed limit is exceeded, with exceeding the limit by more than 60 percent triggering the maximum penalty. Notably, driving significantly below the designated safe speed limit would also incur fines between Rs3,000 and Rs5,000, reflecting concerns about excessively slow driving.

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Once the law ministry clears the draft, we will forward it to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers for review by the legislation committee. After Cabinet approval, it will go to Parliament and the relevant parliamentary committees. However, there is no guarantee that every provision will remain unchanged. Parliament will make the final decision.