Will Nepal's proposed steep traffic fines fix the nation's road culture?

Nepal's Ministry of Infrastructure Development has drafted a bill to dramatically increase traffic fines, aiming to curb the country's high rate of road fatalities. The proposed penalties, which could reach Rs100,000 for unauthorized vehicle modifications, represent a significant shift from current nominal deterrents.

Supporters of the bill believe the existing low fines lack the psychological impact needed to enforce discipline on chaotic roads. They point to tiered penalties for speeding and substantial fines for driving under the influence as measures aligned with international standards for deterrence. The state aims to make these penalties prohibitive enough to prevent accidents before they happen.

However, the proposed fines have ignited a national debate due to their stark disconnect with the economic reality of many Nepalis. With average monthly earnings between Rs25,000 and Rs30,000, a single Rs50,000 fine could be financially ruinous. Critics warn that such extreme penalties could lead to public unrest and legislative reversals, citing examples from other countries.

Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the state's own accountability. Lawmaker Gyanendra Shahi has called for "equitable accountability," suggesting the state should face penalties for unaddressed potholes and non-functional streetlights. The argument is that the government must first provide adequate infrastructure, including clear signage and well-maintained roads, before ethically imposing life-altering fines for navigation errors.

An additional worry is the potential for increased corruption. Empowering traffic officials to impose massive fines on the spot could incentivize bribery, especially when penalties are prohibitively high. This mirrors experiences in other developing nations where large fines can lead violators to offer smaller bribes to avoid legal repercussions.

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If the state expects citizens to pay heavy fines, the state itself must be held to account: Rs100,000 for potholes not fixed within 24 hours and Rs50,000 for non-functional streetlights.