Nepal Proposes Massive Traffic Fines: Up to Rs 100,000 for Violations in New Bill

Nepinsights- The Government of Nepal is planning to introduce strict new traffic rules to stop reckless driving and improve road safety. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, led by Minister Sunil Lamsal, has completed the draft of the 'Vehicle and Transport Management Bill' and sent it to the Ministry of Law for approval.

Key Traffic Violations and Proposed Fines in Nepal

The bill categorizes fines based on the severity of the offense and the type of vehicle involved (Two-wheelers, Small/Medium vehicles, and Large vehicles like buses and trucks).

1. Drunk Driving (DUI) & Substance Abuse

• Two-wheelers & Three-wheelers: Rs 25,000
• Taxis & Private Cars: Rs 35,000
• Microbuses, Buses, & Trucks: Rs 50,000

2. Speeding Penalties (Up to Rs 50,000)

Fines for driving above the designated safe speed limit are scaled based on vehicle type:

• Two/Three-wheelers: Rs 25,000
• Small Vehicles: Rs 35,000
• Medium & Large Vehicles: Rs 50,000

Note: A margin of up to 5% over the speed limit will not be penalized. However, exceeding the limit by more than 60% will trigger a 100% fine surcharge. Conversely, driving below the minimum safe speed limit will attract a fine of Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000.

3. Illegal Modifications & Tinted Windows

• Opaque/Highly Tinted Glass: Driving a vehicle with windows that prevent people from seeing inside will attract the maximum fine of Rs 100,000.

4. Driving Without a License or Registration

• No License / Wrong Class License / No Vehicle Inspection: Rs 5,000 (Two-wheelers) | Rs 10,000 (Small cars) | Rs 15,000 (Buses/Trucks).
• Using a Vehicle Outside its Registered Purpose: Rs 5,000 (Two-wheelers) | Rs 10,000 (Small/Medium) | Rs 15,000 (Large).
• Operating an Offline Ride-Sharing Service (Two-wheelers): Rs 2,000.

5. Environmental & Document Violations

• No Pollution Control Certificate: Rs 5,000 (Two-wheelers) | Rs 10,000 (Private Cars) | Rs 15,000 (Buses/Trucks).
• Driving Without Physical Documents: Rs 1,000. (Crucially, no fine will be issued if the driver can present digital copies of their documents via an official government digital portal).
• Driving a Vehicle in Poor Mechanical Condition: Rs 5,000.
• Driving Without Insurance: Rs 10,000 (Public Transport) | Rs 5,000 (Private Vehicles).

Fines for Public Transport Violations

The bill introduces strict guidelines to protect passengers and regulate public transport operators:

General Civic Regulations & Pedestrian Fines

The new law does not just target drivers; it also holds pedestrians and citizens accountable for public space safety.

·       Blocking Public Roads: Leaving goods, construction materials, or livestock on public roads that obstruct traffic or pedestrians will result in a fine between Rs 5,000 and Rs 25,000.

·       Jaywalking: Pedestrians crossing roads outside of designated crossing zones (like zebra crossings or skybridges) will be fined Rs 500.

·       Littering from a Vehicle: Throwing trash out of a vehicle onto the road carries a Rs 1,000 fine.

·       Tampering with Traffic Signs: Removing, altering, or damaging traffic signals or signs will result in a Rs 5,000 fine.

·       Other Driving Faults:

·       Lane discipline violations, using a mobile phone while driving, driving on sidewalks, or going the wrong way on a one-way street: Rs 10,000.

·       Reckless or dangerous driving: Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000.

·       Unsafe overtaking or driving at night without headlights: Rs 2,000.

·       Honking in a "No Horn" zone: Rs 500.

·       Driving an unauthorized foreign vehicle in Nepal: Rs 25,000.

Current Status of the Bill

The bill is currently under review by the Ministry of Law. It will require approval from both the Cabinet and the Parliament of Nepal before it officially becomes law and goes into effect.

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FAQs

What is the new traffic fine bill in Nepal?

Nepal's Ministry of Infrastructure Development has drafted the 'Vehicle and Transport Management Bill', which proposes significantly higher traffic fines up to Rs 100,000 to improve road safety.

What is the fine for drunk driving (DUI) in Nepal under the new bill?

The proposed fines for drunk driving are Rs 25,000 for two-wheelers, Rs 35,000 for cars/taxis, and Rs 50,000 for large public or cargo vehicles.

Do I need to carry physical driving documents in Nepal?

According to the new draft bill, you will not be fined for missing physical documents if you can present them digitally through an authorized government electronic portal.