In a startling event in Muzaffarabad, a bus driver, infuriated by a Rs5,000 traffic fine for violating rules, deliberately drove his passenger coach into the Jhelum River. The incident unfolded after a police officer issued the challan and boarded the bus, which was scheduled for seizure once passengers had been dropped off.
On the bus’s return trip, while the officer was directing the driver toward an impound lot, the driver suddenly veered the vehicle into the river. Fortunately, both the driver and the police officer managed to escape by jumping out before the bus submerged, thus preserving their lives.
Following this dramatic episode, drivers gathered at Supreme Court Chowk to protest against the challan and the police’s handling of the situation. This protest highlighted the growing tensions surrounding traffic enforcement measures.
Earlier this month, the Punjab government revised traffic fines for motorcycles, cars, and commercial vehicles, introducing new penalty rates. Under these updated regulations, motorcyclists face a Rs1,000 fine for offenses such as using mobile phones while riding, lane violations, obstructing traffic, and using pressure horns.
Additionally, a Rs2,000 fine applies for riding without a helmet, violating one-way rules, or driving without a license. Car drivers are fined Rs2,000 for lane violations and Rs3,000 for running red lights. Commercial vehicles incur a Rs5,000 fine for driving without a license or disobeying traffic signals.
Moreover, vehicles emitting smoke are penalized with fines of Rs2,000 for motorcycles and rickshaws, Rs3,000 for cars, and Rs5,000 for commercial vehicles. These measures aim to improve road safety and reduce traffic violations across the province.
