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Traffic fines on top gear
Fines imposed for a series of offences including reckless driving, speeding, driving without an insurance and licenses and under age drivers have been drastically increased by the budget and will come into effect from January.

Fines on other offences including theft of antiques, encroachment of archaelogical sites, illegal excavation of antiques, illegal adoption, operating a brothel, failure to register a birth, causing any violations during burial including the cremation of a body after the specific time have also been increased.

For reckless driving the current fine of not less than Rs. 750 has been increased to a minimum of Rs. 1,500 and a maximum of Rs. 25,000 and the same offence commited subsequently would also bring heavier fines. For negligent driving the Rs. 500 fine has been increased to a minimum of Rs. 1,500 and maximum of Rs. 25,000.

The fines on motor traffic offences have recorded one of the biggest increases. Accordingly, a person driving without a licence will have to pay Rs. 2,500 if found guilty for the offence instead of the present fine of Rs. 150.

The fine for speeding has been increased from Rs. 200 to Rs, 1000. Failure to carry the revenue license would bring a fine of Rs. 500 instead of the current Rs. 100. The fine for violation of road rules, failure to provide signals while driving and failure to wear protective helmets has been increased from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500. The fine for underaged driving has been increased from Rs. 150 to Rs. 5,000.

The decision to increase traffic offence fines was taken following discussions with the Police and traffic authorities. It is also believed that heavy fines would improve road discipline and safety. For cases of illegal adoption the fine not exceeding Rs. 10,000 has been increased to a minimum of Rs. 25,000, unlawful custody of a woman expecting a child or any child has been increased from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000.

For illegal excavation of antiques the penalty has been increased from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 50,000 minimum while encroachment of archaeological sites and theft of antiques also draw similar fines under the new scheme of fines finalised.

The maximum fine for offences relating to obscene publications has also been increased in the new budget. In a similar step, the maximum fine for non-payment of Betting and Gaming Levy has been increased tenfold.

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