The strict advisory issued by the Traffic Department last year against the use of mobile phones while driving has failed to show results.
People can often be seen using mobile phones and driving without a seat belt.
The advisory issued on February 16, 2016, stated that those using mobile phones while driving would be booked under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, and their driving licences would be seized and sent to the RTO concerned for suspension for not less than three months.
“We keep a check on the vehicles violating traffic norms. Besides challaning on the spot, we also seize the driving licences of the violators,” said Nisha Nathyal, SSP (Traffic). She, however, said since the department could do no more than challaning the violator, the practice went on unabated.
“Also, the amount of the challan is so meagre that it fails to work as a deterrent. If a challan amount is raised, drivers will follow the rules,” said Nathyal.
The penalty for the first offence for using mobile phones while driving under Section 177 of the MV Act is up to Rs 100, while for the subsequent offence (s), the fine is up to Rs 300.
An official in the Regional Transport Office, Jammu, said licences recommended for suspension often reached the office, but many were not suspended, as people used “influence” and other means to escape the punishment.
“Though the RTO and the Traffic Department keep issuing directions from time to time against the hazards of using mobile phones while driving, a stringent rule is needed under which the vehicle of the violator is impounded and his driving licence cancelled on the spot,” said the RTO official.
Motorists give rules the go-by, fine no deterrent
