A number of new and increased penalties are being introduced and enforced for breaking traffic rules across the country. One among these rules - a statedly old, which states that two-wheeler users cannot wear ‘chappals’ or ‘sandals’ while riding their vehicle.
Reports confirmed sources confirming with traffic police sources that the rule is, in fact, being imposed, and has been in effect since before the Motor Vehicle Act 2019. As per the rule, riders cannot wear ‘Hawaii chappals’, flip flops or slippers while riding a two-wheeler with gears.
A reason reported for the rule states that such footwear can cause difficulty to the rider during the changing of gears, or even a loss of friction, causing a slip when the two-wheeler is coming to a halt.
Reports further confirmed a penalty of INR 1,000 for such violations, while subsequent violations can even lead to imprisonment of 15 days.
Meanwhile, citizen feedback indicated a conflict on whether or not the rule is being strictly exercised. Delhi traffic police sources confirmed that they are not forcing its implementation under heightened pressure of other penalties mentioned under the new Motor Vehicle Act.
This increased number of traffic penalties have resulted in a great deal of confusion among the general public. Reports also added that Rajasthan Traffic Police department, for instance, recently will begin to penalise drivers of vehicles that have over-sized stickers - displaying their caste, religion or other information - that result in reduced windshield visibility for the driver.
Several other reports spoke of new instances of rear passengers in cars also being penalised for not wearing seat belts. Further reports along these lines are yet to be confirmed and being alleged as speculative.