West Bengal Transport Department Eases Pollution Fine Rules

The West Bengal transport department has revised its pollution test fine structure, replacing the Rs 10,000 first-time offence penalty with a tiered system: Rs 2,000 for the first offence, Rs 5,000 for the second, and Rs 10,000 for the third. Licence suspension will apply after each violation.

In a significant relief for vehicle owners, the West Bengal transport department has updated its fines for pollution test failures. The previous order, which imposed a Rs 10,000 fine for a first-time failure, has been replaced by a tiered system.

According to a new notification, the fine will now be Rs 2,000 for the first offence, Rs 5,000 for the second, and Rs 10,000 for the third consecutive violation. In addition, a vehicle failing the pollution test for the first time will result in a three-month suspension of the driver's licence.

For the second offence related to noise or air pollution, the fine will increase to Rs 5,000, and the driver's licence will again be suspended for three months. The third consecutive offence will incur a Rs 10,000 fine and another three-month suspension. This decision followed a meeting with private bus organisation representatives, transport officials, and Minister Snehasis Chakraborty. Transporters requested more flexibility in enforcement and raised concerns about the effectiveness of automated pollution check devices in the city.

(With inputs from agencies.)