​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, Oct 10: In a lenient view for the road ragers and traffic rule violators, the Odisha Government on Friday announced a major relief, reducing fines for the offenders.

The State Transport Authority approved compounding of certain traffic rule violations under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, till July 31, 2025.

The Commerce and Transport (Transport) Department, Government of Odisha has permitted offenders to settle challans for specific violations by paying reduced compounding fees.

As per the notification, offences committed on or before July 31, 2025, under Sections 180, 181, 194B(1), 194C, 194D, 194E, and 196 of the MV Act can be compounded by paying concessional fines.

Under the revised rates, driving without a valid licence or allowing an unlicensed person to drive will attract a fine of Rs 2,500 instead of Rs 5,000.

Similarly, riding two wheelers without a helmet or  a car with no seatbelt, or carrying more than one pillion rider, will invite a Rs 500 fine instead of Rs 1,000.

Apart from it, not giving way to emergency vehicles including Ambulance will cost Rs 5,000, while driving without insurance will draw a fine worth Rs 1000.

Principal Secretary Usha Padhee clarified that the revision in fines will not be applicable to cases that are already sub judice.

Accordingly, all RTOs and enforcement officers have been asked to implement the order immediately.