Road safety and traffic violations will now cost you penalties upto five times higher than earlier. While there is a genuine need to have strong deterrents to such violations, are hiked fines the way to go?

With the fines going up, violators are more likely to grease palms of corrupt cops to avoid having to pay a heavier fine. It could compel hitherto upright citizens to engage in bribery. So, it may end up giving more muscle to the corrupt — whether a cop or a rule violator.

At the same time, a heavier fine will definitely prompt one to be more observant of the rules. Even the cost of bribes will go up for those who choose the easy way out habitually — a heavier fine means a fatter bribe. So, it could prove to be an effective deterrent given the sheer force of expenditure.

Cosidering these arguments, do you think that heavier fines will entail lesser violations? Or will they prove to be an explosion of opportunities for the corrupt? Post your thoughts.