Malbazar Traffic Police fines own Govt vehicle for 8 years of expired documents during routine stop

A surprising incident unfolded in Malbazar on December 24 when the traffic police fined their own government vehicle for expired documents during a routine traffic stop. The event took place at Subhash More, a key intersection in the town. A Maruti car, traveling from Binnaguri to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, violated a traffic signal. The driver explained that the obstruction caused by a larger vehicle prevented them from seeing the signal, leading to the infraction.

After stopping the car, the police officer prepared to impose a fine for the signal violation. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the driver, Raj Mishra, who works at the Army Hospital, pointed out that the police’s own vehicle had expired documents. Mishra highlighted that the government vehicle, which was parked nearby and used by the traffic police, had not renewed its insurance for eight years, which is a violation of traffic regulations.

Upon verification, the officer found that the government vehicle indeed lacked the necessary documentation, confirming the expired insurance and other required papers. This revelation led to the officer's decision to impose a fine on the official vehicle, as required by traffic law. The officer acknowledged that no one, including government officials, is exempt from abiding by traffic regulations.

The expired insurance on the police vehicle had not been renewed for several years, despite being an essential legal requirement. The issue came to light during the same routine inspection that addressed the Maruti car’s signal violation. The officer, after confirming the lapse, imposed fines on both the private vehicle and the government vehicle, as per the traffic laws.

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date documentation for all vehicles, including those used by government departments. The fine imposed on the government vehicle draws attention to the need for proper record-keeping and timely renewals of documents for all vehicles, irrespective of ownership. The event also serves as a reminder of the significance of ensuring compliance with traffic laws, both for the public and government agencies.