The state is mulling to introduce a cashless payment system for traffic violators in the eight municipal corporations of the state. The system will provide traffic cops with a point of sale machines so that they can collect fines through debit and credit cards. Apparently, at present traffic fines are only collected in cash. Earlier the fine was low and as a result, most violators could pay up immediately. But since the implementation of the amended Motor Vehicle Act, the fines have gone up considerably. Most of it is in the range of Rs 500 and above. The decision by the state to allow cashless payment through debit and credit cards is being taken, given the fact that many offenders may not have a higher cash amount with them. It is also likely to reduce the conflict with cops over fines. Sources in the government said that the facility will likely be first made available in the 8 municipal corporations of the state. The traffic department will be tying up with banks to allow for such cashless payment. A proposal in this connection has been sent to both the home ministry and the revenue ministry. Since the new Motor Vehicle Act came into effect, citizens in Ahmedabad alone have paid over Rs 90 lakh of fines. Although the number of violations has more or less remained the same, the increase in traffic fines has helped the department net a substantial amount as fine. Meanwhile, the transport commissioner has decided that test drivers will also be allowed to use cars having automatic transmission. So far any person, who wish to get a license, had to clear a driving test wherein he had to compulsorily drive a car with manual transmission. The change has come into force given a large number of vehicles with automatic transmission being on the roads.

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