3,421 challaned in J-K in last 2yrs for using phones while

As many as 3,421 persons have been challaned in Jammu and Kashmir during last two years, for using phones while driving, the government said today.
As many as 1,679 violators were challaned during 2013 whereas 1,742 in 2014 for using cellular phones while driving, the Minister for Hajj and Auqaf Abdul Rehman Bhat Veeri informed the Legislative Council here today.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Minister, the Minister further said in reply to a question by Ghulam Nabi Monga that at present, the violators are booked under section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1998, which is a Central Act.

He said, however, draft Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014 is under consideration in the Parliament wherein penalties for certain offences covered under schedule-III, that also includes use of cellular phones while driving, is proposed to be made more stringent.
Besides, he said special drives are launched at regular intervals to check this practice.