New traffic law metes out heavier fines
(Shanghai Star)
Updated: 2004-04-27 08:39

The new Road Traffic Safety Law adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People' Congress last October will come into effect around China on May 1.

The new law puts more emphasis on the safety of pedestrians, the most vulnerable of road users.

However, both pedestrians and drivers will face more severe penalties for traffic violations from May day.

The new law also rewards safety conscious motorists. Drivers who have no record of traffic violations will not need to have their driver's licences checked every year.

Under another change, the owners of illegally parked vehicles will not be fined when their cars are towed away by traffic authorities.