§201 — Penalty for causing obstruction to free flow of traffic

(1) Whoever keeps a *** vehicle on any public place, in such a manner, so as to cause impediment to the free flow of traffic, shall be liable for penalty up to [five hundred rupees], so long as it remains in that position: Provided that the vehicle involved in accidents shall be liable for penalty only from the time of completion of inspection formalities under the law: [Provided further that where the vehicle is removed by [an agency authorised by the Central Government or State Government, removal charges] shall be recovered from the vehicle owner or person in-charge of such vehicle.] [(2) Penalties or [removal charges] under this section shall be recovered by such officer or authority as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, authorise.] [(3) Sub-section (1) shall not apply where the motor vehicle has suffered an unforeseen breakdown and is in the process of being removed.] [Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “removal charges” includes any costs involved in the removal of the motor vehicle from one location to another and also includes any costs related to storage of such motor vehicle.] 1. Subs. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and Sch. for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 13-01-2025). 2. Ins. by Act 32 of 2019, s. 86 (w.e.f. 1-9-2019). 3. The word “disabled” omitted by s. 87, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-9-2019). 4. Subs. by s. 87, ibid., for “fifty rupees per hour” (w.e.f. 1-9-2019). 5. Ins. by Act 54 of 1994, s. 59 (w.e.f. 14-11-1994). 6. Subs. by Act 32 of 2019, s. 87, for “a Government agency, towing charges” (w.e.f. 1-9-2019). 7. Subs. by Act 54 of 1994, s. 59, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 14-11-1994). 8. Subs. by Act 32 of 2019, s. 87, for “towing charges” (w.e.f. 1-9-2019). 9. Ins. by s. 87, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-9-2019).