Hyderabad's riders and vehicle-users have been in for something stringent. As is known, the Hyderabad Traffic Police have introduced a system of according penalty points for violation of traffic rules.

As per the new rules, the police have listed out specific violations under the Motor Vehicles Act, and corresponding penalty points for each specific violation (please see pic).

You have to worry if you are a habitual offender. The party is over and the cops are acting tough. Imagine this scenario: Your license will be suspended once you are penalized with 12 points within 2 years.

Early ground reports suggest that the new rules have been religiously implemented. Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda zones have seen a deployment of 800 traffic cops in the last one week.

In the Hyderabad zone alone, about 20,000 cases have been filed against about 16,000 vehicle-users.

There are certain inconsistencies in implementation, say certain reports. If a rider is found to have violated four rules, he/she should be slapped with penalty points that are prescribed for the highest of the violations. However, the cops are found to be slapping penalty points for all the violations.

Some voices have it that the cops haven't been properly briefed about the rules to be followed.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel: You can undo 3 penalty points slapped on you by undergoing a training course or safety programme in a recognized Institute.