Mangaluru: Bus drivers slapped Rs 5,000 fine for chewing gutka while driving

Mangaluru: Chewing gutka and paan masala is not only injurious to health but can burn your pockets too. Two bus drivers in the city realized it the hard way.

It has come to light that the RTO has issued fines of Rs 5,000 each to the bus drivers.

The incident took place during a routine traffic stop near Bejai. The bus drivers presented themselves to the RTO officials all the while chewing gutka (tobacco). They were summarily handed a hefty fine.

RTO official R M Varnekar said that driving under the influence of alcohol or any kind of drug is a punishable offense. RTO officials can initiate legal action and impose a fine for chewing gutka while driving, he said.