Despite being expected to uphold the highest road safety standards, professional drivers in Bhutan racked up thousands of traffic fines, with over 20,500 offences in the past five years. This year alone, more than 3,000 offences have been recorded nationwide, and taxi drivers account for more than 1,300 of them.
From speeding and dangerous overtaking to overloading and drink driving, drivers holding Professional Driving or PD licences are frequently found violating traffic rules.
Taxi drivers alone have committed 1,306 offences across the country so far this year.
The Thimphu Traffic Division reported the highest number of violations, with 520 cases.
Other professional drivers, including those operating buses and government vehicles, have been fined for almost 1,900 (1887) offences.
According to data from the Traffic Division, violations by professional drivers peaked last year, with over 5,000 offences recorded.
Officials say PD licence holders are not given any exemptions when caught breaking the law.
They add that awareness programmes are being conducted for professional drivers in Thimphu and other districts. The most recent session was held last month.
For many passengers, the numbers raise concerns. They say they do not feel safe on the road when even professional drivers trusted to carry lives are breaking the rules.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
