In a startling revelation, the state-run media outlet disclosed, a concerning trend: the Raisi government’s aggressive new tactic of squeezing the public through exorbitant traffic fines.
The Roozegar Khodro wrote on Sunday, April 7, “According to the head of traffic police, traffic fines will increase by 4 to 5 times, with the fine for speeding reaching approximately 600,000 to 700,000 tomans. Moreover, recent statistics indicate that there are over 15 million vehicles in Iran.”
“It’s worth crunching the numbers on one of the most common traffic offenses,” the source added. “If each vehicle is fined for speeding just once a year, we reach a staggering figure. The total sum of these fines and the revenue generated in a year amounts to 9 to 10.5 trillion tomans. Now, factor in the remaining fines. Although raising fine amounts can potentially deter violations and reduce accidents and fatalities, it’s noteworthy that not all vehicles are fined for speeding. However, some vehicles will receive more than one fine throughout the year.”
Under immense economic pressure and amid social unrest, the clerical regime is seeking to address the significant budget deficit faced by Ebrahim Raisi’s government. To achieve this, the regime is resorting to measures such as increasing the prices of basic necessities and implementing taxation. While this approach aims to provide funding for the regime’s extensive security apparatus and its foreign ventures, it also heightens the risk of further social discontent and jeopardizes the regime’s own security.
Iran, under the ruling theocracy, is characterized by a stagnant economy, pervasive corruption, and political repression. As Major #Iranprotests erupt every now and then, #Iran's state media continue warning about a looming nationwide uprising. https://t.co/bwdPUbY2BX pic.twitter.com/ZfZoZiMWMM
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 16, 2022