看一段相关的英文报道

Drivers in China have to pay more attention to traffic rules or risk paying much higher penalties, according to a revised regulation that takes effect on Jan 1,2013. 
The new regulation also makes the penalties for certain common traffic violations stricter. Running a red light can result in the deduction of six points from an offender's driving license. And people who purposely cover up a vehicle's license plate can lose 12 points, enough for their licenses to be suspended.

被称为“史上最严交规”的修订版《机动车驾驶证申领和使用规定》于2013年1月1日起施行。新交规中对闯黄灯、故意遮挡号牌等违法行为也大了处罚力度。新规规定，驾驶机动车违反道路交通信号灯通行的，一次扣6分。不按规定安装机动车号牌的违法行为记分提高至12分。

【讲解】

“从重处罚”在本文中为higher penalties，也可译为heavier penalties 或者 stricter penalties。需要注意的是，penalty专指法律上的或体育运动比赛中的处罚。
“交通违章” 是traffic violation ，其中violation 可译为“违反、违背”，如“违法行为”可译为violation of the law。