This is the 18324th most frequent Russian word.
штрафовать
To fine or penalize.
Here, "штрафовать" is used in its primary meaning, which is to impose a fine as a penalty for violating a rule, specifically traffic laws.
Полиция начала штрафовать водителей за превышение скорости.
The police started fining drivers for speeding.
In this example, "штрафовать" implies imposing a penalty in a figurative sense, not necessarily a monetary fine.
Учитель решил не штрафовать учеников за опоздания, но предупредил их.
The teacher decided not to penalize students for being late but issued a warning.
Here, "штрафовать" refers to the application of penalties in the context of sportsmanship, emphasizing the enforcement of behavior-related rules.