BENGALURU

In a decisive push to rein in rampant traffic violations and curb rising road fatalities, the Karnataka government has announced a sweeping overhaul of traffic enforcement policies. Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh revealed that authorities are moving swiftly to clamp down on the use and sale of non-compliant half-helmets while proposing steep financial penalties for motorists who endanger pedestrians by driving on footpaths.

The policy shifts emerged following a high-level review meeting held at Vidhana Soudha, jointly chaired by Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh and Home Minister Priyank Kharge. The session brought together senior state officials to map out aggressive strategies for alleviating Bengaluru's crippling traffic congestion and enforcing strict compliance among commuters.

Crackdown on Substandard Half-Helmets

Addressing reporters, Minister Suresh expressed grave concern over the proliferation of half-helmets—often referred to as shorty or skull-cap helmets—across the state. These designs typically cover only the top of the head, leaving the face, chin, ears, and lower neck completely exposed during a collision.

"There is an increase in the number of people wearing half helmets. There is no provision for half helmets. We have decided to take action against the manufacturers and are examining the legal provisions," Suresh stated.

The state's legal framework is currently being scrutinized to target not just consumers, but manufacturers, wholesalers, and retail godowns that stock and distribute substandard headgear. Officials emphasized that enforcing full-face helmet mandates is critical to minimizing traumatic brain injuries in the event of accidents.

Heavy Penalties for Footpath Violations

Pedestrian safety emerged as another major focal point of the administrative review. Under the newly proposed amendments, motorists caught driving two-wheelers or four-wheelers on pedestrian footpaths will face a hefty fine of Rs 5,000 for a first-time offense, escalating to Rs 10,000 for subsequent violations.

"Footpaths are meant for pedestrians, but two-wheelers and four-wheelers are being driven on them, endangering people's lives. Several people have been killed and injured in such incidents. The fine, which was earlier Rs 500, is proposed to be increased to Rs 5,000," Suresh noted.

The Transport and Home departments have formally submitted the proposal to the state government, with final implementation awaiting formal clearance from the Legal Department. Additionally, authorities plan to increase fines tenfold for motorists flouting one-way traffic rules, raising the penalty significantly from the existing Rs 1,000 standard.

Digital Integration and Points-Based Licensing

To ensure systemic accountability, the state is actively exploring the introduction of a penalty-points system for driving licenses. Under this framework, motorists will accumulate demerit points for specific traffic infractions, with provisions to suspend licenses once a predefined threshold is crossed.

Technical integration is also underway between the Transport Department’s Sarathi database and the Bengaluru Traffic Police's e-Challan network. This technological upgrade will empower law enforcement officers to verify license validity in real-time, review past violations on the spot, and log new infractions directly into a centralized digital profile.

With road safety indicators demanding urgent intervention, the state government's multi-pronged strategy signals a zero-tolerance approach toward reckless driving, unauthorized parking, and signal jumping across urban thoroughfares.