Driving license suspension for traffic rule violations!

Mangaluru: Motorists in Karnataka now have an additional reason to think twice before violating traffic rules. Those caught flounting rules may not just face a fine but also risk having their driving license (DL) suspended, as the police have started enforcing stricter measures.

Due to the rising number of traffic violations, the police are increasingly resorting to the “DL suspension” measure. Both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district police have prioritized this tactic, resulting in over a thousand driving licenses being suspended within a year.

When Can DL Be Suspended?

For any type of traffic violation, the police can recommend the suspension of a driving license to the Regional Transport Officer (RTO). In Dakshina Kannada district, Mangaluru Police Commissionerate, and Udupi district, DL suspensions are primarily recommended in cases of drunk driving, fatal accidents, overspeeding, negligent driving, driving in the wrong direction on one-way streets, and repeated traffic violations.

Duration of Suspension:

The suspension period varies depending on the violation, ranging from a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 6 months. In cases involving fatalities, the DL can be suspended for up to 6 months. After the police submit their recommendation, RTO officials issue a notice before proceeding with the suspension.

Statistics:

In 2023, the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate recommended the suspension of 1,400 DLs, and by August 2024, another 900 DL suspensions had been recommended. Among these, 1,200 were for two-wheeler riders. In Dakshina Kannada district police jurisdiction, 285 DL suspensions were recommended in 2023, and 197 by August 2024.

In Udupi district, the police recommended the suspension of 188 DLs in 2023, all of which were suspended. By June 2024, 92 suspensions were recommended, of which 89 were implemented.

In the Mangaluru RTO zone, 456 DLs were suspended during 2021-22, 225 in 2022-23, and 90 so far in 2023-24, making a total of 771 DL suspensions. Additionally, 62 DLs were suspended for drunk driving. The suspension process for another 1,150 licenses is still ongoing.

In the Puttur RTO jurisdiction, 127 DLs were suspended in 2023-24, and by August of this fiscal year, 50 more had been suspended. Around 110 more are still pending suspension based on police recommendations. In Bantwal, 125 licenses were suspended in 2023-24, and 53 more by August 2024.

Udupi Leads in DL Suspensions:

“Udupi district saw the highest number of DL suspensions last year. The police have not only recommended suspensions for accidents but also for repeated and deliberate traffic violations. Additionally, 4 vehicle registration certificates (RCs) were suspended in 2023, and 8 more by June 2024” said Dr. Arun K., SP, Udupi.

Recommendations from Multiple Sources:

“Not only do Udupi police recommend suspensions, but in cases where vehicles registered in Udupi violate traffic rules in other districts, the local police there also send recommendations to the Udupi RTO for DL suspension. The RTO can also initiate suspensions on its own if violations are registered” said L.P. Nayak, RTO, Udupi.

Prioritizing DL Suspension:

“In addition to collecting fines and registering cases for traffic rule violations, DL suspensions are now being enforced more frequently. Currently, in Dakshina Kannada, we are implementing DL suspensions in cases of drunk driving, fatalities due to accidents (106 BNS), and repeated offenses of overspeeding or negligent driving,” said Yatish N., SP, Dakshina Kannada.

Translated version of Kannada article by Santosh Bollettu