Kerala plans stricter action for unpaid traffic fines: Licence, RC to be suspended

Thiruvananthapuram: Reports indicate that only a small percentage of traffic fines issued by Motor Vehicles Department and Kerala police are actually paid, with many violators reportedly ignoring the penalties. In response, the Motor Vehicles Department is preparing stricter enforcement measures to ensure compliance and curb repeat offences, according to various reports.

Under the proposed system, traffic challans issued have to be electronically accepted within three days of the violation or served in person within 15 days. Motorists must either pay the fine within 45 days or submit proof to contest the violation. Failure to do so may result in suspension of the driving licence and vehicle registration.

A key proposal states that vehicles with five unpaid traffic fines may have their Registration Certificate blacklisted, leading to the denial of Motor Vehicles Department services. The draft also suggests cancellation of driving licences for those who repeatedly violate traffic rules and fail to pay fines for up to three months.

The government would also have powers to suspend the licences of motorists who accrue more than three serious violations, including jumping red signal and dangerous driving. The move is intended to target habitual offenders. Details of violators’ vehicles will be uploaded to the VAHAN portal to streamline enforcement across the state.

The proposed Kerala traffic law update aims to strengthen road safety, improve fine recovery, and enforce accountability among motorists.