Kerala traffic violations: Confiscation of driving licences goes digital

Palakkad: In a crucial move to streamline traffic violations, the process of confiscating a driving licence has now gone digital in Kerala. The new system, effective since November 20, makes it easier to manage and record the confiscation of driving licences for traffic violations. The technical work for this has been completed in the Vahan-Sarathi online system database.

How the digital system works

As both the driving licence and vehicle registration certificate can now be shown digitally during vehicle inspections, if a violation is detected, the confiscation of the driving licence is also processed digitally. The Parivahan system, which handles vehicle and driver records, now logs the seizure directly into its database.

If the driver presents digital documents, the process will also be handled digitally. An e-challan is created to record the seizure, and the licence will be returned after completing required procedures, such as paying fines.

Why the change?

The action of confiscating a driving licence typically occurs when serious violations, such as major accidents causing fatalities, are committed. After that, the licence may be suspended for a specified period, or actions, including fines, may be imposed. Previously, this process would require physical handling of documents. Now, all actions, including confiscation, are managed digitally, making it more efficient and transparent.

On November 6, new revisions were made regarding the possession of driving licences. It is no longer necessary to carry a physical copy. Drivers can now show their licences digitally through the M Parivahan app or Digilocker. This update aims to promote a paperless system, reducing the burden on both drivers and traffic enforcement officers.