Karnataka proposes up to Rs 5,000 fines for repeat traffic violators

Karnataka is reviewing its motor-vehicle regulations to impose steeper fines on repeat traffic offenders, raising the ceiling from Rs 500 to as much as Rs 5,000. The new scheme would apply to offences such as driving on the wrong side, jumping signals, illegal parking and dangerous riding, with penalties escalating for each subsequent violation and accruing negative points that could suspend a driver’s licence. Transport minister Byrathi Suresh and home minister Priyank Kharge led a joint meeting that also explored banning low-quality half-helmets and targeting manufacturers of such gear.

The state plans to link the transport department’s Sarathi database with Bengaluru traffic police’s e-challan system to track violations more efficiently. Further proposals cover legal oversight of low-speed electric two-wheelers, a car-pooling framework with app-based guidelines, and the restoration of dedicated BMTC lanes where Metro work has finished.