Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Karnataka Plans Helmet Ban and Steeper Traffic Fines
Karnataka wants to make some traffic rules stricter.
The government plans to act against half helmets, which do not protect much of the head and face.
It is also considering a Rs 5,000 fine for riding a two-wheeler on a footpath for the first time.
A second offence could cost Rs 10,000.
The fine for driving the wrong way on a one-way road may become ten times higher.
Officials say these changes could help protect pedestrians and reduce accidents.
They are also discussing a system that gives drivers points for breaking rules.
Too many points could lead to a driving licence being suspended.
Karnataka plans action against the manufacture and sale of half helmets after reviewing legal provisions.
The government has proposed fines of Rs 5,000 for first-time and Rs 10,000 for repeat footpath riding.
The penalty for violating one-way traffic rules could increase tenfold from Rs 1,000.
Officials are considering a points-based driving licence system that could suspend licences after repeated violations.
Transport and Home officials discussed linking Sarathi with Bengaluru Traffic Police’s e-Challan system to track offences.
- Who
- Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, Home Minister Priyank Kharge and senior officials.
- What
- The government is considering action against half helmets, sharply higher traffic fines and a points-based driving licence system.
- When
- The proposals were discussed at a joint review meeting on Wednesday, and Byrathi Suresh described them on Thursday.
- Where
- The discussions took place at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
- Why
- The measures are intended to deter traffic violations, improve road safety, reduce congestion and protect pedestrians.
- Half helmets
- The government is examining legal provisions to act against their manufacture and sale.
- Footpath riding fine
- The proposed penalty is Rs 5,000 for a first offence and Rs 10,000 for a second offence.
- Current footpath-riding fine
- The existing fine was stated to be Rs 500.
- One-way violation fine
- The current fine is Rs 1,000, and the government is considering increasing it tenfold.
- Licence points
- Officials discussed assigning points for traffic violations, with suspension possible after a specified threshold.
- Digital enforcement
- Officials discussed integrating the Transport Department’s Sarathi system with Bengaluru Traffic Police’s e-Challan system.
- Other violations reviewed
- The proposals also cover footpath parking, unauthorised parking, no-parking zones and signal violations.