Karnataka to introduce points-based driving licence system; repeat traffic violators face suspension
Mangalore Today News Network
Bengaluru, Oct 1, 2026: Karnataka is set to introduce a points-based driving licence system under which points will be assigned for various traffic violations, with licences liable to suspension after reaching a specified threshold.
A joint review meeting of the Home and Transport Departments held on Wednesday discussed the legal measures required to implement the system.
The government has also decided to increase the fine for parking vehicles on footpaths from ₹500 to ₹5,000. Driving on one-way roads will also attract a ₹5,000 fine.
The state has decided to prohibit the manufacture and sale of unsafe half-helmets that do not conform to road safety standards. Action will be taken against factories manufacturing such helmets, according to an official statement.
Dedicated lanes for BMTC buses will also be reintroduced on roads in Bengaluru where metro construction has been completed.
Changes to cab fare policy
The government is also set to revisit the fixed-fare policy for app-based cabs operating in Bengaluru and other cities. The state is considering allowing ride-hailing platforms to charge fares within a specified range.
The proposed changes would cover cabs operated through ride-hailing apps, city taxis and airport taxis. The Transport Department will amend the Karnataka On-Demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rules, 2016, which regulate cab services offered through such platforms.
The state had introduced uniform fixed fares in February 2024 to curb surge pricing and other unauthorised fare practices. Cab aggregators have since sought permission to charge fares within a specified range.
Driving licence and traffic enforcement
The Transport Department’s Sarathi system will be integrated with the Bengaluru Traffic Police’s e-challan system to enable better management of driving licence suspensions and traffic violation records.
The integration will allow traffic police to verify the validity of a driving licence on the spot, access a driver’s previous violations and link new offences directly to the driver’s digital record.
The meeting also discussed identifying motorists with five or more traffic violations, initiating legal action, recovering pending fines and, where necessary, impounding or blacklisting vehicles. Restrictions on vehicles with repeatedly unpaid fines were also considered.
Mandatory road safety training and awareness programmes for repeat offenders whose licences are suspended or cancelled were also discussed.
The meeting further examined action against unauthorised horns, modified silencers and excessively bright LED lights, as well as traffic violations involving low-speed battery-powered electric two-wheelers, including helmet and registration requirements.
The possibility of withholding pollution certificates from vehicles with unpaid traffic fines and conducting joint enforcement operations involving the Transport Department and traffic police was also discussed.
BMTC and public transport measures
The government plans to introduce designated routes, fixed fares and a licensing system for shared auto services catering to metro passengers.
In view of BMTC electric buses breaking down on major roads and obstructing traffic, the meeting discussed setting up a dedicated technical team and an emergency response system to clear such vehicles quickly.
A coordination mechanism between BMTC and traffic police was also proposed to ensure prompt repairs and road clearance.
Other measures discussed included improving BMTC services along the Outer Ring Road, introducing feeder bus services from metro stations to technology parks, increasing bus services during peak hours and encouraging employee-shared transport systems.