Traffic rule violators in Odisha may lose their driving licences

Traffic rule violations while driving would now result in suspension of driving licences (DLs) for a minimum of three months with the Odisha Government preparing to launch a sustained crackdown on such violations across districts.

The offences that would draw DL suspension include exceeding specified speed limits and jumping of red light, overloading of goods and carrying passengers in goods carriages, driving under influence of alcohol and drugs and also using mobile phones while driving.

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In Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, which have Commissionerate police system and other towns and cities with traffic management systems in place, traffic police will launch a drive against such violations.

They will seize the DLs and forward them to the RTO for suspension of licence for a period of not less than three months under Section 19 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Rule 21 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The RTO will keep the DLs and return them to the violators after the suspension period.

It had also ordered that police should prosecute the offender of drunken driving and seek imprisonment as prescribed under Section 185 of MV Act, 1988. Helmet laws mandating use by both riders and pillion will be applicable to all States and UT. The violations would be dealt with severely as not using seat belt would.

A Supreme Court committee issued guidelines on road safety. The committee recommended that traffic police would seize or cancel driving license if the driver is found guilty.

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