Full Breakdown
Karnataka Proposes Points-Based Licence System and Higher Fines to Curb Bengaluru Traffic Violations
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Core Proposal and Immediate Measures
At a joint review meeting of the Home and Transport departments on September 30, officials outlined reforms to improve road safety and ease congestion in Bengaluru. The centerpiece is a points-based driving-licence scheme: each offence carries points, and exceeding a threshold triggers automatic suspension. The proposal also calls for mandatory road-safety training for repeat offenders before any suspension.
The government plans to raise fines for violations—including parking on footpaths, driving against traffic, illegal parking, signal jumping and dangerous two-wheel riding—to a ceiling of Rs 5,000 for habitual offenders, up from the current Rs 500 base fine. Additional tools include identifying motorists with five or more violations, recovery of pending fines, vehicle impounding and blacklisting of repeat defaulters.
A key change is the integration of the Transport Department’s Sarathi licence database with the Bengaluru Traffic Police’s e-challan system, allowing police to verify licence validity and access a driver’s violation history in real time.
The meeting also addressed ancillary safety concerns: a ban on non-standard half-helmets, stricter action against unauthorised horns, modified silencers and overly bright LED lights, and a regulatory framework for low-speed electric two-wheelers.
Background and Context
Bengaluru consistently ranks among the world’s most congested cities. The TomTom Traffic Index recorded an average rush-hour speed of 13.9 km/h in 2025, with congestion hitting 101 % on 17 May 2025, the worst day that year. A 10 km trip averaged 36 minutes 9 seconds, and commuters lost an estimated 168 hours to rush-hour traffic annually. Officials cite a rapidly growing vehicle fleet, limited road-network expansion and delayed infrastructure projects as primary causes.
Data and Statistics
| Metric | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Current basic fine for listed offences | Rs 500 | multiple outlets |
| Proposed maximum fine for repeat offenders | Rs 5,000 | multiple outlets |
| Average rush-hour speed (2025) | 13.9 km/h | Economictimes |
| Congestion level on 17 May 2025 | 101 % | Economictimes |
| Average 10 km travel time (2025) | 36 min 9 s | Economictimes |
| Hours lost per commuter (2025) | 168 hours | Economictimes |
Official Statements & Responses
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh said the proposals target “seven to eight offences” that most affect traffic flow and public safety, and that a formal Home department proposal will trigger further rule changes.
Other officials present included Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Rajender Singh Katharia, Transport Department Secretary Deepa Cholan, Director General and Inspector General of Police M.A. Saleem, Transport Commissioner Selvamani, and Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The meeting discussed a points-based system under which motorists would receive points for different traffic violations. A driving licence could be suspended once a driver reaches a prescribed threshold. We have also reviewed the legal and regulatory changes required to implement the system,” — Priyank Kharge, home minister
- “Multiple issues pertaining to easing congestion and increasing penalties for seven to eight offences were discussed at the meeting. Once we receive a formal proposal from the home department, further measures will be taken to bring changes to rules and hike penalties.” — senior transport department official
Timeline
- September 30 – Home and Transport departments convene at Vikas Soudha; points-based licence system, higher fines and related enforcement measures are discussed.
- May 17 2025 – Bengaluru records its worst traffic day, with congestion exceeding 100 %.
What’s Next
The Home department will submit a formal proposal outlining points thresholds, fine structures and legislative amendments. The Transport department will then draft rule changes and begin the Sarathi-e-Challan integration. No specific implementation deadline has been announced.