₹53 cr in traffic fines remains unpaid

Kochi: Traffic violations are rising in Ernakulam and a growing reluctance among motorists to pay fines is compounding the problem. Between 2020 and 2024, the motor vehicles department (MVD) enforcement wing issued 5.77 lakh e-challans for various traffic offences, of which a staggering Rs 53.79 crore in fines remains unpaid.The scale of non-compliance has grown dramatically. In 2020, only 3,810 motorists failed to pay their fines. By 2024, that number had surged to over three lakh, with unpaid dues alone amounting to Rs 27 crore. The govt has now announced a one-time amnesty scheme allowing violators to settle fines at 50% of the original amount before the end of this month. MVD officials note that many violators deliberately withhold payment in anticipation of such amnesty schemes. "Fines are typically remitted only when legally compelled, during vehicle hypothecation, ownership transfer, fitness renewal, or driving licence renewal," said an MVD official. Officials have observed a telling pattern: Motorists who were compelled to pay fines across more than 25 violations tend to correct their behaviour, while those with fewer than 20–25 violations, particularly newer drivers, continue to violate rules repeatedly. Of the total pending e-challans in the district, 90% involve compoundable offences, where MVD officials can levy and collect fines on the spot. The remaining 10% are non-compoundable offences, including dangerous driving, lane violations, drunk driving, red-light jumping, and juveniles operating vehicles, which require court intervention. The amnesty scheme does not apply to non-compoundable cases. Of the Rs 53 crore in outstanding fines, approximately Rs 8 crore falls under this non-compoundable category. Helmet violations remain the most frequently reported offence. A common attitude among motorists — that short-distance rides don't warrant a helmet—continues to put lives at risk. Other prevalent violations include pillion riders not wearing helmets, triple riding, and operating vehicles with expired driving licences, pollution certificates, or insurance documents. Adding to these concerns, dangerous driving incidents are also on the rise.