Kochi: Kerala records over 1 crore traffic rule violations every year, averaging more than 27,000 cases a day. Enforcement agencies — police and motor vehicles department (MVD) — issued 1,00,53,983 challans under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, in 2025 alone, according to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
As many as 3.25 crore challans were issued in the state between 2023 and 2025, the data said. Uttar Pradesh topped the country, with 4,91,45,682 challans issued during the three-year period — 1,44,47,650 in 2023; 1,53,85,832 in 2024 and 1,93,12,200 in 2025. Kerala held the second position, followed by Tamil Nadu, which issued 3,12,34,713 challans during the period, the data showed.
In 2025, the total number of challans issued in Kerala marked a decline compared with previous years — 1,11,33,412 in 2023 and 1,13,80,834 in 2024. MVD officials, however, said violations remained rampant and attributed the dip in 2025 largely to improved helmet compliance among two-wheeler riders.
"Two-wheeler riders constitute the majority of traffic rule violators. Scared of a fine of Rs 500 for the rider and another Rs 500 for the pillion rider for riding without helmets, bikers and scooterists have increasingly begun wearing helmets since AI cameras were installed across districts. It has also helped reduce fatal accidents," said Rajeev R, joint transport commissioner (enforcement).
Besides riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, driving a car without wearing a seatbelt, pillion riders and co-passengers travelling without seatbelts, mobile phone usage while driving and overspeeding are among the major traffic rule violations in the state.
MoRTH data show that traffic violations generate substantial revenue for the state in the form of fines. Kerala generated Rs 400 crore in 2023 and Rs 961 crore between 2023 and 2025, according to the data.
Rajeev said illegal vehicle modifications, especially in cars and bikes, continue to pose a significant threat to other road users. The department has directed local bodies to inspect vehicle workshops and suspend licences if they are found carrying out illegal modifications.
Road safety experts said it is high time the state established a dedicated transport planning department, as in other countries, to streamline road expansion and regulate private vehicles.
"Before securing a driving licence, one must undergo road safety training at accredited centres. The Union govt has a scheme to set up such centres, but the state is yet to adopt it. A licence should be issued only to those who undergo proper training and can drive safely," said Niju Azhakeshan, director, Kerala Road Safety Authority.
T C Sreemol, Principal Correspondent at The Times of India, has b...
Read MoreT C Sreemol, Principal Correspondent at The Times of India, has been with the publication for 14 years. She extensively covers the environment and forests, animal welfare, civic issues in urban Kochi, and migrant workers in Kerala. She also specialises in data-driven stories.
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