MYSURU: The state transport department’s latest directive that it would suspend the driving licence for three months if a two-wheeler rider is caught without wearing a helmet has put implementing officers in a spot since there’s lack of ground-level staff to conduct checks and launch proceedings and the process involves multi-level authentication of the licence.
Though police officials claim DLs of violators have been deactivated for a certain period, it’s very difficult to confirm the same.
Retired officer suggests permanent DL suspension for repeat offenders
Following recommendations of a Supreme Court-appointed committee on road safety, state transport authorities have prescribed stringent action against erring two-wheeler riders in a bid to prevent injuries and deaths caused in road accidents. Until now, police have been asking RTOs to suspend driving licences of those caught driving under the influence of alcohol. An officer said if a driver is caught for any other offence, the violator’s property verification is the only route through which the suspension of DL could be confirmed.
Sources said suspension of a licence is not easy, and transport authorities must first issue a notice to the violator seeking explanation and initiate action based on the response. Since thousands of twowheeler riders are booked in the state for not wearing a helmet every day, suspension of the licence cannot be done the same day. Shankare Gowda, a retired police officer, suggested permanent suspension of DLs of repeat offenders. “This will act as a deterrent. Besides, we must create awareness about prevention of accident deaths,” he added.
ACP (traffic) SN Sandesh Kumar said a majority of deaths involving two-wheeler riders are due to riding without helmet.