The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has announced that driving licences of motorists who violate zebra-crossing rules will now be cancelled. The decision comes after an alarming surge in pedestrian fatalities this year, prompting authorities to enforce stricter road-safety measures.
According to the new directive, drivers must stop at least three metres before a zebra crossing whenever a pedestrian is waiting to cross. However, officials say that many motorists routinely ignore this rule, often stopping directly on the zebra lines or blocking pedestrian pathways — a behaviour the MVD describes as “extremely dangerous and unacceptable.”
Under the revised enforcement, violators will face immediate legal action, including cancellation of their licence and penalties under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Parking or halting on zebra crossings will also attract heavy fines issued jointly by the police and the MVD.
The move follows strong directions from the Kerala High Court, which recently criticised the poor enforcement of pedestrian safety and emphasised that pedestrians must always be given the right of way, especially at designated crossings.
With more than 800 pedestrian deaths reported in Kerala this year alone, authorities say this crackdown is crucial to saving lives. The MVD has also urged citizens to report violations, insisting that ensuring pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility that must be upheld by every motorist on the road.
