Thiruvananthapuram: In a major relief for motorists, the Kerala government is set to revise the strict provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, deciding to cancel driving licences only after 10 or more traffic violations, instead of the earlier proposal of five.
The move comes in response to strong public opposition to the existing rule. The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) will implement the change by modifying the central law’s provisions, and a detailed report outlining the revision will be submitted to the state government shortly.
According to the MVD, most traffic violations are committed by buses and goods vehicles, and the department has recommended tighter enforcement against commercial vehicles to improve road safety without burdening ordinary motorists.
Although the amended central law came into effect nationwide from January 1, Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar had made it clear that Kerala would not enforce the law in its present form. Following his directive, the department has initiated steps to dilute the harsher clauses.
The minister reiterated that traffic rules will be enforced in a people-friendly manner, adding that Kerala would act only after carefully studying and discussing how the central amendments can be implemented without causing hardship.
Under the original amendment, authorities were empowered to cancel licences after five violations in a year, blacklist repeat offenders, and seize vehicles with court approval. The revised proposal aims to balance strict enforcement with public convenience, ensuring safer roads without unnecessary penalties.
