Bengaluru: The Karnataka Transport Department has suspended as many as 5,947 driving licences (DLs) across the state so far in 2025, with Bengaluru Urban district accounting for the highest number of cases at 4,479, officials said. Drunk driving has emerged as the single largest reason for licence suspension, underlining the scale of traffic violations and the department’s zero-tolerance approach towards road safety breaches.
Drunk driving tops list of violations
According to a report published by The New Indian Express, out of the total suspensions, 4,735 driving licences were cancelled due to drunk driving (DD). Officials said this reflects the department’s strict enforcement policy, where licences are suspended even on the first offence if a motorist is caught driving under the influence of alcohol.
Transport Minister R Ramalinga Reddy was quoted as saying that drunk driving poses a serious threat not only to motorists but also to pedestrians and other road users. “Drinking and driving will not only harm them, but also puts at risk the lives of pedestrians and others. To bring in discipline, the department suspends the driving licence in the very first offence for drunk driving,” he said.
Thousands of cases still under process
Apart from confirmed suspensions, officials revealed that 1,512 cases related to rash and negligent driving and other traffic violations are still pending with various Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state. These cases are under review and may lead to further suspensions or cancellations based on the outcome of hearings and examination of police reports.
Senior officials said the backlog is largely due to the volume of cases being reported, particularly from urban centres with high vehicle density and traffic congestion.
How the suspension process works
Joint Commissioner of the Transport Department, Bengaluru Urban Division, M Shobha explained the procedure followed once a violation is detected. She said that after the traffic police register a case and submit a report, it is forwarded to the concerned RTO.
“Based on the report received from the traffic department, the case is sent to the respective regional transport office, where action is initiated as per rules,” she said. In certain cases, motorists are given an opportunity to present their explanation before a final decision is taken.
Officials added that licences can be suspended for a period ranging from three to six months, depending on the severity of the offence and past violation history.
Traffic police intensify enforcement
The Bengaluru traffic police have stepped up enforcement drives, particularly targeting drunk driving cases during weekends and late-night hours. Joint Commissioner of Traffic (Bengaluru City) Karthik Reddy said standing instructions have been issued to all 53 traffic police stations in the city to intensify checks.
“There is zero tolerance towards drunk driving cases. Once a person is caught driving under the influence, the licence is referred to the transport department for suspension with immediate effect,” he said.
Special drives are being conducted using breath analysers at major junctions, arterial roads and near nightlife hubs, especially during festivals and long weekends.
Hearings and further action
Officials clarified that in some cases, motorists are called for hearings before the RTO. “The hearing is held in select cases, and based on the replies from motorists and reports from the traffic department, further steps are taken,” an official said.
Repeat offenders and those involved in serious accidents are more likely to face longer suspension periods or outright cancellation of licences, officials added.
Emission rule change announced
Meanwhile, the transport department has also announced a key change in emission testing norms for new vehicles. As per the report, on the eve of New Year on December 31, the department declared that the emission validity for new vehicles would now extend to one year, unlike earlier when it was limited to five months.
Under the revised rule, newly registered vehicles will not require an emission test for the first one year. After this period, emission tests will be mandatory at regular intervals as prescribed under pollution control regulations.
Officials said the change was introduced to reduce the compliance burden on owners of new vehicles, while continuing to ensure environmental safeguards in the long run.
Road safety concerns remain
Despite sustained enforcement efforts, officials admitted that road safety remains a major concern, especially in urban areas. Rising vehicle numbers, late-night driving and disregard for traffic rules have contributed to an increase in violations.
Transport department officials stressed that stricter penalties and consistent enforcement are necessary to deter dangerous behaviour on roads. They also urged motorists to take personal responsibility and follow traffic rules in the interest of public safety.
Conclusion
The suspension of nearly 6,000 driving licences in Karnataka this year highlights the government’s tough stance on traffic violations, particularly drunk driving. With Bengaluru Urban topping the list, authorities are continuing intensive checks and swift punitive action to instil discipline among motorists. While enforcement has been strengthened, officials emphasise that lasting improvement in road safety will depend on behavioural change and responsible driving by citizens.