Mangaluru: Traffic violations within the Mangaluru City police commissionerate limits have witnessed a sharp rise, prompting the traffic police to intensify enforcement measures across the city. As part of a special enforcement drive, the police registered 21,039 traffic violation cases and collected fines amounting to Rs 96.19 lakh between January and May 2026.
Traffic police officials said that violations of road safety regulations continue to be one of the leading causes of accidents, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. With major national highways, including NH-66, NH-75, NH-169 and NH-73 passing through the region, rash and negligent driving, overspeeding and disregard for traffic rules remain significant concerns for law enforcement agencies.
Helmet violations dominate cases
Mangaluru traffic police data revealed that helmet-related offences accounted for a substantial share of the total violations recorded during the five-month period.
A total of 4,479 riders were booked for riding without helmets, resulting in fines amounting to Rs 22.00 lakh. In addition, 5,693 pillion riders were penalised for travelling without helmets, and fines totalling Rs 22.69 lakh were collected from the offenders.
Officials stressed that wearing helmets is one of the most effective ways to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in road accidents involving two-wheelers. They reiterated that strict enforcement against helmet violations would continue in the coming months.
Various traffic offences on the rise
Apart from helmet violations, the police registered 6,853 cases under various traffic offences and collected fines of Rs 29.28 lakh.
The traffic police booked 1,078 motorists for no-entry violations and collected penalties amounting to Rs 5.35 lakh. Another 922 motorists were penalised for displaying defective registration number plates, attracting fines of Rs 4.55 lakh.
Triple riding also remained a major concern, with 555 cases registered and penalties amounting to Rs 2.77 lakh collected. Similarly, 389 cases of traffic signal and red-light jumping resulted in fines of Rs 1.92 lakh.
The police also registered 372 cases of reckless driving and collected fines of Rs 3.68 lakh. Parking violations continued to be common, with 334 motorists booked and penalties of Rs 1.85 lakh imposed.
Mobile phone usage and overspeeding violations
Mangaluru traffic police detected 70 cases of motorists using mobile phones while driving and collected fines amounting to Rs 96,800.
Although overspeeding cases were relatively fewer in number, 18 motorists were booked for the offence and fined a total of Rs 18,000. Another 19 individuals were found driving or riding without a valid licence and were penalised to the tune of Rs 19,000.
Officials noted that distracted driving, particularly the use of mobile phones behind the wheel, continues to pose a serious risk to road safety and often contributes to avoidable accidents.
Action against vehicle safety and noise violations
The enforcement drive also focused on violations related to vehicle safety and noise pollution.
A total of 59 cases involving defective silencers were registered, resulting in fines amounting to Rs 34,000. The police also booked 17 motorists for using shrill horns and collected penalties of Rs 8,100.
Five motorists were penalised for honking in prohibited zones, attracting fines amounting to Rs 2,500. Additionally, 31 cases of improper use of high-beam lights were recorded, and fines totalling Rs 15,500 were imposed.
Drunken driving cases detected
Mangaluru traffic police registered 145 cases of drunken driving during the January-May period. Officials stated that legal action had been initiated against the offenders under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and relevant court procedures.
The police reiterated that drunken driving remains one of the major contributors to road accidents and warned motorists against driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police urge motorists to follow rules
Mangaluru traffic police have appealed to road users to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and cooperate with enforcement measures aimed at improving road safety.
Officials urged motorists to wear helmets, avoid overspeeding and reckless driving, refrain from using mobile phones while driving, and follow all traffic rules to reduce accidents and ensure safer roads for all.
The police indicated that enforcement drives would continue in the coming months to improve compliance and enhance road safety standards across the city.