Kerala Records Over 1 Crore Traffic Violations Annually, Second Highest in India
Kochi witnesses a staggering volume of traffic rule violations, with the state recording over 1 crore cases every year. This translates to an average of more than 27,000 violations per day, highlighting persistent challenges in road safety enforcement.
National Ranking and Enforcement Data
According to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), enforcement agencies including the police and Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) issued a total of 1,00,53,983 challans under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, in Kerala during 2025 alone. Over the three-year period from 2023 to 2025, the state issued as many as 3.25 crore challans.
Uttar Pradesh topped the country with 4,91,45,682 challans issued during the same three-year span, comprising 1,44,47,650 in 2023, 1,53,85,832 in 2024, and 1,93,12,200 in 2025. Kerala secured the second position nationally, followed by Tamil Nadu, which issued 3,12,34,713 challans in the period.
Decline in Violations and Key Factors
In 2025, the total number of challans issued in Kerala showed a decline compared to previous years, with 1,11,33,412 in 2023 and 1,13,80,834 in 2024. MVD officials, however, emphasized that violations remain rampant across the state.
Rajeev R, Joint Transport Commissioner (Enforcement), attributed the dip in 2025 largely to improved helmet compliance among two-wheeler riders. "Two-wheeler riders constitute the majority of traffic rule violators. Scared of a fine of Rs 500 for the rider and another Rs 500 for the pillion rider for riding without helmets, bikers and scooterists have increasingly begun wearing helmets since AI cameras were installed across districts. It has also helped reduce fatal accidents," he stated.
Major Traffic Violations and Revenue Impact
Besides riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, other significant traffic rule violations in Kerala include:
- Driving a car without wearing a seatbelt
- Pillion riders and co-passengers travelling without seatbelts
- Mobile phone usage while driving
- Overspeeding
MoRTH data reveals that traffic violations generate substantial revenue for the state through fines. Kerala generated Rs 400 crore in 2023 and a total of Rs 961 crore between 2023 and 2025.
Ongoing Challenges and Expert Recommendations
Rajeev highlighted that illegal vehicle modifications, especially in cars and bikes, continue to pose a significant threat to other road users. The department has directed local bodies to inspect vehicle workshops and suspend licences if they are found carrying out illegal modifications.
Road safety experts advocate for establishing a dedicated transport planning department in Kerala, similar to systems in other countries, to streamline road expansion and regulate private vehicles more effectively.
Niju Azhakeshan, Director of the Kerala Road Safety Authority, emphasized the need for mandatory road safety training. "Before securing a driving licence, one must undergo road safety training at accredited centres. The Union government has a scheme to set up such centres, but the state is yet to adopt it. A licence should be issued only to those who undergo proper training and can drive safely," he asserted.
The data underscores the critical need for continued enforcement, public awareness, and systemic improvements to enhance road safety and reduce violations across Kerala.
