According to officials of the Regional Transport Department, out of the 1,136 school vehicles registered with the department in Shivamogga district, over 66 vehicles have not renewed their fitness certificates. This lapse raises serious safety concerns for schoolchildren who rely on these vehicles for daily transport.
Details of the Violations
The fitness certificate is a mandatory document that ensures a vehicle meets safety and emission standards. Without a valid certificate, the vehicle is considered unfit for operation. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Shivamogga has identified that 66 vehicles are currently plying without this essential clearance. This represents nearly 5.8% of the total registered school vehicles in the district.
Impact on Child Safety
Parents and school authorities have expressed alarm over the findings. The lack of fitness certificates indicates potential mechanical defects or non-compliance with safety norms, which could lead to accidents. Traffic police have also been conducting drives to check school vehicles, as seen in a recent interaction with a bus driver in Shivamogga.
An RTO official stated, "We are taking strict action against the owners of these vehicles. Notices have been issued, and further penalties will be imposed if they fail to comply." The department is also conducting surprise inspections to ensure that all school vehicles adhere to regulations.
Broader Context
This issue is not isolated to Shivamogga. Across Karnataka, authorities have been tightening norms for school transport after several accidents involving school vehicles. In 2025, the state government mandated GPS tracking and speed governors for all school buses. However, compliance remains a challenge.
As of July 2026, the RTO has intensified its enforcement drive. Officials urge parents to verify the fitness status of the vehicles their children use. "Parents should demand to see the fitness certificate and other documents before allowing their children to board any school vehicle," a traffic police officer advised.
Next Steps
The RTO has given the defaulting vehicle owners a deadline to renew their certificates. Failure to do so will result in suspension of the vehicle's registration. The department also plans to publish a list of compliant vehicles on its website for public transparency.
