Bhubaneswar, July 7 (UDN): In a bid to improve road safety and ensure stricter compliance with motor vehicle laws, the Odisha government has introduced tougher enforcement measures against traffic violations, empowering officials to seize vehicles operating without mandatory documents.
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The State Transport Authority (STA) has issued a fresh directive authorising enforcement officials to impound vehicles found plying without valid fitness certificates, insurance, permits, or other statutory documents. The move marks a shift from the earlier practice of imposing fines alone and is aimed at keeping unfit and non-compliant vehicles off the state's roads.
The revised guidelines place special emphasis on habitual offenders. Vehicles repeatedly found violating provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act will now be liable for seizure, with authorities expected to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards recurring violations.
Officials said the decision is intended to strengthen road safety by ensuring that only legally compliant and roadworthy vehicles operate on public roads. The Transport Department believes the stricter enforcement will help reduce accidents linked to poorly maintained vehicles and encourage vehicle owners to keep their documents updated.
The STA has also directed enforcement personnel to carry out regular inspections and strictly implement the new guidelines. The circular cautions that officials failing to conduct inspections diligently or enforce the provisions effectively may face disciplinary action, underscoring the government's focus on accountability.
The crackdown has already begun across the state. During a routine inspection in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, transport officials seized a private bus travelling from Cuttack to Berhampur after it was found operating without a valid fitness certificate.
Authorities have appealed to vehicle owners and transport operators to ensure that all mandatory documents, including fitness certificates, insurance, permits, registration certificates and driving licences, remain valid to avoid penal action. The Transport Department is expected to intensify enforcement drives across Odisha in the coming days as part of its broader strategy to improve road safety and strengthen compliance with traffic regulations.