Is Ahmedabad RTO Taking Tough Measures Against Reckless Driving?
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Synopsis
The Ahmedabad RTO has taken drastic steps to improve road safety, suspending over 2,161 licenses and imposing fines exceeding Rs 10 crore. This crackdown targets illegal driving behaviors, including violations by school transport and rickshaws, making a bold statement against reckless driving. The initiative follows public demand and judicial pressure for stricter enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- 2,161 licenses suspended for reckless driving.
- Fines exceeding Rs 10 crore collected.
- Focus on school transport safety.
- Rogue rickshaw incidents rising.
- Public and judicial pressure driving enforcement.
Ahmedabad, Aug 4 (NationPress) The Ahmedabad Regional Transport Office (RTO) has taken significant action by suspending over 2,161 driving licenses and accumulating fines totaling Rs 10.98 crore in the last 16 months due to a dramatic increase in reckless and illegal driving behaviors throughout the city.
With roads becoming perilous from overspeeding, driving on the wrong side, and a blatant disregard for traffic regulations, the RTO’s recent measures reflect a stricter approach towards enhancing road safety.
From April 2024 to July 2025, the department has enforced strict penalties for various violations including wrong-side driving, overspeeding, overloaded vehicles, expired fitness certificates, and even incidents leading to fatalities, according to the issued data.
Importantly, the Ahmedabad RTO has also revoked the licenses of 284 drivers who were found driving dangerously in other states while holding licenses issued in Ahmedabad.
This initiative follows increasing public anxiety and persistent reminders from the Gujarat High Court, which has criticized local officials for permitting repeat offenders to evade serious consequences by only paying spot fines.
The court has urged law enforcement to pursue criminal actions in severe cases, emphasizing that a genuine fear of the law, rather than leniency, is essential for changing road user behavior.
In addition to private vehicle inspections, the RTO has also targeted school vans and rickshaws.
During a recent operation, 280 cases were registered against school transport vehicles violating safety regulations — including expired licenses, unfit vehicles, and overloaded rickshaws. Twenty-seven vehicles were confiscated, resulting in fines of Rs 3.80 lakh.
The situation is alarming as schoolchildren are often transported in vehicles that are barely safe, endangering young lives daily.
Moreover, Ahmedabad has experienced a concerning increase in crimes involving shuttle rickshaws.
Passengers, especially newcomers to the city, have reported being threatened, robbed, and abandoned mid-journey by rogue rickshaw drivers operating illegally from transit hubs like Kalupur Railway Station and Ranip Bus Stand.
A directive from the Police Commissioner mandating the display of drivers’ names and addresses inside rickshaws has largely gone unheeded.
As incidents of hit-and-runs, fatal accidents, and road crimes escalate, the recent measures by the Ahmedabad RTO send a clear message — reckless driving will no longer be tolerated. Offenders now face license suspensions, hefty fines, and potential criminal charges.
Point of View
The Ahmedabad RTO's recent initiatives reflect an urgent response to public concerns and judicial directives. As the nation grapples with increasing road incidents, these measures underline the importance of accountability and the necessity for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Ahmedabad RTO's crackdown?
The surge in reckless driving and public outcry for better road safety prompted the Ahmedabad RTO to enforce stricter regulations.
How much money has the RTO collected in fines?
The Ahmedabad RTO has collected fines amounting to Rs 10.98 crore over the past 16 months.
What types of violations are being targeted?
The RTO is targeting violations such as overspeeding, wrong-side driving, overloaded vehicles, and expired fitness certificates.
What action has been taken against school transport vehicles?
280 cases have been registered against school transport vehicles for various safety violations, and 27 vehicles have been seized.
What has the Gujarat High Court said about traffic enforcement?
The Gujarat High Court has criticized local authorities for allowing habitual offenders to escape serious consequences and urged for criminal proceedings in serious cases.
