Bengaluru traffic rules may get stricter: Govt mulls Rs 5,000 fine for one-way driving and other offences, licence suspension through penalty-point system and a carpooling rule

The Karnataka govt is considering higher fines for one-way driving, wrongside driving, riding on footpaths, unauthorised parking, signal jumping and dangerous riding to up to Rs 5,000 for habitual offenders. At present, the basic fine for these offences is Rs 500.

Bengaluru traffic rules: Govt mulls higher fines, licence suspension for repeat offenders

The Karnataka government is considering changes to motor vehicle rules that could lead to higher penalties for several traffic violations, with repeat offenders facing progressively steeper fines. Officials said the proposed maximum penalty for habitual offenders could be Rs 5,000.

Read more: Drishyam 3 actor Ajay Devgn lives in Rs 60-crore Juhu bungalow ‘Shivshakti’ featuring wooden staircase with droplet-like lights, indoor gym, spacious balconies and interiors adorned with family photographs, awards and Bollywood memorabilia


Under the proposed system, fines would vary for first-time offenders and increase with each subsequent violation. The government is also considering a negative-point system under which motorists could face suspension of their driving licences after accumulating a specified number of points.

Higher penalties for repeat traffic violations

The proposals were discussed at a joint meeting of the transport and home departments on Wednesday, attended by Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh and Home Minister Priyank Kharge.

A senior transport department official said several issues related to easing traffic congestion and increasing penalties for seven to eight offences were discussed. The department will consider further action after receiving a formal proposal from the home department.

Read more: Don’t Trouble the Trouble actor Fahadh Faasil lives in a Kochi home featuring a plant-filled balcony with a white swing, a brick-accented wall, large windows, cosy interiors and colourful vintage décor

Govt may ban half-helmets

The government is also considering a ban on the production and sale of half-helmets over safety concerns for two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers.

Suresh said action could also be taken against factories manufacturing such helmets. Half-helmets are generally cheaper than ISI-marked helmets but do not provide adequate protection, according to officials.

Sarathi, e-challan systems to be linked

The transport department is working on integrating its Sarathi system with the Bengaluru Traffic Police's e-challan system.

The integration would allow traffic personnel to verify driving licence details and access a motorist's previous violation history while recording a new offence. The move is expected to help authorities identify repeat offenders.

Rules for low-speed electric two-wheelers

The government is also examining a legal framework for low-speed battery-operated electric two-wheelers.

The proposed framework could cover registration, applicability of traffic rules, helmet requirements and other safety norms. Officials are also discussing ways to identify these vehicles and hold riders accountable for traffic violations.

Carpooling policy under consideration

To reduce the number of private vehicles on Bengaluru roads, the government is examining a state-level policy for carpooling and ride-sharing services.

The proposal could include guidelines for app-based carpooling, park-and-ride facilities and measures to promote shared transportation.

Action against modified vehicles

The meeting also discussed stricter action against modified silencers, shrill horns and high-intensity lights.

The government is considering restoring dedicated BMTC lanes on roads where Metro construction has been completed. Additional feeder services and increased bus frequencies on the Outer Ring Road are also being examined as part of efforts to improve public transport and ease congestion.

Bengaluru was 2nd most congested city in 2025

Bengaluru was the second-most congested city in the world in 2025, behind only Mexico City, according to the latest TomTom Traffic Index, an annual analysis of global traffic trends and commuting behaviour.

The ranking comes as traffic continues to be a major concern for Bengalureans, even as the Karnataka government promotes the city on global platforms as a ‘city of the future’.

Bengaluru ranked sixth among the world’s most congested cities in 2023 and third in 2024.

The TomTom report showed that the average speed during rush hour in Bengaluru fell to 13.9 kmph in 2025, down by 1 kmph from 2024.

The average time taken to travel 10 km also increased to 36 minutes and nine seconds, up by two minutes and four seconds from the previous year.

The city’s congestion level stood at 74.4% in 2025, an increase of 1.7 percentage points from 2024.

Bengalureans also lost an estimated 168 hours to rush-hour traffic during the year, based on the average time spent travelling 10 km twice a day during peak hours on working days.

Bengaluru’s worst traffic day in 2025

Bengaluru’s worst day for traffic in 2025 was May 17, a Saturday, when the average congestion level reached 101%.

During the evening peak, motorists took around 15 minutes to cover just 2.5 km.

Rain, fallen trees and damaged infrastructure contributed to the severe congestion that day.

Senior police officers attributed Bengaluru’s traffic problems to the rapidly rising number of vehicles, limited expansion of existing roads, a largely stagnant road network and stalled or delayed infrastructure projects.