BHUBANESWAR, April 1, 2025: The Odisha Motor Vehicle Department has implemented a comprehensive set of stringent traffic regulations and hefty penalties, effective from March 1, 2025, in a decisive move to curb the alarming rise in traffic violations across the state.
The new regulations, which include substantial increases in fines and the possibility of imprisonment for repeated offenses, represent one of the most aggressive approaches to traffic enforcement seen in the region in recent years.
According to official statistics from the Odisha MVD, the state recorded over 11,000 road accidents in 2024, resulting in approximately 5,200 fatalities. Officials believe that nearly 70% of these incidents were directly attributable to traffic violations such as overspeeding, driving under influence, and mobile phone usage while driving.
"These stringent measures are not about generating revenue but about creating a deterrent effect," said a senior official from the Transport Commissioner Office of Odisha. "When the potential cost of violating traffic rules becomes prohibitively high, drivers are more likely to comply with regulations, ultimately saving lives."
Under the new framework, driving without a valid license now carries a fine ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹7,500, along with the possibility of up to six months imprisonment for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including longer imprisonment terms and suspension of driving privileges.
Commercial vehicle operators face particularly severe consequences for overloading, with fines starting at ₹20,000 plus an additional ₹2,000 for every extra tonne. Authorities have indicated that persistent violators may also be required to perform community service.
The use of mobile phones while driving, a growing concern among safety experts, now carries a penalty of ₹5,000 for the first offense, doubling to ₹10,000 for subsequent violations. Similarly, dangerous driving practices and jumping red lights will cost offenders ₹5,000 initially, increasing to ₹10,000 for repeat offenses.
Some of the most severe penalties are reserved for driving under the influence, with first-time offenders facing fines of ₹10,000, increasing to ₹15,000 for subsequent offenses. Officials have emphasized that these violations may also lead to imprisonment, license suspension, and mandatory road safety education programs.
Even relatively minor infractions carry significant penalties. Not wearing a seat belt now results in a ₹1,000 fine, while overspeeding penalties range from ₹2,000 for light motor vehicles to ₹4,000 for heavy motor vehicles. Driving without insurance will cost motorists ₹2,000, doubling to ₹4,000 for repeat offenses.
The MVD has deployed additional traffic enforcement personnel and installed new surveillance cameras throughout major cities and highways to ensure comprehensive implementation of these regulations. Officials have confirmed that there will be no grace period, with full enforcement beginning immediately.
Local driving schools have reported a surge in enrollment following the announcement of these measures, with many drivers seeking to refresh their knowledge of traffic rules and improve their driving habits.
"We've seen a 40% increase in enrollment over the past month," said Priya Patel, owner of Safe Drive Driving School in Cuttack. "People are realizing that the cost of proper training is far less than the potential fines they might face."
Civil rights organizations have expressed mixed reactions to the new regulations. While most acknowledge the need for improved road safety, some have raised concerns about the potential for harassment and corruption during enforcement.
"We support efforts to make our roads safer, but there must be transparency in how these rules are enforced," said Amit Das of the Odisha Civil Liberties Union. "We will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure that these powers are not misused."
The state government has countered these concerns by highlighting plans to implement body cameras for traffic officers and establishing a dedicated grievance redressal cell to address public complaints about unfair enforcement.
Transportation experts predict that other states may soon follow Odisha's example, especially those with high rates of traffic-related fatalities. A recent national study indicated that stricter enforcement of traffic regulations in Maharashtra and Karnataka resulted in a 15-20% reduction in serious accidents within the first year of implementation.
As residents of Odisha adjust to this new reality on the roads, the message from authorities is clear: the era of lax enforcement and nominal penalties for traffic violations has come to an end. The state is betting that these harsh measures will translate into safer roads and, ultimately, saved lives.
For detailed information on the new regulations, the public can visit the official Odisha MVD website or contact their nearest Regional Transport Office.
