Karnataka sees few driving licence cancellations despite violations

Karnataka has seen very few driving licence cancellations despite many traffic violations. Over the last five years, only 16 licences were cancelled for serious offences like driving without a permit or drunk driving. In comparison, Bengaluru's traffic police reported more than 23,600 drunk driving cases in 2024 alone. The low number of cancellations raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement. A senior traffic police officer noted that many drivers do not carry their licences when stopped, making it hard to enforce penalties. Additionally, some drivers claim they don't have their licence to avoid suspension. Traffic expert Prof. M. N. Srihari mentioned that not every violation results in cancellation. Drivers can appeal suspensions, and courts may reverse decisions for various reasons, such as mechanical failures. Certain individuals may also use their connections to escape penalties. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reported that a total of 1,525 driving licences were cancelled across India from 2020 to 2024. Tamil Nadu had the highest number of cancellations, while states like Delhi and West Bengal had very few. Experts are calling for stricter enforcement to improve road safety and reduce reckless driving.