TIRUCHY: As part of its continuing effort to curb traffic violations, driving licence of more than 448 vehicle users have been suspended in Tiruchy district since January. Three RTOs - Tiruchy West, Tiruchy East, and Srirangam function within the city, while five unit offices function in rural areas, including Thiruverumbur, Manapparai, Lalgudi, Musiri, and Thuraiyur.
Based on recommendations made by Traffic Police, 448 licences have been suspended in the district in the first four months of 2025. In comparison, 634 licences were suspended in 2023, and 698 in 2024. Under the provisions of the amended Motor Vehicles Act, a driving licence can be suspended for offences such as rash driving, signal jumping, speeding, overloading, using mobile phones while driving, and drunk driving.
Once a violation is detected and an e-challan is issued and the details are forwarded to the respective Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). Then, RTOs send a notification and show-cause notice to the motorist's registered mobile number and address listed on the licence. Motorists are given two weeks to respond and may submit evidence such as CCTV footage to prove they were not involved in the violation. If the response is satisfactory, no further action will be taken.
Otherwise, the licence is suspended for three months. If no reply is received within the period, RTOs are authorised to proceed with the suspension. Traffic police said most vehicle users realise their licence has been suspended when they are stopped by traffic police and their licences are verified during routine checks. "Many people still believe fine is just a monetary penalty.
But as per the amended MV Act, serious violations can result in the suspension of the driver's licence. We have stepped up enforcement through regular vehicle checks and are also conducting awareness campaigns," said M Mohammed Rafi, Traffic Assistant Commissioner in Tiruchy city. He also said that the aim was not just enforcement, but education.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility, and understanding the law is the first step toward compliance. We advise motorists to follow traffic regulations, wear helmet and seat belt, and avoid reckless or drunk driving to prevent legal action and more importantly, save lives," he said. An official from Tiruchy East RTO office said,
"We are not here just to impose penalties. We provide motorists an opportunity to present their case before suspension is enforced. Yet, a majority fail to respond in time, which automatically leads to licence suspension. Drivers must check their messages and act promptly."