The Karnataka State Police has announced a series of progressive rules restricting random vehicle checks, mandating body cameras, and emphasizing tech-based enforcement to reduce road mishaps and public harassment.
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Karnataka Police Unveils New Traffic Enforcement Rules to Enhance Safety and Accountability
Bengaluru | June 2, 2025 — In a landmark move aimed at enhancing road safety, preventing harassment, and modernizing enforcement, the Karnataka State Police has rolled out a sweeping set of new traffic enforcement rules. These reforms mark a pivotal shift in how police officers across the state—especially those on highways and major roads—interact with commuters.
The directive, which came into effect this week, follows months of public criticism over arbitrary document checks, sudden vehicle stops, and unregulated blockades, many of which have led to accidents or viral outrage on social media.
Karnataka Police Introduces New Rules to Ensure Safer, Smarter Traffic Enforcement
Key Reforms at a Glance
Among the most significant policy changes announced are:
🚫 No Random Vehicle Stops: Police can no longer stop vehicles without a specific reason or visible violation.
🛑 No Sudden Stops on Roadways: Vehicles must not be stopped abruptly, particularly on fast-moving highways.
🏍️ Bike Riders Protected: Police are barred from taking keys from two-wheeler riders or pulling them over without cause.
🚔 No Chasing Speeding Vehicles: High-speed vehicles should not be pursued, but rather flagged and logged with the control room for further action.
👕 Mandatory Reflective Jackets & LED Buttons: Officers must wear reflective safety gear and LED markers when conducting inspections.
📹 Body-Worn Cameras: All roadside checks must be recorded using body cameras, ensuring transparency.
📄 ITMS Registration for Cases: Traffic cases must now be recorded using Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS).
🚧 No Zigzag Barricades or Roadside Blockades: Especially on highways, vehicles should not be obstructed using zigzag or random barriers.
📍 Checks Only at Safe Locations: All nighttime vehicle checks must occur at well-lit signal junctions, not isolated roads or blind spots.
🚨 No Blockade Operations by Law and Order Police: Only traffic personnel are authorized for traffic enforcement, preventing misuse of authority.
🔊 Awareness Before Enforcement: Awareness programs on traffic rules must precede strict enforcement actions to promote informed compliance.
The Rationale: Why This Overhaul Was Needed
The Karnataka police department cited a growing number of complaints regarding unchecked roadside inspections, particularly targeting bike riders and inter-city travelers. Accusations of harassment, extortion, and unsafe chase tactics were becoming commonplace.
The death of a delivery rider in Hubballi last year—reportedly while fleeing from a surprise blockade—triggered statewide debates and petitions demanding reform.
“The goal is not just enforcement, but safe, respectful, and efficient enforcement,” said Additional DGP (Traffic & Road Safety) Anil Kumar at a press briefing in Bengaluru. “We want to eliminate outdated practices and focus on data-driven and citizen-friendly methods.”
Public Response: Mixed But Hopeful
Citizen advocacy groups have welcomed the changes.
“No one should be chased down on a highway for a missing PUC slip,” said Preeti Bhat, a legal activist and founder of the “Right to Commute” initiative. “These rules, if implemented in spirit, will save lives.”
However, some motorists remain skeptical about implementation.
“In theory it sounds good, but we need to see how it's enforced in towns like Tumakuru or Raichur,” said Kiran Rao, a logistics operator.
Technology to the Forefront: ITMS and FTVR
The rules mandate that all cases be recorded through the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), ensuring digital records, time stamps, and automatic violation tracking.
Additionally, Fast Traffic Violation Reporting (FTVR) will be prioritized. Speeding on highways will not result in roadside chases but in camera-captured fines, improving both safety and evidence collection.
Reform in Uniform: Responsibility on the Police Too
For the first time, these reforms place significant obligations on the officers themselves:
Officers must wear visible, high-visibility jackets.
Body cameras are compulsory during all inspections.
Police cannot act on “suspicion” alone—evidence must precede enforcement.
Conclusion: A Progressive Step for Public-Police Relations
These changes could transform how law enforcement and civilians interact on the road. With rising vehicle density, heightened public awareness, and the risks of viral misinformation, transparent, tech-based policing is no longer optional—it is essential.
For Karnataka, this move positions the state as a model of 21st-century traffic governance—one where rights, road safety, and reform go hand in hand.
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