300+ traffic violations: Bengaluru resident’s two-wheeler fined a whopping Rs 3 Lakhs!

Team Udayavani, Feb 12, 2024, 11:53 AM IST

Bengaluru: A two-wheeler, which might be barely valued at around Rs 25-30 thousand, has amassed a whopping Rs 3 lakhs as fines for traffic violations!

From January 2, 2021, to February 5, 2024, a Honda Activa with registration number KA-05KF-7969 has been accused of violating traffic rules more than 300 times, resulting in a fine of Rs 3,04,500.

The fines have been imposed based on CC camera footage at signals and photos taken by police officers managing traffic on their mobile phones, police said.

A resident of Sudhamanagar, Venkataraman, who earns his livelihood through odd jobs, has committed over 300 traffic violations in the past four years, including not wearing a helmet, using a mobile phone while driving, driving against one-way traffic, jumping signals, and stopping at zebra crossings on his two-wheeler.

Recently, the city traffic police have initiated the process of collecting fines from those who owe more than Rs 50,000 for traffic violations by visiting their homes.

Venkataraman’s two-wheeler was identified during a check of pending vehicles, leading to the issuance of a notice to his home address. However, he did not provide the correct information, according to the traffic police.

A few days ago, the traffic police visited Venkataraman’s house, issued a notice, and asked him to pay the fine. Shocked by the amount, Venkataraman said, “I cannot afford such a large fine. If you want, take my two-wheeler.”

The traffic police responded on the spot saying, “Your two-wheeler can be sold for approximately Rs 25-30 thousand. What will we do with it?” They instructed him to come at the appointed time and pay the fine.

“We are visiting the homes of vehicle owners with fines exceeding Rs 50 thousand and issuing notices. Similarly, based on the vehicle registration number, it was discovered that the vehicle owner has fines totaling Rs 3 lakhs. We have issued a notice. If the fine is not paid within the specified time, further legal action will be taken,” said Anitha B Haddannavar, DCP, Western Traffic Division.