Mandatory Seat Belt Rule for Heavy Vehicles Effective November: Minister Antony Raju
Transport Minister Antony Raju has declared that wearing a seat belt will be compulsory for both drivers and co-passengers in the cabins of heavy vehicles starting from November. This rule will also be applicable to Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, enhancing safety measures for passengers and drivers alike.
Minister Raju made this announcement during a media briefing following a meeting focused on AI (Artificial Intelligence) cameras. Despite the efficient identification of traffic violations by AI cameras, there has been a delay in imposing fines on the public. Between June 5 and September 30, AI cameras detected 62.67 lakh infractions. However, the online process has been completed for only 19.53 lakh cases, with notices issued in 7.5 lakh cases.
Notably, fines totaling Rs 102.80 crores were issued, but the government has received only Rs 14.88 crores so far. For violations in June, some notices are still pending. In a recent instance, AI cameras detected 56 violations involving vehicles belonging to Members of Parliament (MP) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
According to the new regulations, if the vehicle owner fails to pay the fine within 30 days of receiving the notice, the case will be transferred to an online court. After 60 days, cases will be forwarded to the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, ensuring a stringent approach toward enforcing traffic rules and penalties.
