TAUSEEF AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Jan 8: In a strong move aimed at improving road safety and enforcing traffic discipline, the Office of the Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Kashmir, has issued a public notice directing vehicle owners—particularly two-wheeler riders—to clear all pending traffic challans within seven days, failing which strict legal action will be initiated under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The notice, issued by Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Qazi Irfan (JKAS), highlights widespread violations of traffic laws across districts falling under the Kashmir Division.
According to the RTO, a significant number of two-wheelers are being plied on public roads in blatant violation of statutory provisions, especially cases involving riders and pillion riders not wearing protective headgear (helmets), along with other serious traffic offences.
The transport department has observed that such violations not only amount to a breach of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the rules framed thereunder, but also pose a grave threat to road safety and public order.
The notice, a copy of which is in possession of Kashmir Despatch, underlines that reckless riding, non-use of helmets and disregard for traffic norms endanger both human lives and public property, contributing to a rise in road accidents across the region.
The RTO further stated that challans have already been issued against vehicle owners and operators found violating traffic rules.
However, a large number of these challans remain pending disposal, prompting the department to issue the present warning. To ensure compliance, all vehicle owners and operators within the jurisdiction of the Kashmir Division have been categorically directed to clear their pending challans within a period of seven days from the date of publication of the notice.
The public notice makes it clear that failure to comply with the directive within the stipulated timeframe will invite stringent action without any further notice. Such action may include the imposition of heavy penalties, suspension of driving and vehicle-related documents, and even seizure of vehicles under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
“This notice has been issued in the interest of public safety and to ensure strict compliance with the law,” the RTO stated, reiterating that traffic regulations are meant to safeguard lives and promote orderly movement on roads.
The notice also mentions that a detailed list of defaulting vehicles has been enclosed as annexures to the order. Copies of the notice have been forwarded to the Secretary to the Government, Transport Department; the Transport Commissioner, J&K; and the Director, Information, J&K, with a request to publish the notice in leading newspapers for wider public awareness. Assistant Regional Transport Officers concerned have also been directed to take necessary action.
The move is being seen as part of a broader crackdown by the transport authorities to curb traffic violations in Kashmir, particularly among two-wheeler riders, and to instil a culture of responsible driving amid growing concerns over road safety in the Valley.
