Patna: More than 52,000 driving licences in Bihar are facing suspension as the state transport department intensifies action against motorists repeatedly flouting traffic rules, including riding without helmets, failing to wear seatbelts and driving with incomplete vehicle documents.
Officials said the crackdown is aimed at habitual offenders. Of the 52,678 licences identified for action across the state, 4,514 have already been suspended, while 165 have been permanently revoked.
According to the transport department, most of those targeted have been booked multiple times for similar violations such as overspeeding, ignoring helmet and seatbelt norms, and failing to keep registration and insurance documents up to date. Authorities say repeated non-compliance has prompted stricter penalties under motor vehicle regulations.
The scale of enforcement varies widely across districts. In Muzaffarpur, proceedings have begun against 6,143 drivers, with 872 licences suspended so far and 30 cancelled altogether. In Bhagalpur, 9,766 licences are on the suspension list.
Patna accounts for the largest share of cases, reflecting the high volume of traffic violations reported in the state capital. As many as 34,561 licences in the district are slated for suspension. At the other end of the spectrum is Lakhisarai, where action has been proposed against just two licences.
Motor vehicle inspector Rakesh Ranjan said licences were suspended on his recommendation following documented violations. He warned that driving during the suspension period could attract a fine of up to Rs 5,000, and further violations could lead to permanent cancellation of the licence.
Ranjan added that drivers who refrain from driving and commit no further offences during the suspension period would have their licences automatically restored after three months. “The objective of strict enforcement is not punishment alone, but awareness,” he said, adding that the measures were intended to improve compliance and reduce road accidents across Bihar.
