In a massive enforcement drive, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) in Visakhapatnam suspended the driving licences of a staggering 69,000 motorists in the city during the year 2025. This marks a dramatic increase from the approximately 20,000 suspensions recorded in the previous year, 2024.
Strict Enforcement Leads to Record Suspensions
The sharp rise is attributed to stringent monitoring by traffic police and the adoption of advanced technology. Authorities have clarified that even a first-time offence for certain violations can trigger immediate suspension, a fact many motorists remain unaware of. The suspensions, lasting between three to six months, were issued for a range of serious traffic offences.
Deputy Transport Commissioner for Visakhapatnam, Ch Srinivas, confirmed the scale of the action. He highlighted that Vizag city led the entire state of Andhra Pradesh in the number of licence suspensions specifically for riding two-wheelers without helmets, indicating particularly rigorous enforcement of this rule locally.
Helmetless Riding Tops the Violation Chart
Data reveals that the single largest cause for licence suspension was riding without a helmet. Despite Vizag having a relatively high helmet compliance rate in the state, around 60,000 motorists had their licences suspended for this offence alone between January and December 2025.
This focus is driven by grim statistics. Non-compliance with helmet regulations is estimated to contribute to 30 to 35 percent of all road crash fatalities in Andhra Pradesh annually. Other major violations that led to suspensions included:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol (tipsy driving)
- Rash and negligent driving
- Triple riding on two-wheelers
Around 9,000 motorists faced suspension for these combined offences.
Consequences for Defying Suspension Orders
The crackdown didn't stop at suspensions. Traffic police remained vigilant, catching about 100 motorists in 2025 who were found driving vehicles while their licences were under suspension. These individuals were booked for driving without a valid licence and faced hefty fines.
Explaining the procedure, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), K Praveen, stated that for helmet rule violations, police not only impose a fine of Rs 1,035 but also collect the driver's licence details. These are forwarded to the RTA with a recommendation for suspension. "In case he or she repeats the violation, we will request the RTA personnel for cancellation of their driving licences permanently," he added.
New Year, Stricter Norms
Building on the 2025 campaign, police have announced intensified drives from the start of 2026. A significant new measure is the "No Helmet- No Petrol" norm, rolled out city-wide from January 1, 2026. This policy aims to further compel two-wheeler riders to wear protective gear. The drive against drunk driving and rash driving has also been amplified.
The concerted effort by the RTA and Traffic Police underscores a determined push to enhance road safety and reduce preventable fatalities in Visakhapatnam through strict legal and regulatory action.
