The Karnataka government is considering a new points-based driving licence system under which motorists could accumulate penalty points for different traffic violations. Once a driver reaches a prescribed points threshold, the driving licence could be suspended. The proposed system is aimed at tackling repeat traffic violations and improving road safety, particularly in Bengaluru.
The proposal was discussed during a joint review meeting of the Karnataka Home and Transport departments held on September 30, 2026. Officials examined stricter measures against habitual traffic offenders, including licence suspension, higher penalties and better digital tracking of violations.
How Will the Points-Based Licence System Work?
Under the proposed system, different traffic violations would carry penalty points depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence. These points would be added to a driver’s digital traffic record.
If the accumulated points cross a specified threshold, the driver’s licence could be suspended. Repeat offenders may also face additional measures, including mandatory road-safety or defensive-driving training.
However, the exact number of points for each offence and the final suspension threshold have not yet been announced. The government is still examining the legal and regulatory framework required to implement the system.
Sarathi and e-Challan Systems May Be Linked
Another major proposal is the integration of the Transport Department’s Sarathi platform with Bengaluru Traffic Police’s e-Challan system.
The integration would allow authorities to verify a driver’s licence status, access previous traffic violations and link new offences directly to the driver’s digital record. This could make it easier to identify habitual offenders and enforce penalties based on their overall driving history.
Higher Fines for Repeat Violations
The government is also examining higher penalties for several common violations, including illegal parking, parking on footpaths, driving against traffic on one-way roads, driving on footpaths, signal violations and obstructing traffic.
Reports indicate that fines for certain repeat offences could rise significantly, with some proposed penalties reaching ₹5,000, compared with existing lower penalties for certain violations.
The proposed changes are part of broader efforts to improve traffic discipline and road safety in Bengaluru. For now, motorists should note that the points-based licence system remains a proposal and is not yet a fully implemented statewide rule.
