STA Confiscates 108 DLs on First Day of Special Drive against Overloading Vehicles

Cuttack: The State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha has confiscated 108 Driving Licenses (DLs) for suspension on the first day of its state-wide special drive against overloaded vehicles.

During the drive, as many as 92 challans were issued and 32 vehicles were detained for overloading, as per the STA.
The STA officials also collected Rs 4, 26,312 fine from the vehicle owners for violating the norms.

The drive is being extensively carried out throughout the state with special focus in the regions having industrial and mining activities as it is most commonly seen that many goods vehicle plying in these regions do not comply with the rules causing accidents, the STA said in a statement.

STA will take stern action against those found flouting Motor Vehicle (MV) rules. According to the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019, the violators will be penalized under Section 194 (l). Overloading of vehicles would attract a penalty of Rs. 20,000 and additional fine of Rs. 2,000 per extra tonne. Also, the DLs may be disqualified for three months, it added.

A total of 1442 accidents took place due to overloaded/hanging vehicles in 2021. As many as 673 people were killed due to the load condition of the vehicles.

Besides, 834 persons were grievously injured and 588 had minor injuries in accidents involving overloaded vehicles.

Fines have been imposed against other vehicles for various offences. A total of 800 e-challans were issued for flouting other MV rules, 26 vehicles were detained and compounding fees of Rs. 7, 78,120 was collected.

The STA has launched a six-day-long special anti-overloading drive throughout the state.