Odisha cracks down on unauthorised vehicle lights to enforce road safety norms

Bhubaneswar, May 27: In a bid to strengthen road safety and enforce the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, the Odisha Transport Department has launched a state-wide crackdown on the unauthorised use of flickering and multicoloured lights on vehicles.

Join the Whatsapp Channel to Get News updates in english

Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department, Usha Padhee, has written to key departments including Revenue, Home, Housing and Urban Development, and the Police—directing them to take strict action against violators.

According to the directive, several government officials and field staff have been found using red, amber, and multicoloured flickering lights on their vehicles without prior approval. 

This usage is in direct violation of the rules, as no official permissions have been issued by the Transport Commissioner for such installations.

The department emphasised that only vehicles with formal authorisation should use these lights, and such vehicles must display a valid sticker issued by the Transport Commissioner. 

The misuse of such visual signals not only breaches regulations but also poses a risk to public safety by creating confusion and potentially misleading other road users.

All relevant departments have been urged to ensure strict compliance with the rules and instruct their personnel accordingly.

The state government aims to curb the unauthorised use of signal lights and reinforce discipline on Odisha’s roads through this coordinated enforcement drive.

The crackdown is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with checks and penalties being imposed on those found flouting the norms.