Odisha Cracks Down on Commercial Vehicles Without Valid Fitness Certificates; Violators to Face Seizure

The Odisha Transport Department has launched a stringent enforcement drive against commercial vehicles operating without valid fitness certificates, registration documents, or other mandatory permits. In a major policy shift, authorities have directed enforcement officers not to stop at issuing e-challans but to immediately seize vehicles found violating the rules.

The Transport Commissioner has issued detailed instructions to all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs), Additional RTOs, and Deputy Transport Commissioners to intensify inspections across the state. Special enforcement drives have already begun at toll plazas and major highways.

Vehicles Without Valid Documents to Be Seized

Officials said commercial vehicles found operating without valid fitness certificates, registration certificates (RC), permits, insurance, or tax documents will face immediate action.

Under Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act, vehicles without valid fitness certificates will be impounded. The department has also warned that repeat offenders may face suspension or cancellation of their Registration Certificate (RC), while permits may also be revoked in serious cases.

The initiative aims to improve road safety by removing unsafe and unfit vehicles from Odisha’s roads.

Major Violations Detected at Toll Plazas

Data collected through the state’s e-detection system has revealed a large number of violations at toll plazas.

The highest number of cases has been reported at:

• Bandal (Old Manguli) Toll Plaza: 5,281 violations
• Pipili Toll Plaza: 4,816 violations
• Seragarh Toll Plaza: 3,769 violations
• Gudipada-Gangapada Toll Plaza: 2,807 violations
• Sambalpur-Bargarh Toll Plaza: 2,338 violations
• Bhagabada-Narayanpur Toll Plaza: 2,141 violations
• Kandra Toll Plaza: 1,629 violations
• Gurapali Toll Plaza: 1,579 violations
• Karapada Toll Plaza: 1,523 violations
• Darjing Toll Plaza: 1,502 violations

Time-Bound Action Against Repeat Offenders

The Transport Commissioner has prescribed strict timelines for enforcement based on the number of violations recorded against a vehicle.

• Vehicles detected 10 or more times must face action within 7 days.
• Vehicles detected 5 to 9 times must be proceeded against within 15 days.
• Vehicles detected 2 to 4 times must face action within 30 days.

Special enforcement teams will conduct targeted operations at the identified toll plazas to trace and seize offending vehicles.

Focus on Road Safety and Compliance

During inspections, officials will verify vehicle fitness certificates, permits, insurance policies, tax payments, and registration documents. Vehicles failing to meet legal requirements will be impounded, while habitual offenders may face cancellation of both registration and operating permits.

The Transport Commissioner has also directed all RTOs to submit progress reports on enforcement every fortnight. Officials said the campaign is aimed at strengthening the state’s e-detection system and preventing unsafe, unfit, and non-compliant commercial vehicles from operating on Odisha’s roads, thereby enhancing public safety.