A police emergency response vehicle in Mysuru has come under scrutiny after it was found to have accumulated 71 traffic violation cases over the past two years, resulting in a pending fine of ₹36,500 under the current 50% settlement scheme.
The violations were allegedly detected by advocate Puneeth N., who checked the e-challan status of the 112 patrol vehicle after spotting it at a traffic fine collection counter on the Mysuru court premises on Saturday.
According to the advocate, the first traffic violation was recorded on July 6, 2024, and the vehicle continued to violate traffic rules over the next 23 months. Most of the cases were reportedly for driving without wearing a seat belt. When he informed the police personnel present about the pending challans, they reportedly had no response.
Mr. Puneeth later shared details of the violations on social media platform X.
The issue has now prompted intervention from the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority (KSPCA), who has written to the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department.
In their letter dated July 8, the KSPCA said it was inappropriate for police personnel, who are responsible for enforcing traffic laws, to repeatedly violate the same rules. He noted that videos of police personnel riding without helmets, using mobile phones while driving, triple-riding, driving on the wrong side, parking in prohibited areas, and not wearing seat belts frequently surface on social media, damaging the credibility of the police force.
Referring specifically to the Mysuru 112 vehicle, the letter urged the State government to conduct a State-wide audit of all police vehicles, identify pending traffic violation cases, ensure that fines are paid promptly, and issue fresh instructions directing all police personnel to strictly adhere to traffic rules while on duty.
The KSPCA warned that failure by law enforcement officers to follow traffic regulations weakens public confidence and makes it difficult for police to enforce compliance among citizens.
KSPCA member Mohan Kumar Danappa said the government should act swiftly to prevent further embarrassment to the Police Department and reinforce discipline within the force.
Clarifying on this issue, a senior police officer said that police vehicles violating traffic rules is not deliberate in majority of the cases but due to emergency situations. There are many private vehicles especially bikes used as alternative to Cobra and Cheetah, which violate the rules by jumping signals and wrong parking during the duty hours.
As far as wearing half helmets are concerned, it is issued to the police personnel as part of their uniform which is mandatory to use, the officer said.
Published - July 12, 2026 08:50 pm IST