The Karnataka footpath driving fine could increase tenfold, from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000, as the state government considers stricter penalties for motorists riding on footpaths.
The proposal aims to discourage two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers from using pedestrian pathways and improve road safety, particularly in Bengaluru.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh said the Transport and Home departments had discussed the proposed increase.
The government is examining the necessary legal provisions before implementing the revised penalty.
Karnataka Footpath Driving Fine: What Is Proposed?
Under the proposal, the existing Rs 500 penalty for driving vehicles on footpaths would be increased to Rs 5,000 for the first offence. A second violation could attract a fine of Rs 10,000.
The proposed penalties are significantly higher than the existing amount and are intended to discourage motorists from using footpaths as shortcuts to avoid traffic congestion.
However, motorists should note that the revised amounts are part of a proposal and should not be treated as an implemented rule until the government issues the necessary official notification.
Why Does Karnataka Want to Increase the Fine?
Footpaths are meant for pedestrians, but motorists frequently use them to bypass traffic jams or reach nearby roads. Such behaviour can put people walking on footpaths at risk of accidents and injuries.
The proposed increase follows concerns raised by Bengaluru officials about vehicles being driven on pedestrian pathways, even in areas where encroachments have been removed.
Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda had earlier urged the Transport Department to increase the penalty from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000.
He called for stricter enforcement to protect pedestrians and discourage motorists from occupying footpaths.
 Other Traffic Penalties May Also Increase
The Karnataka government is also examining higher penalties for several other traffic violations, particularly those committed repeatedly.
The offences under consideration include driving against traffic on one-way roads, unauthorised parking, signal jumping, dangerous riding and obstructing the movement of other road users.
The government has discussed increasing fines for habitual offenders, with penalties potentially reaching Rs 5,000 for certain violations.
The final amounts would depend on the rules approved by the authorities.
A points-based driving licence system is also being considered.
Under this proposal, motorists could accumulate penalty points for traffic violations, and their driving licences could be suspended after reaching a specified limit.
Sarathi and E-Challan Systems May Be Linked
Another proposal involves integrating the Transport Department’s Sarathi system with Bengaluru Traffic Police’s e-Challan platform.
This integration could help traffic police check driving licence details, access previous violation records and connect new traffic offences with a driver’s digital record.
The proposed system would make it easier for authorities to identify repeat offenders and take action against motorists who repeatedly violate traffic rules.
The departments have also discussed stricter action against dangerous vehicle modifications, unauthorised horns, modified silencers and high-intensity LED lights.
When Will the New Footpath Fine Come Into Effect?
The proposed increase has been discussed by the Transport and Home departments, but the revised penalty requires the necessary government approval and formal notification before it can be enforced.
Until the revised rule is officially implemented, motorists should follow the existing traffic regulations and avoid driving or parking on pedestrian footpaths.
For commuters in Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, the proposal is a reminder that traffic violations affecting pedestrian safety may attract substantially higher penalties if the government approves the changes.
