All those vehicle owners who do not have driving licence or have an expired licence or invalid licence, beware. The transport department, in coordination with the police, is now planning to book cases and produce violators in the court of law, replicating similar procedure used for those caught for drunken driving. Generally, the department officials collect a compounding fee of Rs. 250 when vehicle owners drive without a driving licence or an invalid driving licence. The issue was also discussed by Chief Secretary I.Y.R Krishna Rao at a review meeting on road safety meeting recently in Hyderabad. Accordingly, the police and transport department will now book cases against the offenders, seize their vehicles and produce them in the court. Punishment, including imprisonment or fine or both would be decided by the judge. Officials are also exploring the possibility of establishing an exclusive Road Safety Commissionerate on the lines of Kerala government.
