Days after a tipper lorry accident claimed three lives in Kottarakkara, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has launched a district wide crackdown on rule violations by tipper lorries in Kottayam, stepping up enforcement against vehicles that pose a serious threat to public safety. Acting on a directive from the Transport Commissioner, officials have begun intensive inspections that will continue until June 30, targeting overloaded, unfit and illegally operated tipper lorries.
According to officials with the Regional Transport Office, Kottayam, special inspections have been progressing within the jurisdictions of Kottayam RTO and five other sub-RTOs in the district since Wednesday. On the first day alone, 59 vehicles were checked and an amount of ₹4.14 lakh has been imposed as fine for rule violations. The fitness certificate of a lorry truck was suspended due to non-compliance with required fitness standards.
The Pala sub-RTO led in imposition of fines, collecting ₹1.59 lakh, followed by Uzhavoor, where fines amounted to ₹1.21 lakh.
The inspections were conducted under the aegis of the Enforcement wing of the MVD, alongside the officials from the transport offices. The department, meanwhile, is also implementing a strict prohibition on the operation of tipper trucks between 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m and 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., coinciding with the times when children commute to schools and employees to workplaces. “We have received reports indicating that many lorries in rural areas do not comply with these directives. Strict action will be taken against violators. Additionally, if a vehicle is deemed unfit for service, its fitness certificate will be suspended,” said an official.
Vehicles transporting construction materials such as sand, soil, and metal must ensure their dump boxes are fully covered to prevent dust and debris from causing public inconvenience. Excessive speed and overloading are strictly prohibited. Offenders caught overloading will face fines of up to ₹10,000, with an additional charge of ₹1,500 for each tonne over the limit.
In addition, speed governors must remain intact and functional and drivers are strictly forbidden from operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. Tipper lorry employees should wear the prescribed uniform during work.
Published – June 27, 2026 06:56 pm IST