Bhubaneswar: The State Transport Authority (STA) has directed all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) across Odisha to intensify enforcement against road safety violations, with particular emphasis on the growing trend of making reels and videos while driving.
The move follows instructions from Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena.
Acting on the directive, the Khordha Additional RTO, in coordination with police and RTOs from Jagatsinghpur and Bhubaneswar-I, seized a vehicle that had been used for filming a reel in front of a school in Haldia, Khordha. In the viral video, the driver was seen performing stunts in a moving car without holding the steering wheel. Authorities have since imposed a fine, initiated proceedings to suspend his driving licence, and moved to cancel the vehicle’s registration.
In a similar incident, the Bhubaneswar-II RTO detained a motorcycle that a couple had used to record a reel. Officials confirmed that action is underway to penalise the rider and suspend his licence.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, authorities cancelled the registration certificate of a truck involved in a fatal accident near Bariniputa in Koraput district. The truck driver, who was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, caused the death of a woman. His driving licence has been suspended, and he has been booked under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Officials said the STA’s crackdown is aimed at curbing reckless behaviour on roads and ensuring strict accountability for those endangering public safety.
