Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Transport Department has directed officials to step up enforcement against vehicles operating without valid insurance, introducing automated checks at toll plazas and warning of stern action including e-challans, suspension of fuel supply and even cancellation of registration and seizure in repeat or serious cases, officials said on Tuesday.
Ministerial directive and the enforcement push
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena has instructed regional transport offices to intensify drives to detect uninsured vehicles and to undertake widespread public awareness campaigns at RTO level, said sources. The move follows departmental surveys showing a significant shortfall in insurance coverage among the state's motor vehicles.
The department will use the e-detection system installed at toll gates to verify important documents — insurance, fitness certificates and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates — electronically. Vehicles found without valid documents through the automated checks will be issued e-challans immediately, the transport department said.
Scale of non-compliance
Two sets of figures provided to officials underline the scale of the problem. According to one department figure, only 35,68,318 vehicles have valid insurance out of a total fleet of over one crore vehicles in the state. In a separate departmental count, as many as 65,73,633 vehicles were reportedly found without valid insurance.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total registered vehicles (approx.) | Over 1 crore |
| Vehicles with valid insurance | 35,68,318 |
| Vehicles reportedly without valid insurance | 65,73,633 |
Actions outlined by the department
- Automated verification of insurance, fitness and PUC at all toll gates via the e-detection system.
- Immediate issue of e-challans for detected violations.
- Heightened public awareness campaigns at RTO level to improve compliance.
- Stringent action against habitual offenders including legal proceedings, cancellation of registration and seizure of vehicles in repeated or serious cases.
Sources said the transport department will also cooperate with fuel outlets and other agencies to ensure implementation of broader measures. The department cited a recent suggestion by the Supreme Court that petrol/diesel supply should not be made to vehicles without valid insurance, and indicated it would explore similar practical steps to deter non-compliance.
Road safety and financial protection
Officials emphasised that third-party motor insurance is not only a legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act but also critical for financial protection of victims in accidents. Driving without insurance leaves owners exposed to personal liability for damages and can result in penal consequences for repeat violations.
Transport officials said the e-detection system will make enforcement faster and reduce discretionary checks on the road, allowing toll-gate staff to flag non-compliant vehicles electronically and record violations centrally for follow-up action by RTOs.
What motorists should do now
Motorists in Odisha are advised to take the following steps immediately to avoid penalties and protect themselves and others:
- Verify that your vehicle has valid third-party or comprehensive insurance and carry proof (digital or physical) during travel.
- Ensure fitness certificate and PUC are up to date; renew them at the earliest if expired.
- Keep registration certificate (RC) documents accessible; check renewal timelines and comply well before expiry.
- Use online portals or your RTO mobile app to renew documents and pay fines to avoid delays at tolls.
Transport officials advised owners to treat the departmental drives and automated checks as permanent rather than temporary enforcement activity.
Administrative follow-up
RTOs have been asked to compile lists of habitual violators and co-ordinate with enforcement wings for legal action where required. The department also plans outreach to vehicle owners, particularly commercial operators, to explain consequences and facilitate renewals.
With the state reporting a substantial compliance gap, officials said the combined approach of automation, awareness and strict penalties aims to improve documentation rates and strengthen road safety across Odisha.
Further technical details about the e-detection rollout and timelines for state-wide enforcement drives were not immediately available, and the transport department said it would issue formal guidelines shortly.
