Sri Vijaya Puram, July 24: The Transport Department has intensified enforcement against overloaded vehicles, penalising 19 vehicles with fines totalling ₹4.89 lakh during a week-long inspection drive while warning vehicle owners and operators against violating prescribed load limits under the Motor Vehicles Act.
According to the department, the enforcement campaign targeted vehicles operating in overloaded conditions on public roads. Officials stated that 19 vehicles were found carrying loads beyond the permissible limits during inspections conducted over the past week. The violations attracted a cumulative penalty of ₹4,89,500.
The department has appealed to vehicle owners, transport operators and drivers to ensure that vehicles are operated strictly within the permissible gross vehicle weight and carrying capacity prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act and the rules framed under it.
It stated that overloading constitutes a serious legal violation and poses significant risks to road safety. According to the department, overloaded vehicles increase the likelihood of road accidents, reduce vehicle stability and braking efficiency, accelerate damage to roads and bridges, and endanger passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
Vehicle owners have also been advised to educate drivers about the safety implications and legal consequences associated with overloading.
The department cautioned that vehicles found carrying loads beyond the prescribed limits will continue to attract penalties and other legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act.
It stated that under Section 194(1) of the Act, contravention of Sections 113, 114 or 115 attracts a penalty of ₹20,000 along with an additional fine of ₹2,000 for every tonne of excess load.
The department further stated that Section 194(1A) provides for a penalty of ₹20,000 for carrying any load or part of a load extending beyond the permissible lateral, front, rear or height limits of a vehicle.
Under Section 194(2), a driver refusing to stop or present a vehicle for weighing after being directed by the authorities is liable to a penalty of ₹40,000.
The department said enforcement drives against overloaded vehicles have been strengthened across its jurisdiction and urged transport operators and vehicle owners to comply with the prescribed loading norms.
It also appealed for cooperation from transport operators, vehicle owners and the public in promoting lawful and responsible transportation practices, stating that adherence to load limits is essential for improving road safety and protecting public infrastructure.
