Pramesh S Jain
In a move aimed at improving discipline and public confidence,the Karnataka Police Department has directed all police officers and personnel across the state to strictly adhere to traffic rules,following a recommendation by Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority member Mohan Kumar Danappa.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Traffic and Road Safety,Parashurama K,on July 29,2026, instructing all police units,including traffic,law and order, crime and other wings,to ensure that personnel comply with traffic regulations at all times and serve as role models for the public.
The order follows a letter written by Danappa on July 21 to the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), highlighting that police personnel entrusted with enforcing traffic laws were themselves frequently violating them.
He noted that such incidents were regularly captured on video,circulated on social media and attracted criticism from the public,tarnishing the image of the police department.
In his representation,Danappa pointed out that police personnel had been found riding without helmets,using mobile phones while driving,triple riding on two-wheelers, parking vehicles in no-parking zones,driving on the wrong side of the road and failing to wear seat belts while driving official and private vehicles.
He observed that when law enforcement officers fail to follow the law, it undermines their authority to enforce traffic regulations on citizens and weakens public trust in the police.
The circular directs all unit heads to sensitise their personnel during daily roll calls and ensure strict compliance with traffic rules.
Supervisory officers have also been instructed to monitor adherence and take appropriate action against violations.
Danappa had also referred to earlier circulars issued by the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner and the Kalaburagi City Police Commissioner on the same issue, stating that despite repeated instructions,traffic violations by police personnel continued to be reported in the media and on social media platforms.
