Transport dept cracks the whip on city’s most colourful autos

Bengaluru: Bengaluru autorickshaws are known for creative advertisements — Kannada poetry, witty one-liners and film star posters — all viral materials.

But the Transport Department is not amused.

Between April and mid-July, it fined 812 auto drivers for displaying advertisements and decorations, including artwork on rear windows and anything obstructing the signature yellow hoods of the vehicles.

This crackdown, triggered by complaints of excess fare, has spotlighted other violations by auto drivers.

Under the Karnataka Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, no transport vehicle can carry any advertisement, figure or writing without approval from the Regional Transport Authority. The same restriction is part of the auto permit conditions.

“Advertisements on autorickshaws violate permit norms and attract a fine of Rs 5,000. Drivers will get time to pay, but non-compliance may lead to permit blacklisting,” said B Srinivasa Prasad, Regional Transport Officer, Bengaluru North.

He added that companies wanting to advertise must seek permission from the Jayanagar RTO. However, most RTOs are yet to start collecting fines.

Freebies all the way  

Many drivers agree to display ads in exchange for free products.

“Representatives approach us near metro stations, offering freebies like earphones, power banks, and a one-time payment of Rs 500. They bring printed fibre hoods, which we use to replace torn ones,” said D Rudramurthy, general secretary, Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union.

Before cab aggregators became dominant, drivers say they earned better through advertisement deals.

“Earlier, we earned Rs 500–Rs 1,000 a month.

“Now, they offer chargers and earphones instead. I stopped after a traffic official warned me about the Rs 5,000 fine. I cannot risk that,” said Raheem Pasha, a 43-year-old driver.

‘Why the double standards?’

C Sampath, general secretary of Adarsha Auto Union, questioned the double standards.

“BMTC buses are covered in advertisements, but no one objects. Why target only auto drivers? The companies must get permission. The department should focus on educating drivers,” he said.

Highest violations in KR Puram

In the last three months, most violations (209) were reported in the Road Transport Office (RTO) KR Puram, followed by Bengaluru Central (157), Bengaluru North (121), and Chandapura (108).

The Jnanabharathi RTO saw only three violations, the lowest among the lot.