# Kerala Motor Vehicles Department

The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department, colloquially known as the MVD, is an agency under the Transport Department of the Government of Kerala. It is primarily responsible for enforcing the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and its associated rules and regulations within the state.

## Organization

The Kerala MVD functions under the provisions of Section 213 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Vehicles Department is headed by the Transport Commissioner, an Indian Police Service officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police. The Transport Commissioner is assisted by the Additional Transport Commissioner, Joint Transport Commissioners and Deputy Transport Commissioners. The current Transport Commissioner is S Sreejith IPS.
The MVD has two functional wings: Enforcement Wing and Administration Wing. The 14 Regional Transport Offices (RTO) provides and adminster Driving Licence, Vehicle Registration Certificate, Vehicle Permit, Vehicle Fitness, and related etc. while the Enforcement Wings headed RTO (Enforcement) specially designated to the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act and accident investigation, road safety campaigns. There 14 Regional Transport Offices, headed by RTOs and several Sub regional Transport Offices headed by Joint Regional Transport Officers (JRTOs.)

### Hierarchy

* Transport Commissioner (TC)
* Additional Transport Commissioner (Addl.TC)
* Joint Transport Commissioner (Jt.TC)
* Senior Deputy Transport Commissioner
* Deputy Transport Commissioner (Dy.TC)
* Regional Transport Officer/Assistant Transport Commissioner (RTO/ATC)
* Joint Regional Transport Officer (Jt.RTO)
* Motor Vehicles Inspector (MVI)
* Assistant Motor Vehicles Inspector (AMVI)

## Functions and responsibilities

* Enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act and related rules and regulations in the state.
* Issuence of Driving Licence, Vehicle Registration Certificate, Fitness certificate, etc..
* Enforcement of traffic laws, motor vehicles laws
* Promotion of road safety education.

## Initiatives
### Technological Advancements: AI Cameras (2023-Present)

In 2023, the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) became the first transport department in India to implement a large-scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera system for traffic violation detection and road safety enforcement. This initiative, known as the "Safe Kerala" scheme, involved the installation of 726 cameras across the state. The AI cameras detect violations such as not wearing helmets and seat belts, overspeeding, careless driving, three people travelling on a two-wheeler among others.
Out of the total cameras, 692 were designated for automated fine imposition. During a trial run period, these cameras successfully identified a significant number of traffic violations. MVD officials reported capturing around 4.5 lakh violations, with some cameras detecting as many as 2,500 offenses daily. Following the official launch in April 2023, the number of violations captured by the cameras reportedly dropped to around 2 lakh per day, suggesting a positive impact on driver behavior.

## Controversies

In a recent dispute between the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), tensions escalated after the MVD imposed a significant fine on a KSEB contract vehicle for various traffic violations. The fine was issued based on evidence captured by AI-powered traffic surveillance cameras. In retaliation, the KSEB reportedly cut power supply to MVD offices in certain regions, leading to disruptions in the department's operations. While the KSEB claimed the power cut was a routine procedure due to non-payment of bills, there were allegations that it was a deliberate act of retaliation.