Kerala mandates Police Clearance Certificates for private bus staff

The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) in Kerala has mandated that all private bus staff must possess a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to address rising complaints regarding misconduct, reckless driving, and criminal involvement. Under the new regulations, bus owners who employ staff without a PCC face a ₹7,500 fine and potential cancellation of their bus permits.

In Kochi, enforcement has intensified following several incidents of road rage and violence. Recent actions include the seizure of a bus after a cleaner allegedly threatened a toll plaza employee and the suspension of a driver's license following an incident where a vehicle was abandoned in the middle of the road.

Authorities and private bus operators have agreed to implement mandatory identity cards for crew members to improve tracking. While police have issued zero-tolerance directives regarding road rage, some commuters have expressed concerns that enforcement may lose momentum once public attention shifts.