Driver Fined Rs 2.5 Lakh in Kerala for Hindering Ambulance, Sparks Online Debate

TRENDING: A man from Thrissur, Kerala, faced severe consequences for obstructing an ambulance's path, resulting in a hefty fine of Rs 2.5 lakh and the revocation of his driving licence. The incident gained widespread attention after dashcam footage, captured by paramedics, went viral on social media, sparking outrage among netizens.

According to a report by Times Now, the incident occurred on November 7, and the video showed an ambulance struggling to overtake a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Despite the ambulance's sirens and repeated honking, the car's driver blocked every attempt to pass for over two minutes.

The Kerala police tracked down the driver using the car's registration number visible in the footage. He was charged with multiple offences, including failing to yield to an ambulance, obstructing the duties of authorities under the Motor Vehicles Act, and not possessing a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).

While the combined fine for these violations typically amounts to Rs 6,250, the authorities decided to impose a significantly higher penalty of Rs 2.5 lakh due to the seriousness of the offence. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the revocation of the driver's licence, as per the latest updates.

 

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Under Section 194E of the Motor Vehicles Act, obstructing an ambulance can lead to penalties including up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of Rs 10,000, or both.

The decision to penalize the driver received mixed reactions online. Many supported the police’s strict action, while some voiced concerns about ambulance drivers allegedly misusing sirens without genuine emergencies. Others criticized the often rash driving habits of some ambulance drivers, which they believe can cause accidents.

In a separate incident last month, a critically ill patient lost his life when an ambulance transporting him crashed into a roadside house in Kanjirappally, Kottayam district.

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