Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, December 17, 2025: In a significant administrative move aimed at strengthening on-ground enforcement of traffic and transport laws, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has conferred Executive Magistrate powers upon all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) across the Union Territory.
According to a notification issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (Power Section), Govt of Jammu and Kashmir under S.O. 320, the government, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 14(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, has authorized RTOs and ARTOs to exercise the powers of Executive Magistrates within their respective territorial jurisdictions in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, until further orders.
Background: Challenges Faced by ARTOs in Enforcement
The move comes against the backdrop of persistent challenges faced by ARTOs while dealing with Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) violations, particularly in the field. Despite being responsible for enforcing traffic discipline, vehicle compliance, permit conditions, overloading norms, and road safety measures, ARTOs often encountered operational hurdles due to limited magisterial authority.
In many cases, enforcement drives were hampered by non-cooperation from violators, disputes over challans, resistance during inspections, and difficulties in initiating immediate legal action such as seizure, detention, or passing spot orders. Officials had to depend on Executive Magistrates or police authorities for procedural backing, which often resulted in delays and dilution of enforcement efforts.
Strengthening Law Implementation on Ground
With the grant of Executive Magistrate powers, RTOs and ARTOs will now be better equipped to take swift and legally sound action against habitual offenders, overloaded commercial vehicles, illegal operators, and violators of transport and traffic regulations.
The decision is expected to enhance effective implementation of the Motor Vehicles Act, reduce dependency on multiple agencies during enforcement, improve road safety and regulatory compliance, and act as a deterrent against repeat violations.
Administrative Reform with Wider Impact
The notification, issued from the Civil Secretariat Jammu/Srinagar and signed by Secretary to Government Achal Sethi, reflects the administration’s intent to strengthen institutional capacity and decentralize authority for better governance.
Observers believe that the move will significantly boost the morale of transport enforcement staff and contribute to safer roads, disciplined traffic management, and improved public compliance, particularly in sensitive and hilly districts where enforcement challenges are more pronounced.
The order shall remain in force until further orders.
