DMP to Crack Down on Unsafe, Expired Vehicles

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a special crackdown against old, unfit, and risky vehicles operating across the capital in a bid to improve road safety and reduce worsening traffic congestion in Dhaka.

Authorities said strict legal action will be taken against vehicles that have exceeded their approved economic lifespan but are still running on city roads. The measures include fines, seizure of vehicles, and dumping operations against repeat violators.

The new announcement comes amid growing calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations in the capital, where commuters regularly face long traffic delays and concerns over the condition of public transport vehicles.

In an official public notice signed by Acting DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar, police expressed concern that many outdated buses, minibuses, trucks, and freight vehicles continue to operate despite being mechanically unsafe and environmentally hazardous.

According to the notice, these ageing vehicles frequently break down on busy roads, flyovers, and bridges, creating severe traffic congestion and causing long delays for commuters. Officials said such incidents not only increase public suffering but also pose a major threat to road safety in the densely populated capital.

The traffic division of the DMP said regular enforcement drives will now be carried out in different parts of the city to identify and remove vehicles that no longer meet safety standards. Traffic police, along with executive magistrates, will jointly conduct the operations.

Authorities believe the move is necessary as Dhaka continues to struggle with chronic traffic jams, poor road discipline, and rising concerns over road accidents involving outdated public transport and cargo vehicles.

According to BRTA notification issued  on May 17, 2023, the economic lifespan of buses and minibuses has been fixed at 20 years. For trucks, covered vans, and other freight vehicles, the limit is 25 years.

Officials warned that any vehicle exceeding these limits and continuing operations within Dhaka metropolitan area will face immediate legal action during the upcoming special drives.

The vehicle owners, transport operators, and drivers urged to cooperate with the initiative by removing expired vehicles from service voluntarily. Authorities said ensuring safer roads and smoother traffic movement requires collective responsibility from both transport owners and the public.