Tue May 13 17:20:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Dharmapuri Schools Face Penalties for Vehicle Safety Violations**

**DHARMAPURI, May 13, 2025** – Several school vehicles in Dharmapuri have been penalized for failing to meet safety standards during the annual inspection of school vehicle fitness and safety protocols. Over 751 buses from 104 schools are undergoing phased inspections at the Palacode Regional Transport Office, overseen by a District Committee including officials from the RTO, police, education, and motor vehicle departments.

Collector R. Sadheesh, who initiated the inspection process, warned that vehicles lacking required clearances would not be permitted to operate. Violations uncovered during the inspection included inadequate vehicle maintenance, drivers with expired licenses, missing emergency exits, and the use of banned plastics.

Specifically, two vehicles were fined ₹1,000 for maintenance issues, while another was penalized ₹5,000 due to an expired driver’s license and lack of emergency exits. More than ten vehicles received ₹100 fines for using banned plastics and neglecting to maintain first aid kits. Authorities have emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations to ensure the well-being of students.

Read More