Traffic police ban handshakes, enforce ‘Namaste’ only during duty
According to the directive circulated to all traffic units across the Kathmandu Valley—including police complexes, circles, and posts—handshakes during duty hours are now completely prohibited.
KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police have issued a strict directive instructing on-duty officers not to shake hands with drivers or service users, mandating the use of a verbal or gestured “Namaste” instead.
The circular, issued by the Valley Traffic Police Office, comes after multiple public complaints and social media criticism over footage showing traffic personnel shaking hands with motorists during routine checks.
According to the directive circulated to all traffic units across the Kathmandu Valley—including police complexes, circles, and posts—handshakes during duty hours are now completely prohibited.
In a circular signed by Superintendent of Police Nareshraj Subedi, the office stated that such interactions had drawn public concern and raised questions about professionalism and operational discipline.
“Incidents of traffic police shaking hands with drivers and service users during checking and other duty have been brought into question by the public. Hence, such practice is hereby strictly prohibited, and officers are instructed to maintain distance and only offer a respectful ‘Namaste’ greeting,” the directive reads.
Officials said the move aims to standardize professional conduct during roadside checks, noting that physical greetings during enforcement operations could be misinterpreted and may undermine public trust in law enforcement procedures.
The policy reinforces a shift toward a more formal, uniform interaction style between traffic personnel and the public during on-duty operations.
