Ministry of Road Transport is introducing a new, stricter system for managing traffic violations. This initiative aims to reduce road accidents and enforce stricter penalties for repeat offenders. A key part of the plan is the introduction of a negative points system for driving licences, which could lead to suspension or cancellation if a driver accumulates too many points. This system would be in addition to existing fines and penalties for violations such as speeding and jumping red lights.
A global approach to road safety
The proposed "demerit and merit" points system has been influenced by practices in countries like Australia, the UK, Germany, and Canada, where similar systems are already in place. According to an official, "While demerit points will be assigned for violation of traffic rules, merit points would be rewarded for good driver behaviour and to good samaritans." This new system is expected to be incorporated into the Motor Vehicles Act once it is amended in the coming months. It comes as part of a broader effort to overhaul India’s road safety measures, which have been under scrutiny due to increasing traffic fatalities.
The need for stronger enforcement
Despite previous efforts, including the introduction of higher fines in 2019, road accidents and fatalities have continued to rise, with more than 1.7 lakh people losing their lives on the roads each year. Officials argue that the new penalty point system, which includes the potential for suspension or cancellation of driving licences, will act as a more effective deterrent. Enhanced technology will also play a role; with the rise of electronic monitoring, enforcement agencies will be able to track penalty points using handheld devices for real-time action.
In 2011, a review of the Motor Vehicles Act, headed by former Road Transport Secretary S. Sunder, had suggested a penalty point system for drivers. The report recommended that drivers accumulating 12 penalty points within three years should face a one-year licence suspension, with repeat offenders having their licences cancelled for five years.
Mandatory tests and licence renewals
In addition to the points system, the government has proposed that drivers applying for licence renewal before their existing licences expire, and who have violated traffic rules, will be required to take a mandatory driving test. At present, such tests are not required for renewal applications made before the licence expiry.
The Ministry also plans to introduce a new provision requiring learners to obtain licences for electric vehicles under 1,500 watts and with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. The government is also considering the introduction of graded eligibility for obtaining learners' licences.
Tackling unpaid E-challans
A further area of concern for the government is the low recovery rate for e-challans. As of now, only 40% of fines are paid. The new regulations will target drivers who fail to clear their fines. One proposed measure is to suspend a person’s driving licence for three months if they have pending e-challans that are more than three months old. Similarly, three violations for red light jumping or dangerous driving within a year could lead to a three-month licence suspension.
The government is also exploring the idea of increasing insurance premiums for drivers with two unpaid fines from the previous year. To address concerns over technical issues or delayed notifications, officials are considering implementing a comprehensive procedure that ensures vehicle owners are alerted to pending fines.
Challan recovery: State-wise disparities
Currently, Delhi has the lowest rate of e-challan recovery, at just 14%, followed by Karnataka (21%) and Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh (27%). In contrast, Maharashtra and Haryana report significantly higher recovery rates, at 62% and 76% respectively. The government aims to improve these figures by implementing stricter enforcement measures.
In Delhi, traffic police have received a significant upgrade with a 360-degree rotatable AI-powered radar interceptor designed to identify traffic violations like overspeeding, seatbelt violations, and mobile phone use while driving. The AI system, which features an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera, can track multiple vehicles simultaneously, measure their speed, and issue automated e-challans without human intervention. Integrated with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), this system ensures rapid enforcement of traffic laws.
These new measures, combining stricter penalties, technology, and greater accountability, are part of India's broader effort to curb the rising number of road accidents and improve road safety. With stakeholders like state government representatives, experts, and non-government organisations involved in the consultations, the plan aims to build a safer road network for all.
A global approach to road safety
The proposed "demerit and merit" points system has been influenced by practices in countries like Australia, the UK, Germany, and Canada, where similar systems are already in place. According to an official, "While demerit points will be assigned for violation of traffic rules, merit points would be rewarded for good driver behaviour and to good samaritans." This new system is expected to be incorporated into the Motor Vehicles Act once it is amended in the coming months. It comes as part of a broader effort to overhaul India’s road safety measures, which have been under scrutiny due to increasing traffic fatalities.
The need for stronger enforcement
Despite previous efforts, including the introduction of higher fines in 2019, road accidents and fatalities have continued to rise, with more than 1.7 lakh people losing their lives on the roads each year. Officials argue that the new penalty point system, which includes the potential for suspension or cancellation of driving licences, will act as a more effective deterrent. Enhanced technology will also play a role; with the rise of electronic monitoring, enforcement agencies will be able to track penalty points using handheld devices for real-time action.
In 2011, a review of the Motor Vehicles Act, headed by former Road Transport Secretary S. Sunder, had suggested a penalty point system for drivers. The report recommended that drivers accumulating 12 penalty points within three years should face a one-year licence suspension, with repeat offenders having their licences cancelled for five years.
Mandatory tests and licence renewals
In addition to the points system, the government has proposed that drivers applying for licence renewal before their existing licences expire, and who have violated traffic rules, will be required to take a mandatory driving test. At present, such tests are not required for renewal applications made before the licence expiry.
The Ministry also plans to introduce a new provision requiring learners to obtain licences for electric vehicles under 1,500 watts and with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. The government is also considering the introduction of graded eligibility for obtaining learners' licences.
Tackling unpaid E-challans
A further area of concern for the government is the low recovery rate for e-challans. As of now, only 40% of fines are paid. The new regulations will target drivers who fail to clear their fines. One proposed measure is to suspend a person’s driving licence for three months if they have pending e-challans that are more than three months old. Similarly, three violations for red light jumping or dangerous driving within a year could lead to a three-month licence suspension.
The government is also exploring the idea of increasing insurance premiums for drivers with two unpaid fines from the previous year. To address concerns over technical issues or delayed notifications, officials are considering implementing a comprehensive procedure that ensures vehicle owners are alerted to pending fines.
Challan recovery: State-wise disparities
Currently, Delhi has the lowest rate of e-challan recovery, at just 14%, followed by Karnataka (21%) and Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh (27%). In contrast, Maharashtra and Haryana report significantly higher recovery rates, at 62% and 76% respectively. The government aims to improve these figures by implementing stricter enforcement measures.
In Delhi, traffic police have received a significant upgrade with a 360-degree rotatable AI-powered radar interceptor designed to identify traffic violations like overspeeding, seatbelt violations, and mobile phone use while driving. The AI system, which features an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera, can track multiple vehicles simultaneously, measure their speed, and issue automated e-challans without human intervention. Integrated with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), this system ensures rapid enforcement of traffic laws.
These new measures, combining stricter penalties, technology, and greater accountability, are part of India's broader effort to curb the rising number of road accidents and improve road safety. With stakeholders like state government representatives, experts, and non-government organisations involved in the consultations, the plan aims to build a safer road network for all.
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