Non-Payment of Traffic Fines? Your Licence Could Be Suspended

In a bid to improve the collection of traffic fines and ensure stricter compliance with road safety regulations, the government has proposed a set of new draft rules that could see driving licences suspended for non-payment of traffic e-challans. The proposed measures, if implemented, would significantly enhance enforcement mechanisms and deter repeat offenders.

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Under the new draft rules, vehicle owners will be required to clear outstanding traffic e-challans within three months. Failure to do so could lead to the suspension of their driving licences. Additionally, drivers who accumulate three challans for serious traffic violations—such as jumping a red signal or engaging in dangerous driving—within a financial year may face a mandatory license suspension of at least three months. 

Another significant provision in the proposal is the linking of vehicle insurance premiums with traffic e-challans. If a driver has two or more unpaid challans from the previous financial year, they could be subject to higher insurance premiums. This move aims to encourage prompt payment of fines and improve overall road discipline.

Also Read: Delhi Traffic Police Issues Fines Worth ₹1 Crore For Vehicles Flouting Pollution Norms

According to reports, a significant portion of traffic fines issued via e-challans remains unpaid. Current statistics indicate that only about 40 per cent of the total amount issued through e-challans is recovered. The rate of fine recovery varies widely across states, with some regions performing significantly better than others.

Delhi has the lowest recovery rate at just 14 per cent followed by Karnataka at 21 per cent. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh fare slightly better, with a recovery rate of 27 per cent each. In contrast, Maharashtra and Haryana lead in enforcement, recovering between 62 per cent and 76 per cent of issued e-challans. The government’s proposed measures aim to bridge this gap and ensure a more uniform and effective fine collection system. 

Also Read: Maharashtra Proposes Linking Traffic Fines To Bank Accounts

The proposal has sparked discussions among motorists, law enforcement agencies, and insurance companies. Proponents argue that stricter enforcement will lead to better compliance, fewer traffic violations, and improved road safety. By linking insurance premiums to pending challans, the government hopes to create a financial incentive for motorists to adhere to traffic laws.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the implementation of these measures. Critics point out that delays in challan issuance, discrepancies in automated traffic violation detection, and challenges in notifying vehicle owners could lead to unfair penalties. Additionally, questions remain about whether insurance companies have the necessary infrastructure to integrate traffic violation data into premium calculations.