Unpaid Traffic Challans Over 3 Months May Lead to License Suspension — Rules to Get Stricter Soon

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): After increasing traffic challan rates, the government is now preparing to tighten the rules further. A new proposal under consideration suggests that if an e-challan is not paid within three months, the driver’s license may be suspended. Additionally, licenses of drivers caught committing three serious offenses—such as dangerous driving or red-light jumping—within a year may be confiscated for three months. The move aims to boost compliance as currently, only around 40% of people actually pay their e-challans.

Government sources have highlighted the growing concern that traffic fines are failing to curb rash driving due to poor enforcement. The recovery rate of challans remains alarmingly low in many states. For instance, Delhi sees only 14% recovery of issued challans, while Uttar Pradesh reports 27%, and Odisha 29%. Other states like Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh show similar trends. To counter this, the government is also considering linking traffic violations to higher vehicle insurance premiums for those with two or more unpaid challans.

One of the reasons for poor recovery, officials say, is the lack of penalties for long-term non-payment. Many drivers delay payment, expecting to settle the matter later through Lok Adalat, where penalties often get waived or reduced. With some vehicles having challans worth ₹1–2 lakh pending, the government believes stricter rules could instill greater seriousness in drivers. The aim is to strengthen enforcement under the Motor Vehicles Act using tools like CCTV, speed guns, and automatic number plate recognition systems already in use.