Drivers failing to clear their traffic e-challan fines within three months could soon face the suspension of their driving licences, as part of a series of stringent measures being planned by the government to curb traffic violations, the Times of India reported. Moreover, motorists accumulating three challans in a financial year for offenses like jumping red lights or reckless driving may see their licences confiscated for a minimum of three months, the report further stated.
These measures come in response to widespread non-compliance with e-challan payments, with reports indicating that only 40% of fines issued are recovered. To tackle this issue, the government is also exploring linking higher insurance premiums to pending challans, the ToI report said. According to sources quoted in the report, vehicle owners with at least two unpaid challans from the previous financial year may have to pay more for their insurance renewals.
The move follows a directive from the Supreme Court, which instructed 23 states and seven Union Territories to submit compliance reports on the implementation of electronic traffic monitoring as mandated by Section 136A of the Central Motor Vehicles Act. This section requires the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies such as speed cameras, CCTV systems, body-worn cameras and automatic number plate recognition to improve traffic law enforcement.
Among states and UTs with high traffic violations, Delhi records the lowest e-challan fine recovery rate at just 14%, followed by Karnataka at 21% and Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh at 27% each, the Times of India report stated. Other states like Odisha (29%), Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Haryana show relatively higher recovery rates between 62% and 76%.
Data also revealed that individuals who contest their challans in court often receive significant relief, with fines being reduced by up to 80% in some cases.
To enhance enforcement, the government is formulating a comprehensive standard operating procedure, which includes specifications for traffic monitoring systems and regular reminders about pending challans. Under the new system, an e-challan notice will be sent within three days of the violation, requiring payment or contestation within 30 days. Failure to take action within 90 days will result in the suspension of the driver’s licence or registration certificate until the dues are cleared, the report added.