Kamal Ghorui
Repeated traffic offences could soon have far more serious consequences for motorists, with the Centre tightening rules around repeated violations. Under a recent notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), drivers who commit five or more traffic violations within a one-year period may face suspension of their driving licence.
Repeated traffic violations-linked driving license suspension
The provision has been introduced through amendments linked to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. As per the notification, if a driver is found to have committed five or more offences within a single year, the licensing authority can initiate action against the individual’s driving licence, including suspension.The amended rules also lay down a clear process for handling electronically issued traffic challans.Once an e-challan is issued, the driver gets 45 days to either pay the fine or challenge it before the concerned authority. If nothing is done within this time, the challan will be treated as accepted. If the challan is challenged, the authority will review the driver’s explanation before taking a final call. If the explanation is rejected, the challan stands confirmed and contributes to the overall violation count.
Officials have clarified that the power to suspend a licence will rest with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or District Transport Office (DTO). Before any suspension order is passed, the licence holder must be given an opportunity to be heard. The authority concerned will decide how long the licence is suspended, depending on how serious the offences are and how often they were committed.
What offenses will contribute to serious actions
At present, there are 24 notified traffic offences under the rules, and any combination of five within a year can trigger licence-related action. These include offences such as overspeeding, jumping traffic signals, driving without a helmet or seat belt, illegal parking, overloading, vehicle theft and violent behaviour with co-passengers.
