Kamal Ghorui
The Delhi government has announced a stricter and fully digital traffic challan system that will make it harder for motorists to ignore pending fines. Under the new framework, vehicle owners will get a fixed 45-day window to either pay the challan or officially contest it online. If no action is taken within this period, the challan will automatically be treated as accepted.The updated system aims to improve road discipline, reduce violations and bring more transparency to the challan process. The new rules are expected to be implemented through amendments linked to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.One of the biggest changes is that motorists will no longer be able to directly approach the court to challenge a challan. Instead, they will first need to go through an online grievance redressal process. Drivers can upload documents and raise objections through the official portal within 45 days of the challan being issued.
If the challenge is rejected, motorists can either pay the fine within the next 30 days or move to court after depositing 50 percent of the challan amount. Missing the deadlines will attract further action, including an additional payment window of 15 days before enforcement measures begin.The government also plans to introduce tightened rules for repeat offenders. According to the new framework, anyone committing five or more traffic violations in a year can be classified as a serious offender. In such cases, authorities may suspend or even disqualify the driving licence.Traffic challans in Delhi will be generated both physically and electronically. Apart from traffic personnel, violations captured through cameras and surveillance systems will also automatically generate e-challans. If the vehicle owner’s mobile number is available, the e-challan will be sent within three days. Physical notices, meanwhile, will be delivered within 15 days.Authorities have also advised motorists to update their mobile numbers and addresses linked to their driving licence and vehicle registration documents to avoid missing notices.
