Driving Licence cancellation on the cards? According to recent media reports, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in India is planning to introduce a “negative points system” for driving licences. Under this proposed system, drivers who commit traffic violations would accumulate negative points on their licences. If a driver accumulates too many points, it could lead to the suspension or even cancellation of his or her driving licence The initiative aims to promote responsible driving and reduce road accidents by holding motorists more accountable for their behaviour on the road.
Driving Licence cancellation?Here’s a breakdown of the proposed negative points system
Purpose: The primary aim is to enhance road safety, reduce traffic violations, and impose stricter penalties on habitual offenders. It is hoped that the risk of licence suspension or cancellation will be a more effective deterrent than fines alone, especially since increased fines introduced in 2019 haven’t significantly reduced road accident fatalities, which remain high in India.
How it Works
Negative Points (Demerits): Drivers will accumulate negative points for specific traffic violations like speeding, jumping signals, dangerous driving, etc.
Threshold: Accumulating points beyond a yet-to-be-defined threshold could lead to temporary suspension or even cancellation of the driving licence. Repeat offenders might face longer suspensions or cancellations.
Merit Points: The system may also include positive “merit points” awarded for consistently good driving behaviour or for being a ‘Good Samaritan’ (helping accident victims).
Alongside Fines: This points system will function in addition to the existing monetary fines for traffic violations.
Implementation Status
The system is currently in the planning stage. It requires amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act. The ministry is reportedly preparing these amendments, and the system could be integrated within the next few months (as per reports in May 2025).
The proposed system draws inspiration from similar frameworks successfully implemented in countries like Australia, the UK, Germany, Canada, Brazil, and France.
Other Related Reforms: The overhaul of the driving licence regime may also include:
Mandatory Retests: Drivers with a history of traffic violations might be required to retake a driving test when renewing their licences, even if applying before expiry.
EV Licences: Specific learner’s licence provisions might be introduced for low-power electric vehicles (under 1,500 watts and 25 kmph).
E-Challan Enforcement: Stricter measures might be taken against unpaid e-challans, potentially linking them to licence suspension (e.g., suspension for challans pending over three months).
While the exact points assigned per violation and the threshold for suspension/cancellation are still being finalised, the introduction of this system signals a significant move towards stricter enforcement of traffic laws in India.
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