Driving. iStock photo
New Delhi: To rein in errant drivers, the Central government has tightened the Motor Vehicles Rules: Drivers who commit five or more traffic violations within a year may now face suspension of their driving licence.
As per the latest amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, the competent authority — such as Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) — will decide the duration of the suspension.
However, rules say the licensing authority must allow the licence-holder to be heard before ordering the suspension of their driving licence.
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a notification on Wednesday, amending the Motor Vehicles Rules. The rules took effect on January 20 this year. However, offences committed on or after January 1, 2026, would count.
“The commission of five or more offences or contraventions of the provisions of the Act or these rules, in a period of one year commencing on and from January 1, 2026,” the notification stated.
The rules also clarified that offences from previous years would not be counted.
“Provided that no offence or contravention recorded in any previous one-year period shall be taken into account for determining offences or contraventions in any subsequent one-year period,” the rules stated.
Ministry officials said the new rules have been introduced to deter habitual offenders and improve road safety.
At present, disciplinary action for suspension of a driving licence requires 24 notified traffic offences, such as overloading, reckless driving, and assault on passengers.
Now, even minor violations — like not wearing a helmet, jumping a red signal, or not wearing a seatbelt — could contribute towards the five-offence threshold. The ministry notification also provides details on issuing and managing traffic challans.
The new rules state that any police officer in uniform or any other officer authorised by the state government may issue a challan, and e-challans can be generated automatically.
The violator can pay the challan or contest it within 45 days. Failure to contest within the stipulated 45 days will be treated as deemed acceptance by the offender.
“A challan deemed to have been accepted shall be paid, in physical or electronic form, within the next 30 days,” the notification added.