New Delhi: In a major move to tighten traffic law enforcement, the Centre has revised the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, introducing strict timelines for issuing challans and paying fines for traffic violations.
Under the new provisions, challans for traffic offences must be delivered to vehicle owners within three days on their registered mobile number. If sent by post or through other means, the challan must reach the owner within 15 days.
Once a challan is received, the offender is required to pay the fine within 45 days. Those wishing to contest the violation can submit objections along with supporting evidence either before the concerned officer or through the designated online portal. If the objection is rejected, the violator can approach the court after paying 50 per cent of the fine amount.
The amended rules also spell out stringent penalties for non-compliance. In cases of default, applications related to driving licences and vehicle registration will not be processed. Details of such vehicles will be flagged as “Not permitted for sale” on the VAHAN portal. The police will be empowered to seize vehicles, subject to court approval.
Further tightening the rules, the law provides for cancellation of driving licences for drivers who commit traffic violations five times or more repeatedly.
The changes are aimed at ensuring quicker communication, improving accountability, and strengthening road safety across the country.
