If you are delaying payment of your challan, you could be further penalised. The Delhi government’s transport department is set to crack down on drivers who disregard online fines for traffic violations, signaling a tougher stance on road rule offenders. As per a ToI report, plans are underway to amend the Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules to include provisions for penalizing individuals who repeatedly neglect multiple notices for outstanding fines, including the possibility of vehicle registration cancellation.
According to traffic police data, a staggering 20,684 vehicles have collectively flouted traffic regulations more than 100 times each, yet have not settled their fines. The transport department’s move comes in response to this noncompliance.
While the specific regulations are still in development, the proposed changes could lead to severe consequences for persistent violators. These might include vehicle impoundment, cancellation of vehicle registration, and the suspension of e-platform transactions, such as those on the Vahan platform.
The high number of unpaid fines is partly attributed to vehicles registered in the National Capital Region. As of June 30, the traffic police had issued a substantial 2,63,96,367 notices for violations involving 58,81,261 vehicles. However, 2,21,56,496 of these notices remain unaddressed, pertaining to 51,25,020 vehicles.
Among the pending notices, a significant portion—67,42,448—relate to 1,65,072 vehicles with 20 or more accumulated violations. Shockingly, these vehicles have collectively been booked an additional 5,04,958 times for other traffic offenses following encounters with traffic officers.
The shift to e-challans has proven more efficient in addressing violators, utilizing photographic evidence to substantiate claims. Instances like red light running and speeding are captured by cameras, strengthening the enforcement mechanism.
Many habitual traffic offenders exhibit a pattern of disregarding traffic laws, accumulating multiple violations in the process. The transport official emphasized that such actions not only jeopardize road safety but also risk the lives of other road users. He stressed that the new measures aim to curb this cycle of impunity and enhance compliance.
Beyond e-challans, Delhi Police have also adopted app-based bookings. Traffic violations are documented using the officers’ smartphones, where photos can be taken and uploaded via the app to issue a challan. Recipients of a notice can conveniently settle fines via the police website after receiving a text notification on their registered phones.
