The Union road transport and highways ministry is planning major changes to the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act to deal with the growing problem of uninsured vehicles and unsafe driving on Indian roads.
According to a TOI report, the ministry has proposed giving enforcement agencies more power to detain vehicles that do not have valid insurance and introduce stricter rules for people whose driving licences have been revoked in recent years.
The proposals were shared with state transport ministers and transport commissioners during a meeting held earlier this week.
No new licence for three years if a DL was revoked
One of the key changes being considered is a rule that would bar the issue of a fresh driving licence for three years to anyone whose licence has been cancelled or revoked.
This move is aimed at stopping repeat offenders from quickly getting back on the road after being penalised for serious violations.
The ministry is also planning to amend Section 9 of the MV Act, which deals with the issue and renewal of driving licences.
Challan history may decide if you need a driving test
At present, drivers renewing their licence within one year of expiry do not have to take a driving test. However, under the proposed changes, this exemption may be removed for people with a history of traffic violations.
The idea is to ensure that drivers with unsafe driving records are properly tested before being allowed to continue driving.
Anil Chhikara, former deputy transport commissioner of Delhi, told TOI that the rule needs to be balanced. He pointed out that challans are common over a 15-year licence period and warned against making the process too subjective.
Insurance premiums may be linked to driver behaviour
The ministry also plans to change Section 147 of the MV Act to allow the insurance regulator IRDAI to decide base insurance premiums based on factors such as a vehicle’s age and challan history.
An official told TOI that traffic violation records give a clear picture of how a vehicle is being driven. This data can help insurers assess risk more accurately.
Currently, the government decides third-party insurance premiums in consultation with IRDAI.
Push to bring more vehicles under insurance cover
A major concern for the government is that a large number of vehicles, especially two-wheelers, run without valid insurance.
To tackle this, the ministry wants to expand the scope of mandatory third-party insurance. The proposal is to include owners, drivers and occupants of personal vehicles, not just commercial vehicles.
This would offer wider financial protection in case of accidents.
Stricter rules for heavy vehicle licences
Another proposed change is the introduction of graded eligibility for licences for larger and heavier vehicles. Drivers would need to gain experience and demonstrate higher skill levels before being allowed to operate such vehicles.
This step is meant to improve road safety and ensure that only trained and experienced drivers handle heavy vehicles.
Medical certificates may be required at 60 instead of 40
The ministry is also planning to raise the age for mandatory medical certificates from 40 to 60 years for new driving licences and renewals.
This means older drivers would need to submit medical fitness reports, but younger drivers would no longer be required to do so under the revised rules.
Aim is safer roads and responsible driving
According to TOI, all these proposed changes are part of a broader plan to reduce road accidents, improve insurance compliance, and promote responsible driving behaviour.
If approved, these amendments could significantly change how licences are issued, renewed and regulated across India, with a sharper focus on safety and accountability.
