From April 1, stricter traffic rules are being enforced against drivers violating traffic regulations. According to traffic officials, those who have not paid their online challans for a long time will face strict action. If a person fails to pay their challan after violating traffic rules, their driving license may be suspended. The Indian government has introduced these measures to improve the country’s low online challan recovery rate.
Unpaid Online Challans May Lead to License Suspension
As per the new rules, if a person receives an online challan but fails to pay it within three months from the issuance date, their driving license could be suspended for three months. Reports suggest that if a driver receives three challans for breaking a red light or reckless driving within a financial year, their driving license could also be suspended for three months. Currently, India’s online challan recovery rate stands at only 40%.
Also Read- How to obtain Driving License without visiting the RTO?
Higher Insurance Premiums for Defaulters Under Consideration
The government is also considering increasing insurance premiums for individuals who have not paid at least two challans from the previous financial year. However, a standardized operating procedure (SOP) is being developed to identify cases where delays or errors led to non-payment. Additionally, the government is planning to send monthly text message reminders to defaulters, urging them to clear pending challans.
Delhi Has the Lowest Online Challan Payment Rate
Delhi has the worst record in online challan payments, with only a 14% recovery rate. Karnataka follows with 21%, while Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh stand at 27%. Maharashtra fares better with a 62% recovery rate, but Haryana leads the country with a 76% online challan recovery rate.