Today, from April 1, strict new rules are being implemented against drivers who violate traffic rules. According to traffic authorities, strict action will be taken against those who have not paid their online challans for a long time.
Drivers who fail to pay their challans after violating the rules could have their driving licences confiscated. It is worth noting that the recovery rate of online challans in India has been very low and to improve it, the government has taken this important decision.
3-Month Driving Licence Suspension for Unpaid Challans and Traffic Violations
As per the new rules that come into effect from today, if a person has received an online challan and fails to pay it within three months from the date of issue, his driving licence can be suspended for three months.
Media reports suggest that if a person receives three challans in a financial year for offences such as jumping a red light or negligent driving, his driving licence can also be suspended for three months. Reports suggest that the recovery rate of online challans in India is only 40%.
Higher Insurance Premiums on the Table for Those with Pending Challans
The government is also considering increasing the insurance premium for individuals who have failed to pay at least two challans from the previous financial year.
However, the government is preparing to implement a comprehensive standard operating procedure to identify those who have not paid their challans due to delayed information or errors.
Additionally, the government is considering sending monthly text messages to those who have not paid their challans, reminding them to pay their pending fines.
Delhi’s Online Challan Payment Rate at Just 14%
Delhi lags behind in online challan payments across the country. Only 14% of challans are being paid online in the capital. 21% of online challans have been paid in Karnataka, while Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have a payment rate of 27%. 62% of online challans have been paid in Maharashtra, while Haryana has the highest recovery rate of 76%.
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