Get ready for a stricter driving regime! The Ministry of Road Transport is set to roll out a new Negative Points System for traffic violations. Under this upcoming rule, each offense will deduct points from your driving license, and repeated violations could lead to suspension or cancellation of your license. Adding to that, AI-powered surveillance systems will now detect violations and automatically issue challans, while insurance premiums may rise for frequent offenders.
Each traffic violation will lead to a deduction of negative points on your driving license.
Once the points cross a preset threshold (e.g., 12 points), your license can be suspended or even permanently revoked.
Drivers who consistently follow traffic rules will be rewarded with Merit Points.
This system is inspired by similar models in countries like Australia, UK, Germany, and Canada.
If your license is up for renewal and you have a history of traffic violations, you may now be required to pass a driving test again. This new requirement is aimed at holding repeat offenders accountable and ensuring road safety.
AI-based radar systems are already active in cities like Delhi.
These systems automatically detect violations such as over-speeding, seatbelt non-compliance, mobile phone usage, and red light jumping, and instantly issue e-challans.
With number plate recognition cameras, these systems ensure accurate driver identification and real-time enforcement.
If you have unpaid challans older than three months, your license can be suspended for three months.
Repeated violations like jumping red lights three times or reckless driving can also result in suspension or cancellation.
If you have two or more unpaid challans in a year, your vehicle insurance may become costlier.
Insurance companies will now factor in your traffic violation record while deciding your premium.
A 2011 report led by then Transport Secretary S. Sundar had already recommended such a system.
It suggested suspending a license for 1 year if a driver accumulates 12 negative points within 3 years.
Repeat violations could lead to a 5-year cancellation of the license.
India witnesses over 1.7 lakh road fatalities annually. Despite the hike in penalties in 2019, accident numbers haven’t reduced significantly. The government believes that a combination of technology and strict enforcement is essential to make roads safer.
| Rule | Impact |
|---|---|
| Traffic Violation | Negative points added to license |
| Repeated violations | License suspension or cancellation |
| Unpaid challans | License suspension (after 3 months) |
| License renewal | Driving test mandatory (if history of violations) |
| Insurance | Premiums increase with pending challans |
| Rule abidance | Merit points and incentives |
Conclusion:
For responsible drivers, this system is a welcome change that rewards discipline. But for careless drivers, the new AI-powered monitoring and strict point system could prove costly—not just in fines, but also in losing their license and paying higher insurance costs.
The future of road safety in India is getting smarter—and stricter.
