New Delhi, Delhi
The government is preparing to take stricter action against motorists who repeatedly violate traffic rules. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that the government is working on introducing a graded points system for driving licences. Under the proposed system, points would be deducted from a driver’s licence for traffic violations. Once the points fall below a specified threshold, the licence could potentially be suspended or cancelled.
Gadkari shared details of the proposed system on Thursday at the 66th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). He said the primary objective is to identify and monitor reckless drivers and encourage motorists to drive more responsibly on the roads.
How Will the New Points System Work?
Under the proposed system, a driver’s record of traffic violations would be linked to their driving licence. Points would be deducted according to the nature and severity of each violation. This means repeated traffic offences could directly affect a driver’s licence status.
If the points fall below a predetermined threshold, the licence could be suspended for a specified period. In cases involving serious or repeated violations, authorities could also consider cancelling the licence.
However, the system is currently at the proposal stage. Details regarding how many points would be deducted for specific offences and the exact thresholds for licence suspension or cancellation have yet to be finalised.
Government Focuses on Reducing Road Accidents
The government believes that identifying and taking action against repeat offenders could help strengthen road safety. Along with existing measures such as fines and other penalties, a driver’s overall record and driving behaviour could play a more important role under the proposed system.
If the points-based system is implemented, motorists will have to keep in mind that repeatedly ignoring traffic rules could eventually affect their driving licence, rather than simply resulting in individual fines.
Driver Training System to Be Strengthened
The government also intends to strengthen driver-training infrastructure rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Under a policy launched in January 2025, plans are underway to establish around 1,600 driver training centres across the country.
According to Nitin Gadkari, around 1 million drivers have already received training. Once all the proposed centres become fully operational, the network could develop the capacity to train approximately 150,000 drivers every year.
Government Also Focuses on Pollution From Older Vehicles
During the conference, the issue of reducing pollution from older vehicles through retrofit devices was also discussed. Gadkari said the government aims to keep the cost of such a device below ₹4,000.
The government is promoting low-cost technology to reduce emissions from older vehicles. The objective is not only to encourage cleaner technology in new vehicles but also to equip older vehicles already operating on Indian roads with pollution-control technology.
Overall, the government’s proposed measures focus on both road safety and pollution control. If the driving-licence points system is implemented, repeatedly violating traffic rules could have consequences beyond paying fines, with a direct impact on a driver’s licence.
