Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has unveiled a structured and time-bound system for handling traffic challans, aiming to enforce stricter road discipline. The initiative is focused on reducing violations, enhancing road safety, and ensuring transparency through a fully digital process. Gupta emphasized that the new system, which is digital, time-bound, and accountable, will promote better adherence to traffic regulations and contribute to lowering road accidents.
The updated framework mandates timely resolution of challans for all citizens, eliminating the possibility of avoiding penalties. Violators will be required to follow the prescribed process before contesting a challan in court directly. Additionally, the Delhi government plans to implement amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, as proposed by the Centre.
Under the revised system, the process of issuing challans will be more stringent, transparent, and technology-driven. Individuals committing five or more traffic violations within a year will be classified as serious offenders, potentially facing driving license suspension or disqualification. The issuance of challans will be modernized, with police or authorized officers having the authority to issue them physically or electronically.
Furthermore, violations captured through cameras and digital surveillance systems will automatically generate challans. The system ensures prompt delivery of e-challans within three days or physical notices within 15 days if the violator’s mobile number is available. All challans will be systematically recorded on an online portal to maintain transparency. Motorists are advised to update their contact details on their driving license and vehicle registration certificates to avoid inconvenience.
Once a challan is issued, the violator will have 45 days to either pay the fine or challenge it through an online portal supported by evidence. Failure to take action within this period will result in the challan being deemed accepted, requiring payment within the next 30 days. If a challenge is rejected, the individual can pay the fine within 30 days or approach the court after depositing 50% of the challan amount.
Non-compliance with the stipulated deadlines will lead to daily electronic notices being issued. Continued non-payment may result in restrictions on vehicle-related services and the flagging of the vehicle on the portal as ‘not to be transacted’ until dues are settled. In severe cases, police or authorized officers may impound vehicles involved in violations based on court orders. All challans will be issued in the name of the registered vehicle owner, who will be notified via SMS, email, or other digital means.
