Delhi set to roll out fully digital, time-bound traffic challan system with stricter enforcement rules

A fully digital, time-bound traffic challan system will soon be implemented in Delhi. The new rules suggest a stricter enforcement regime, including driving licence suspension for repeat offenders within a year. The system will also make it harder to approach courts for dispute resolution, as a 50% upfront payment of the fine will be required before proceedings begin.

New traffic fines and rules in Delhi

The updated traffic challan framework states that e-challans will be issued in the name of the registered vehicle owner. Once issued, the recipient can either pay or challenge the challan within 45 days through the Parivahan portal. Failure to act within this period will lead to automatic acceptance of the fine.

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In case of a dispute, the aggrieved party can challenge the challan online. If the challenge is rejected, the violator must either pay the fine within an additional 30 days or escalate the matter to court, which will require a 50% upfront payment before proceedings begin.

Under the new rules, police or authorised officers will continue to issue challans both physically and electronically. However, e-challans will be delivered to violators on their registered mobile numbers within three days, while a physical notice will be sent within 15 days. It has also been specified that electronic reminders will be sent daily after the 45-day deadline expires.

Vehicle-related services to be affected upon late payment of challans

If a challan remains unpaid, the vehicle will be flagged on the official portal as “Not to be transacted.” This will impose restrictions on Vahan portal services, including payment of taxes, registration-related requests, and even certain driving licence-related facilities.

Accumulating five or more traffic violations will classify the individual as a serious offender, potentially leading to suspension or disqualification of the driving licence. The new rules also authorise authorities to impound the vehicle upon receiving a court order.