Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced a new structured and time-bound system for settling traffic challans, stating that the move was aimed at curbing violations, improve road safety and bring greater transparency through a fully digital process.
"Under the new framework, avoiding challans will no longer be possible and timely resolution will be mandatory for all citizens," Gupta said.
She added that violators would not be able to approach courts directly to contest a challan without first going through the prescribed process. The CM said the Delhi Government would soon implement amendments made by the Centre to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The revised system, she said, made the challan process more stringent, transparent and technology-driven.
Anyone committing five or more traffic violations within a year will be classified as a serious offender. Such cases may lead to suspension or disqualification of the driving licence under the amended rules.
Gupta said issuance of challans would be fully modernised. Police or authorised officers can issue challans either physically or electronically. Violations captured through cameras and digital surveillance systems will automatically generate challans. If the department has a violator's mobile number, the e-challan will be delivered within three days, while a physical notice will be delivered within 15 days.
All challans will be recorded sequentially on an online portal. Motorists have been advised to update their mobile numbers and addresses on their driving licence and vehicle registration certificates.
Once a challan is issued, the violator will have 45 days to either pay the fine or challenge it before a grievance redressal officer through the online portal, supported by documentary evidence. If no action is taken within this period, the challan will be deemed accepted, and payment must be made within the next 30 days. If a challenge is rejected, the individual can either pay the fine within 30 days or approach the court after depositing 50 percent of the challan amount
Failure to act within the stipulated time will result in the challan being treated as accepted, with payment required within 15 days thereafter. Payments can be made through electronic modes. The grievance redressal officer will be required to upload a decision on the portal within 30 days.
The Chief Minister said once deadlines lapsed, daily electronic notices would be issued. Continued non-payment will lead to restrictions on all vehicle-related services, including payment of taxes and processing of driving licence or registration-related requests.
The vehicle will be flagged on the portal as 'not to be transacted', blocking any further transactions until the dues are cleared. In cases where necessary, and subject to court orders, police or authorised officers may also impound vehicles involved in violations.
All challans will be issued in the name of the registered vehicle owner, who will be notified via SMS, email or other digital means. Gupta said the new system was designed to be fully digital, time-bound and accountable. "This will ensure better compliance with traffic rules and help reduce road accidents," she said, urging citizens to follow traffic norms and settle challans on time.