New Delhi: The road transport ministry has decided to introduce a negative points system on the Driving Licence, in order to curb traffic offences. The new system will be monitoring offenders for violations that include breaking signals and speeding. If the DL has acquired a certain number of negative points, the DL will be suspended or even cancelled.
Over the years, the authorities have tried many methods to reduce traffic violations and accidents and traffic violations, which include heavy penalties and fines as well. Still, they have made little difference, with 1.7 lakh accidents being recorded annually in the country. According to reports, the authorities take strict action, and the points system is being seen as the ideal next step, which will be alongside penalties for violations.
India bringing the points system like other countries
During a meeting to update the DL system, the ministry presented the suggestion, and the authorities have taken notes from countries like Australia, the UK, Germany, France, Brazil and Canada. The points system has been in place in the UK since 1988 and has proven quite effective. The authorities have said that the new points system will be introduced in the next two months, when amendments to the law will be made. The DL points system will not be about just demerits, and good drives will be awarded with merit points as well.
There are other plans that are part of the new system, with driving tests becoming mandatory even for those who want to renew their DL and have committed offences. At the moment, there is no mandatory driving test required for those looking to renew their licence before it expires.
The Ministry is also planning to integrate a new provision where learners need to obtain licences for electric vehicles under 1,500 watts and with a maximum speed of 25 kph. There is also consideration for the introduction of graded eligibility for obtaining learner’s licences. A review of the Motor Vehicles Act in 2011 had suggested a penalty system where drivers with 12 penalty points in a span of three years will face a year of licence suspension. The repeat offenders were suggested to have their licences cancelled for five years.
