Five Traffic Offences A Year To Attract Strict Action; Government Tightens E-Challan Rules
Five Traffic Offences A Year To Attract Strict Action; Government Tightens E-Challan Rules
Mumbai, April 16, 2026: In a bid to curb repeated traffic violations, the government has introduced stricter provisions under the amended Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, notified as the Central Motor Vehicles (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026. The revised rules have come into effect from January 20, 2026.
As per the amendment, motorists committing five or more traffic violations within a year from January 1, 2026, will face action under the category of serious offences. However, violations from the previous year will not be carried forward for calculation in the following year.
The updated framework also focuses on making the e-challan system more transparent and digitally efficient. Authorised police personnel or designated state officials can issue challans either physically or through electronic means. Additionally, automated challans can now be generated via electronic surveillance systems. Physical challans must be delivered within 15 days, while e-challans are required to reach the offender within three days.
Upon receiving a challan, individuals must either pay the penalty or contest it with valid documents within 45 days. If no challenge is made, or if it is rejected, the offender must pay the full fine within the next 30 days or deposit 50 percent of the amount while filing an appeal in court. Failure to act within this period will result in the challan being treated as accepted, with full payment required within 15 days thereafter.
In cases where fines remain unpaid even after acceptance, daily electronic reminders will be issued. Non-payment may lead to restrictions on processing applications related to driving licences or vehicle registration. Pending cases will be marked as “Not to be Transacted,” and in serious violations, authorities have been empowered to impound vehicles as per court orders.
Meanwhile, the Transport Commissioner’s Office, Mumbai, has urged citizens to clear pending e-challans promptly and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.
