a latest DevelopmentThe Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has revealed that it has decided to impose a fine of 50 per cent of the challan amount on certain traffic offences under specific sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Delhi government reduces fines on some traffic challans
Apart from this, this information was shared by Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot in a post on x.
In this post, Gehlot said, “For the convenience of the public and to encourage settlement of traffic fines, the Delhi government has decided to reduce the fine for traffic offences under specific sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to 50% of the challan amount.”
Gehlot said that a proposal in this regard has been sent to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
In this proposal they have mentioned that offences for any existing challans should be settled within 90 days of the notification, or within 30 days for challans issued after the notification.
It appears that officers of the rank of Head Constable and above of the Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department have been authorised by the Government to impose fines for traffic offences under certain sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Apart from this, they have also authorised Assistant Traffic Inspectors (ATIs) of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
For which offences will there be 50% discount on traffic challan?
1. In a case when the owner of the vehicle allows an unauthorised person to drive the vehicle without a valid licence.
2. If any person without permission takes part in or permits a race or speed trial between motor vehicles in a public place.
3. For driving a vehicle without insurance.
What does it help with?
With the provision of this discount, the Delhi government aims to encourage citizens to pay their traffic fines promptly.
An official statement issued by Gehlot's office was quoted by the media as saying that this is also an effort to avoid lengthy legal disputes.
Gehlot said, “By rationalising compounding fees and delegating compounding powers, we are making it easier for citizens to follow traffic rules while also increasing enforcement efforts. This will ensure smoother public transport and help keep our roads safer and more orderly.”
Gehlot said in the statement that assigning the penalty amount to various officers will facilitate the increasing workload of the transport department officials, besides making the enforcement work more efficient at the ground level.
