Centre Plans Demerit Points System on Driving Licences to Curb Repeat Traffic Violations
New Delhi, 3rd May 2025: In a significant move to curb traffic violations and enhance road safety, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is set to propose a demerit points system linked to driving licences. Under this mechanism, motorists who repeatedly flout traffic rules — such as speeding or jumping signals — will accumulate negative points. Reaching a set threshold could lead to suspension or cancellation of their driving licence.
This initiative, part of a broader reform of the driving licence framework, was discussed at a recent national-level brainstorming session on road safety. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from state governments, traffic safety experts, and civil society groups.
According to officials familiar with the development, the proposed “merit-demerit” model will form part of upcoming amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act. “Demerit points will apply to violations like rash driving, signal jumping, and overspeeding, while merit points will reward safe driving behaviour and actions by good Samaritans,” a senior transport ministry official said.
Inspired by global best practices, the planned system mirrors models followed in countries such as Germany, the UK, France, Canada, Brazil, and Australia, where a structured points-based approach has helped identify habitual offenders and improve overall compliance with traffic norms.
Despite the government significantly increasing fines under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, officials noted that India still reports over 1.7 lakh road fatalities annually. “Monetary penalties alone have not been effective enough. International evidence suggests that the threat of losing one’s licence has a stronger deterrent effect,” another ministry source said.
The rollout of handheld electronic devices to track traffic offences is also expected to aid the enforcement of the demerit system. These devices will allow on-the-spot verification of a driver’s record, helping police and RTO officials take swift action against repeat offenders.
The Centre is also mulling stricter norms for licence renewals. Drivers with a history of violations may soon be required to undergo a mandatory driving test before renewal — a provision that is currently waived if the application is submitted before the licence expires. “These steps aim to improve driver accountability and strengthen the overall road safety ecosystem,” an official added.
The ministry is expected to move the legislative amendments for this overhaul within the next few months.
