Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Thursday that the government is set to introduce a new graded points system for driving licenses and vehicle registration certificates across India. This initiative aims to address the persistent challenge of road safety by targeting habitual traffic offenders.
How the Graded System Will Work
Under the proposed framework, points will be deducted from a driver's license for each traffic violation. Once the accumulated negative points reach a predetermined threshold, the driver's license could face suspension. In cases of more serious or repeated infractions, the license might even be permanently cancelled.
Gadkari emphasized that the system is designed to differentiate between responsible drivers and those who frequently violate traffic rules. Drivers with clean records may even be eligible for incentives from insurance companies, while persistent offenders will face progressively stricter penalties.
Boosting Road Safety and Driver Training
This grading system is part of a broader, ongoing effort by the government to enhance road safety nationwide. Gadkari highlighted the alarming statistics, citing approximately 5 lakh (500,000) road accidents and 1.5 lakh (150,000) deaths annually, with a significant 66% of fatalities occurring among individuals aged 18 to 36.
The minister also connected these licensing reforms to expanded driver training infrastructure. A policy launched in January 2025 aims to establish 1,600 driving training centers across the country. Already, 10 lakh drivers have received training, and the annual capacity is projected to reach 1.5 lakh drivers once all centers are operational. Automobile companies are encouraged to contribute to this training ecosystem through CSR initiatives, particularly in underserved regions.
Beyond the graded license system and training, the government is also exploring other measures, including strengthening vehicle safety standards and advancing the Bharat NCAP program, to further reduce road accidents and fatalities.