Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a significant policy shift aimed at improving road safety and driver accountability across India. Speaking at the 66th SIAM Annual Convention, Gadkari revealed plans for a new graded points system that will impact both driving licenses and vehicle Registration Certificates (RCs).
Under the proposed system, every traffic offense committed by a driver will result in points being deducted from their driving license. Similarly, vehicle RCs will also be subject to point deductions for certain violations. The minister emphasized that once accumulated deductions cross a predetermined threshold, authorities will have the power to suspend or even cancel these essential documents.
How the New System Works
The core principle behind this policy is to differentiate between responsible motorists and habitual traffic offenders. Gadkari stated, "My ministry is planning to introduce a graded point system in driving licenses and vehicle registration certificates. Every offence will cut points on the driving licence. And after a particular limit, the licence will get suspended or even cancelled."
Drivers who maintain a clean record and accumulate good points could receive incentives, potentially including benefits from insurance companies. Conversely, individuals who repeatedly violate traffic laws will face progressively stricter penalties, reinforcing the government's commitment to curbing dangerous driving practices.
Addressing India's Road Safety Crisis
Gadkari highlighted driver behavior as a critical factor contributing to India's severe road-safety challenges. The country records approximately 5 lakh (500,000) road accidents annually, leading to about 1.80 lakh (180,000) deaths. A concerning proportion of these fatalities, he noted, occur among individuals aged 18 to 36.
To tackle this crisis, the ministry plans to establish 1,600 driving training centers nationwide. Currently, 24 centers are operational, with another 112 in the pipeline, and around 10 lakh drivers have already received training through such initiatives. Gadkari underscored the importance of holding individuals accountable for reckless driving, stating, "Somewhere, we have to challenge the people where this misdeed is responsible for the consequences."
Future Measures: Bharat NCAP 2.0 and Emissions
Beyond the graded points system, the government is introducing other significant measures to enhance road safety and environmental responsibility. Bharat NCAP 2.0, an upgraded vehicle safety assessment program, is slated for rollout from October 2027. This program will evaluate the entire safety chain of vehicles, aiming for comprehensive improvements.
Additionally, plans are underway for an emission-control device designed for older BS-IV vehicles. Expected to cost between ₹4,000-5,000, trials for this device are reportedly complete, with retrofitted vehicles achieving emission levels comparable to BS-VI standards. These initiatives collectively aim to create safer roads and a cleaner environment across India.