5 Traffic Offences in a Year Could Get Your License Cancelled—Here’s What You Need to Know

5 traffic offences in a year could bar you from driving

5 Traffic Offences in a Year Could Get Your License Cancelled

Think that third speeding ticket or second phone-while-driving fine is just another ₹1,000 inconvenience? Think again. Under a sweeping new amendment by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, accumulating five traffic offences in a year could now lead to your driving license being suspended—or even permanently cancelled.

Effective January 1, 2026, this rule targets “habitual offenders” as part of a broader push to reduce India’s alarming road accident fatalities, which claim over 150,000 lives annually . But while the intent is noble, questions are mounting about implementation, fairness, and whether the system can handle the volume without errors.

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What the New Rule Actually Says

The amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) empowers state transport authorities to initiate disqualification proceedings against any driver convicted of five or more traffic violations within a 12-month period. This isn’t just about fines—it’s about formal convictions recorded in the National Register of Driving Licenses (NRDL).

Once the threshold is crossed, the licensing authority must issue a show-cause notice. If the driver fails to justify their record, the license can be suspended for 3 to 6 months—or revoked entirely in severe cases.

Which Traffic Offences Count Toward the Limit?

Not all minor infractions will land you in hot water—but many common ones do. The following violations are included in the count:

  • Speeding (over prescribed limits)
  • Using mobile phone while driving
  • Driving without a valid license or insurance
  • Jumping red lights
  • Overloading (for commercial vehicles)
  • Drunk driving (counts as multiple offences)
  • Not wearing seat belts or helmets

Importantly, only **convicted** offences—those where you’ve paid the fine, contested and lost, or failed to respond—will be counted. Dismissed or pending cases don’t apply.

How the 5 Traffic Offences License Cancellation Process Works

The system relies on integration between e-challan portals, traffic police databases, and the VAHAN (Vehicle Registration) platform. Here’s the step-by-step flow:

  1. A driver commits a traffic violation; an e-challan is issued via camera or officer.
  2. If unpaid or unchallenged within 60 days, the offence is marked as “convicted.”
  3. The NRDL tracks all convictions linked to your license number.
  4. Upon the 5th conviction in 12 months, an automated alert is sent to your state RTO.
  5. The RTO issues a show-cause notice via email/SMS/post.
  6. You have 15 days to respond. If no valid defense is provided, suspension begins.

Concerns from Experts and Citizens

While road safety advocates welcome the move, legal and tech experts have raised red flags:

  • Data Accuracy: E-challan systems often misidentify vehicles or issue duplicate notices.
  • Lack of Appeal Clarity: Many citizens don’t know how to contest faulty challans.
  • Disproportionate Impact: Delivery riders and cab drivers face higher exposure due to job demands.
  • Enforcement Inconsistency: Urban areas use cameras; rural areas rely on manual checks, creating bias.

“The policy is well-intentioned but risks penalizing the poor and digitally unaware,” says transport lawyer Anjali Menon .

How to Check Your Traffic Violation History

Don’t wait for a notice—stay proactive:

You can also use the mParivahan app for real-time updates. For more on digital tools for drivers, see our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:digital-driving-tools-india].

Tips to Avoid Hitting the Five-Offence Threshold

  • Never ignore a challan—pay or contest it within 60 days.
  • Use dashcams or ride-share apps that log your route for evidence.
  • Install speed alert apps like Google Maps or Waze.
  • Keep documents updated—insurance, PUC, and license validity.
  • Educate family members who share your vehicle.

Conclusion: A Bold Step with Big Challenges

The 5 traffic offences license cancellation rule is a landmark attempt to make Indian roads safer by targeting repeat offenders. But its success hinges on transparent data, fair appeals, and public awareness. For now, the best defense is simple: drive responsibly, stay informed, and never treat traffic rules as optional.

Sources

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