Hyderabad to freeze licences for unpaid traffic challans
HYDERABAD: Motorists who repeatedly violate road rules or delay payment of traffic challans may soon face suspension of driving licence or vehicle registration certificate services. The Transport department is preparing to implement the process.
The government plans to introduce a new system to address complaints from vehicle owners over traffic penalties in a faster and more transparent manner. In line with Central Motor Vehicles Rules, a grievance redressal authority will be appointed to resolve objections related to fines. Officials are likely to issue a preliminary notification within a day or two.
Designated officers in police and transport departments to review complaints
Under the proposed policy, vehicle owners must register objections to challans through an online portal. The complaints will not be handled offline. After scrutiny, authorities will take a decision and inform the vehicle owner or driving licence holder electronically. A standard operating procedure has been prepared to ensure transparency and adherence to timelines.
In police-issued challan cases, zonal traffic deputy commissioners of police in Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Malkajgiri and Pudur City commissionerates will handle disputes. In Khammam, Karimnagar, Ramagundam, Siddipet, Warangal and Nizamabad commissionerates, additional deputy commissioners of police (administration) will review cases. Superintendents of police in Mulugu and Narayanpet districts, and additional superintendents in other districts, will also resolve disputes.
Within the Transport department, the deputy transport commissioner, regional transport officers and district transport officers will function as grievance redressal authorities. They will examine complaints related to penalties imposed by transport officials.
Multiple camera captures, ownership changes among common dispute causes
Officials said disputes arise for several reasons. For instance, multiple fines may be issued for a single violation such as overspeeding if different cameras along the same route capture images. Challans are also received after a vehicle has been sold. Technical glitches and data entry errors further contribute to complaints.
As per the proposed procedure, challans based on camera images must be sent within three days, while those issued physically must be served within 15 days. After receiving a challan, the motorist must either pay the fine or file a complaint within 45 days. Authorities will have 30 days to examine the complaint and take a decision.
If the motorist accepts the decision, the fine must be paid within 30 days. If not, the person may approach a court after paying 50 per cent of the challan amount. If no court appeal is filed, another 15-day period will be allowed to clear the full fine. Courts may cancel wrongly issued challans, but motorists must pay if the penalty is upheld.
If more than five challans remain pending in a year, an alert will be sent to the Transport department as the licensing authority. Officials may then block the driving licence or vehicle registration certificate. Related Regional Transport Authority services will be restored only after all pending fines are cleared. The final notification will include details of the online portal and other procedures.
