Nitin Gadkari Will Cancel Your Driving Licence for Repeat Violations!

India has long struggled with road safety, recording over 1.7 lakh fatalities annually due to accidents. The scale of the crisis has prompted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to take a stronger stance. His latest move? A crackdown on repeat traffic offenders that could lead to suspension—or outright cancellation - of your driving licence.

The intention is clear: to instill discipline on Indian roads, which are often chaotic due to poor enforcement, habitual rule-breakers, and a lack of deterrence.

A New Points-Based System for Violators

At the heart of the plan is a points-based violation monitoring system. Every time a driver breaks a traffic rule, points are added to their record. Accumulate too many, and you risk losing your driving privileges. The approach is similar to what many Western countries follow, and it’s designed to specifically address habitual violators, not just one-off offences.

This system could mean a drastic change in how Indian drivers perceive risk. The fear of being disqualified from driving might finally curb everyday offences like jumping signals, speeding, and rash overtaking.

Mandatory Tests for Licence Renewal

But it doesn’t end there. The Ministry of Road Transport is also proposing that those with repeated violations undergo a fresh driving test before their licence is renewed. This would ensure that a person still possesses the skills and knowledge necessary for safe driving, especially if their record shows multiple infractions.

It’s a move that addresses a long-standing issue in India—once a person gets a licence, they rarely face any scrutiny unless something goes terribly wrong. That hands-off approach may finally be on its way out.

Learner’s Licences for Low-Speed Electric Vehicles

Another interesting proposal is the plan to introduce learner’s licences for low-speed electric vehicles. These include EVs that run under 25 kmph and are below 1,500 watts in capacity. While these vehicles are often seen as low-risk, the government wants to ensure even those who use them have a basic understanding of road rules.

The move is timely, considering the rising popularity of electric vehicles in India. With EVs flooding the market at the entry level, ensuring riders are trained - even for slow-speed scooters - could prevent a future safety hazard.

A Shift in Enforcement Culture

Together, these measures reflect a broader shift in the government’s approach to traffic enforcement. Rather than relying solely on fines or warnings, the focus is moving toward long-term accountability and behavioural change.

With the proposed rules, enforcement will no longer stop at issuing challans. It will tie violations to a person’s ability to legally drive. This could finally address the impunity with which many drivers currently flout the law.

What It Means for Drivers

For everyday drivers, this is a wake-up call. If these changes are implemented, the days of escaping consequences for repeat offences may be over. It’s a clear message: follow the rules, or you could lose your licence.

This is especially relevant in urban areas where violations are frequent but often overlooked due to overburdened traffic police. Automated systems and stricter back-end enforcement will help ensure that repeated mistakes are recorded and acted upon.

Nitin Gadkari’s push is part of a larger mission to halve road accident deaths by 2030. And with public support and consistent enforcement, these bold new steps could actually make a difference.