In reportedly the first such move in the country, a system of penalty points is going to be introduced in Hyderabad whereby frequent traffic violations could lead to suspension of driving licence.
To be launched on August 1, the system devised by the Hyderabad Traffic Police (HTP) would entail accumulation of points ranging from one to five, for various traffic violations under the Motor Vehicles Act.
“The Penalty Point System is being introduced for the first time in India to inculcate self-discipline among commuters with a view to transform Hyderabad city into a safe place for commuting and a delightful place for driving. The implementation of the Penalty Point System shall come into effect from 01.08.2017,“ as per an official statement from the commissioner of police, Hyderabad.
A tally of 12 points in 24 months will lead to suspension of the driving licence for a year. After the suspension is revoked, a subsequent accumulation of 12 points would result in suspension of licence for two years. The licence will be suspended for three years for any subsequent 12-point accumulation.
“A severe violation will add more points than a less severe one. This kind of system is being introduced for the first time in India in Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda,” said Hyderabad City Police Commissioner M. Mahender Reddy.
He added that when the points near the suspension level, licence-holders could take a driving course, twice in 24 months, to lower the accumulated points.
The learner’s licence could also be cancelled if a tally of five points is reached, as per a report in the Times of India.
A centralised database of offences and penalty points will also be maintained to keep track of repeat offenders and to mete out strict punishment.
The Hyderabad police’s e-Challan database has been linked with the M Wallet app under which an SMS will be automatically sent to the mobile of the vehicle owner along with a notification on the app. The user can then conveniently pay through the app.
Here is the list of violations which will attract varying penalty points.