Repeat offenders beware: Three or more violations & you could lose your driving license in Delhi

During last year’s Winter Session, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed a shocking statistic in the Parliament. Every year, road accidents claim approximately 178,000 lives in India, with nearly 60% of victims aged between 18 and 34. These alarming numbers have sparked public outrage, as many of these fatalities could be prevented with stricter traffic regulations.

However, change could be on the horizon - if you’re driving in Delhi, breaking traffic rules may soon come at a steep cost. Under proposed measures, repeated violations could lead to the cancellation of your driving license, signaling a tougher crackdown on reckless driving in the capital.

Under a proposed crackdown, committing three or more offences related to dangerous or drunk driving may lead to license cancellation. Additionally, drivers who accumulate five or more general traffic violations could also face the same penalty, according to a report by TOI.


In a letter to the Delhi government, the Traffic Police have recommended these measures to curb road fatalities, many of which result from negligent driving. The city recorded a concerning rise in fatal accidents over the years. In 2024 alone, Delhi witnessed 1,398 fatal crashes, resulting in 1,431 deaths. Comparatively, 2021 saw 1,206 fatal accidents with 1,239 deaths, while 2022 and 2023 recorded 1,428 and 1,432 fatal crashes, leading to 1,461 and 1,457 deaths, respectively.

Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary emphasised that stricter penalties would act as a deterrent for habitual traffic offenders.

The traffic police also referenced the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, in their proposal, highlighting its role in regulating traffic laws and minimizing road accidents.

In the letter, the traffic police said, "To curb traffic violations and road accidents, the Principal Act was amended through the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which prescribes hefty penalties for traffic rule violators. However, data analysis reveals that many drivers habitually violate traffic rules, posing a significant threat to other road users and causing numerous accidents. This situation calls for stringent action against the drivers who are habitual violators of traffic rules," the letter read.

Meanwhile, a senior police officer also said that if these recommendations were approved by govt, traffic norm violations would come down in the city. "Motorcyclists will become more cautious and learn road discipline. Stringent actions will lead to a decrease in traffic violations and road accidents," he asserted.

"Major violations, such as driving under the influence of liquor, driving on the wrong side, and reckless driving, often result in injuries and fatal accidents," the officer said.