In a latest development, Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has revealed that they have decided to compound certain traffic offenses at 50 percent of the challan amount under specific sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Delhi Government Reduced Fines For Certain Traffic Challans
Further, this information was shared by Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot in a post on X.
In this post, Gahlot said, “For convenience of the public and to encourage settlement of traffic fines, Delhi Government has decided to compound traffic offenses at 50% of the challan amount under specific sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.”
A proposal regarding this has been sent to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, Gahlot said.
In this proposal, they have mentioned that the offenses must be settled within 90 days of the notification for any existing challan, or within 30 days for subsequent challans issued after the notification.
It appears that the officers of the rank of head constable and above from the Delhi Traffic Police and the transport department have been authorized by the government to compound traffic offenses under some of the sections of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
Besides this, they have also authorized assistant traffic inspectors (ATIs) of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
Which offenses Will Get A 50% Reduction On Traffic Challans?
1. In case when the owner of the vehicle allows an unauthorized person to drive it, driving without a valid license.
2. If anyone takes part in or permits a race or speed trial between motor vehicles in a public place without permission.
3. On the driving of an uninsured vehicle.
How Does This Help?
With the provision of this relaxation, Delhi government aims to encourage the citizens to clear their traffic fines promptly.
This is also an effort to avoid prolonged legal disputes, as quoted by media in an official statement from Gahlot’s office.
Gahlot said, “By rationalizing the compounding fees and delegating compounding powers, we are making it easier for citizens to comply with traffic regulations while enhancing enforcement efforts. This will ensure smoother public transportation and help keep our roads safer and more organized.”
The delegation of compounding fines to various officers addresses the increasing workload of the transport department officers while making on-the-ground enforcement more efficient, Gahlot noted in the statement.
