Patna: In a significant move to enforce traffic discipline, the Patna Traffic Police has announced stringent measures against repeat traffic offenders. According to Traffic SP Aparajit Lohan, drivers with five or more traffic challans will face suspension of their driving licenses, while those with 20 or more challans will have their licenses cancelled.
The review of the past six months revealed that 5,691 drivers in Patna have been issued at least five challans, and 133 drivers have accumulated 20 or more challans. Proposals to suspend or cancel their driving licenses have been forwarded to the District Transport Office (DTO).
SP Lohan emphasized, “Our primary aim is not to impose financial penalties but to ensure adherence to traffic rules for everyone’s safety.”
DTO Upendra Pal confirmed that appropriate legal action will follow after reviewing the proposals.
Drivers caught operating vehicles with suspended or cancelled licenses will face serious consequences. Their vehicles will be confiscated, and legal action will be initiated against them. SP Lohan stated, “If someone has been challaned 20 times, it indicates a lack of driving skills, posing a threat to public safety. Such individuals must not remain on the roads.”
Once a proposal for cancellation is received, the DTO will evaluate the severity of the violations.
– For minor violations, the license may be suspended for 2 to 6 months, after which it will be automatically restored.
– For serious violations, licenses may be cancelled for periods of 2, 6, or 12 months. After this, the driver must reapply for a license.
Despite the availability of online challan payment through SBI, Central Bank, Union Bank, PNB, and Canara Bank, the traffic office continues to see long queues of violators depositing fines. The Traffic Department has announced plans to introduce UPI payment options to streamline the process further.
This crackdown aims to instill a culture of responsible driving and ensure safety on Patna’s roads.
