**Executive Summary**
This document is the answer provided by the Minister of Road Transport and Highways to Unstarred Question No. 2216 in Lok Sabha, answered on February 12, 2026, regarding the cancellation of driving licenses, the e-Challan system, and related regulations. The Minister provides updates on amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, the status of a points-based demerit system, e-Challan integration, guidelines for license restoration, and regulations for second-hand vehicle sales.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Driving License Cancellation:**
* The Government amended sub-rule (1) of Rule 21, Rule 167, and 167(A) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, on January 20, 2026, via G.S.R. 48(E).
* **Points-Based Demerit System:**
* Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, for introducing a points-based demerit system are under active consideration.
* **E-Challan System:**
* Real-time tracking of repeated offenders exists within the eChallan Portal.
* Implementation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and rules made under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, falls under the purview of State/UT authorities.
* **License Restoration After Suspension:**
* As per Section 19(2A) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, license holders whose licenses have been suspended must undergo a driver refresher training course from a licensed and regulated establishment under Section 12 of the Act.
* **Second-Hand Vehicle Sales:**
* Notification G.S.R. 901(E) was issued on December 22, 2022, to promote ease of doing business and transparency in the sale and purchase of registered vehicles through dealers.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholders**
**Impact**
* **Citizens/Drivers:**
* The amended rules regarding driving license cancellation may affect drivers committing five or more traffic offenses within a year.
* The potential implementation of a points-based demerit system would impact driver behavior tracking and merit points.
* Drivers whose licenses have been suspended must undergo refresher training courses.
* **State Transport Departments:**
* State Transport Departments are responsible for implementing provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and related rules, including e-Challan system implementation.
* Need to ensure that individuals seeking restoration of suspended licenses undergo mandatory re-training.
* **Vehicle Dealers:**
* Dealers involved in the sale and purchase of registered vehicles are impacted by the notification promoting transparency and ease of business.
* Dealers must adhere to the new regulations regarding the sale of second-hand vehicles with proper documentation.
**Action Required**
* **Citizens/Drivers:**
* Familiarize themselves with the amended rules and regulations concerning traffic offenses and potential driving license cancellations.
* If licenses are suspended, they must enroll in and complete the required refresher training course.
* **State Transport Departments:**
* Ensure seamless implementation of the e-Challan system.
* Establish processes for the mandatory re-training of drivers seeking license restoration.
* Comply with Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
* **Vehicle Dealers:**
* Implement the notification G.S.R. 901(E) to ensure transparency and ease of doing business in the sale and purchase of registered vehicles.
* Comply with the new regulations regarding the sale of second-hand vehicles, ensuring proper documentation and identification.
Key Entities Referenced
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: The central legislation related to motor vehicles, driving licenses, and traffic regulations, which is being amended.
Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989: The rules framed under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which are being amended to include provisions for suspension/cancellation of driving licenses and other matters.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: The primary ministry responsible for road transport regulations and infrastructure development, answering questions about driving licenses and e-challan systems.
e-Challan system: An electronic challan system to track real-time repeated offenders in different States.
Points-Based Demerit System: A proposed system for tracking driver behaviour and providing merit points to responsible road users.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2216
ANSWERED ON 12TH February, 2026
CANCELLATION OF DRIVING LICENSE AND E-CHALLAN SYSTEM
2216. DR. K SUDHAKAR:
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has implemented any regulations
mandating the suspension or cancellation of driving licences for
committing five or more traffic offences within a single calendar year;
(b) whether the Government is planning a nationwide rollout of a
Points-Based Demerit System, similar of international models, to track
driver behaviour and provide merit points to responsible road users;
(c) the status of integration of the e-Challan system with the
Vahan/Sarathi databases to ensure real-time tracking of repeat
offenders across different States;
(d) whether the Ministry has issued any guidelines to State Transport
Departments, particularly in high-traffic zones, to conduct mandatory
re-training or driving tests for those seeking restoration of licences
after suspension and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken to regulate the sale of second-hand vehicles
without proper documentation or identification?ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) Government vide G.S.R. 48(E) dated 20.01.2026 has amended sub-
rule (1) of Rule 21, Rule 167 and 167(A) of the Central Motor Vehicles
Rules, 1989.
(b) The amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act,1988 for introduction of
points based demerit system are under active consideration.
(c) Real time tracking of repeated offenders exists within the eChallan
Portal. Furthermore, the implementation of the provisions of Motor
Vehicles Act, 1988 and rules made under Central Motor Vehicles
Rules, 1989 comes within the purview of concerned authorities of the
State/ UTs.
(d) As per Section 19(2A) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the licence
holder whose licence has been suspended shall undergo the driver
refresher training course from a school or establishment licensed and
regulated under Section 12 of the Act.
(e) Notification has been issued vide G.S.R 901(E) on 22 December
2022 to promote ease of doing business and transparency in the sale
and purchase of registered vehicles through dealers.
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