In a major move to curb rising road accidents and promote responsible driving, the central government is planning to introduce a grade (point)-based driving licence system. Under the proposed mechanism, repeated traffic rule violations could lead to suspension or even cancellation of driving licences.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, confirmed the development, emphasizing that the measure is part of a broader strategy to improve road safety and reduce fatalities across the country.
Road Accidents in India: A Grim Reality
India witnesses approximately 5 lakh road accidents every year, resulting in nearly 1.8 lakh deaths. The minister highlighted that 72% of the victims are in the productive age group of 18 to 45 years—a significant loss of human capital.
Key Statistics Shared by the Minister:
- 10,119 deaths reported among individuals under 18 years of age
- 54,122 fatalities due to not wearing helmets
- 14,466 deaths caused by not wearing seat belts
- 1.2 lakh deaths attributed to overspeeding
- Other major causes: driving in the wrong direction, drunk driving, and mobile phone use while driving
"People's lives are very valuable. We are taking several steps to improve road safety, but the biggest challenge is ensuring proper compliance with rules. There is a lack of fear and respect for the law among people," Gadkari said.
How the Grade-Based Driving Licence System Will Work
The proposed grade-based driving licence system will assign points to drivers based on their compliance with traffic rules. Each violation will result in deduction of points. Accumulating excessive demerits within a specified period may lead to:
- Temporary suspension of the driving licence
- Mandatory retraining or retesting
- Permanent cancellation in extreme cases
The system aims to create a behavioural shift among drivers by introducing accountability and consequences for repeated offences.
Why This Matters Now
With road accidents claiming lives at an alarming rate and the majority of victims being young Indians, the government is under pressure to enforce stricter mechanisms. The grade-based driving licence system is expected to act as a deterrent and encourage safer driving habits.
Government's Other Road Safety Initiatives
The minister also urged citizens to assist road accident victims without fear of legal or financial harassment. Under the PM Rahat (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) scheme, accident victims are entitled to:
- Free cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh
- Coverage for the first seven days following the accident
This scheme is designed to remove financial barriers and encourage bystanders to help save lives during the critical golden hour.
A Step Towards Safer Roads
The introduction of a grade-based driving licence system marks a paradigm shift in India's approach to road safety. By linking driver behaviour directly with licence validity, the government hopes to instil greater discipline on the roads.
As the proposal moves toward implementation, experts believe that combining stricter enforcement with public cooperation and timely medical support can significantly bring down the number of road accidents in India.
For now, drivers are advised to stay informed, follow traffic rules, and contribute to making Indian roads safer for everyone.
