If you often ignore e-challan or toll tax, now is the time to be alert. The Central Government is preparing such a big change in the Motor Vehicle Law, due to which those who break the rules may get a shock directly on the road. Under the proposed rules, drivers who have outstanding traffic challan or toll tax may not be allowed to drive on the national highway. This change is likely to be announced in the upcoming budget session of Parliament.
According to a news from Live Mint, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is preparing to amend the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Under this, enforcement agencies can be given the right to stop the vehicles of those avoiding user charges i.e. toll tax at the toll plaza. Officials believe that restricting access to the country’s approximately 45,428 km long toll road network will increase the habit of following rules among drivers.
road safety goals
The aim of the government is not just to impose strictness but also to improve road safety. According to government data, the number of road accidents and deaths in India is the highest in the world. Keeping this in view, the government aims to change driving behavior and increase respect for the law. According to a senior official, this amendment is being brought not to create pressure, but with the aim of motivating people for disciplined driving and paying user fees. The initiative is also linked to the UN’s goal of halving the number of deaths and injuries in road accidents by 2030.
E-Challan Recovery Concern
The status of e-challan collection is also a matter of concern for the government. About 40 crore e-challans were issued between 2015 and 2025, totaling about ₹61,000 crore, but only a little more than one-third of these could be recovered. For this reason, the government is now considering taking strict and effective steps.
restrictions on services
Recently on January 20, the Central Government has notified the Central Motor Vehicle (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026. Under this, if the outstanding toll tax or fine is not paid, services like vehicle fitness certificate, insurance renewal, change of vehicle ownership and national permit for commercial vehicles can be stopped.
Consider stopping fuel
The proposed amendments also include that there will be stricter checks on driving license renewals for repeat offenders and motor insurance premiums could be linked to driving behaviour. Even in future, options like e-challan or not getting petrol and diesel if toll is outstanding are also being considered, although the technical framework for this is still under discussion.
expert opinion
Experts say that these steps were necessary, but they will have to be implemented in a transparent and phased manner, so that there is no unnecessary burden on the common people. If implemented properly, this scheme will not only increase compliance with rules, but can also play an important role in making Indian roads safer.
Latest Business News