People are always coming up with new tricks to dodge fines. Some switch their mobile numbers, while others change their home addresses. But those tactics are about to become useless. The government is planning to link vehicle registrations (RC) and driving licenses (DL) to Aadhar for everyone. This means that avoiding fines will be much harder since the government will have access to your actual contact info and address through Aadhar, making it easier for them to track you down for any unpaid fines.
Statements from Officials
Top officials have pointed out that “a lot of people who break traffic laws aren’t paying their fines. They’re also trying to escape the consequences of their actions. We need stricter monitoring for these individuals.” They added that “many people change their phone numbers to avoid fines and then go on to apply for new driving licenses.”
Road Transport Ministry Insights
A report from the Union Ministry of Road Transport (MRTH) reveals that over Rs 12,000 crore in e-challans issued for traffic violations remain unpaid. The main issue is the accuracy of the e-challan database. Many of the mobile numbers and addresses listed are outdated, so people aren’t responding to the fines.
Outdated Licenses in the System
The database includes vehicle registrations and driving licenses dating back to the 60s, 70s, and 90s. Because of this outdated information, collecting fines has become a challenge. The Transport Department has noted that “some driving licenses (DL) and RCs in the Sarathi and Vahan databases could be decades old. The department is now considering a system that requires vehicle owners or license holders to keep their information updated.”