Overview
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is examining a package of reforms that would extend private driving-licence validity until age 50 and move vehicle ownership transfers and permit renewals fully online.
- MoRTH, which reported discussions on Tuesday, June 9, has not approved the changes or set an implementation timeline and describes the measures as still under consideration.
- Officials say fees would continue to be collected digitally so state transport departments do not lose revenue, though several states have expressed concern that fewer in-person renewals could lower their receipts.
- The proposals include a negative-point system that would assign penalty points for traffic offences and allow licence suspension or cancellation for repeat offenders to strengthen enforcement.
- If approved, the reforms would cut routine visits to Regional Transport Offices and paperwork for millions of drivers while requiring intergovernmental coordination and changes to RTO procedures.