Bhubaneswar, Jan 22: The Centre has introduced major amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1989, providing for strict action against traffic law violators. Under the revised provisions, vehicle registration will be cancelled if the Motor Vehicles Act is violated five times within a year. In addition, the driving licence will also be cancelled in cases of five violations during the same period.

The amended law has come into effect from January 1 this year. Once a challan is issued, vehicle owners will be given a 45-day grace period. After the completion of this period, the penalty must be paid within the next 30 days.

Vehicle owners may file an appeal against the challan within the 45-day window before the concerned authority. The authority is mandated to dispose of the appeal within 30 days. If no decision is delivered within this time frame, the challan will stand automatically cancelled.

If the verdict goes against the driver or vehicle owner, the fine must be paid within 30 days from the date of the decision. Those dissatisfied with the decision of the authorized officer may approach the court. However, prior to filing a court appeal, 50 percent of the penalty amount must be deposited with the Transport Department.

Based on court directions, the police or authorized officers may seize the vehicle concerned. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a gazette notification in this regard.