Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has issued new instructions regarding expressway speeding rules in India, aiming to reduce challans for minor infringements. Gadkari stated that motorists traveling up to 120 kmph on expressways should not be issued speeding tickets. Furthermore, he indicated a tolerance margin of up to 20% above the posted limit, meaning penalties would only apply for speeds exceeding this enhanced threshold.
Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry event, Gadkari confirmed he has directed authorities to refrain from sending notices for speeds up to 120 kmph. This directive specifically addresses concerns on major routes like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, where speed limits typically range between 100 and 120 kmph. “Some people are receiving notices on the road due to speed. I have instructed that no notices should be sent for speeds up to 120 kmph,” Gadkari was quoted as saying. “And even above 120, if someone exceeds it by 20%, let them go. If someone goes beyond this, issue a challan.”
Understanding the 20% Tolerance Margin
Under the minister’s new stance, a driver on an expressway with a 120 kmph limit would not face a challan until their speed exceeds 144 kmph (120 kmph + 20% of 120 kmph). Similarly, on an expressway with a 100 kmph limit, the effective penalty threshold would become 120 kmph (100 kmph + 20% of 100 kmph).
This announcement is expected to bring significant relief to motorists who have frequently received automated speeding notices despite driving within or marginally above official limits. Gadkari’s comments suggest a shift towards focusing enforcement efforts on more egregious overspeeding violations rather than minor fluctuations.
Not a Blanket Increase in Speed Limits
It is crucial to understand that these instructions do not constitute a universal increase in expressway speed limits across India. Drivers must continue to adhere to the specific posted speed limits for each highway and vehicle category. The 20% margin serves as a tolerance for enforcement, not a license to disregard existing regulations.
Alongside these revised enforcement guidelines, Minister Gadkari also advocated for the widespread adoption of AI-based Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS). He emphasized that technology should be utilized to enhance highway safety and compliance while simultaneously minimizing the issuance of unnecessary notices to drivers.
While Gadkari’s remarks signal a potential change in how speeding violations are handled on India’s growing expressway network, a formal gazette notification or legislative amendment would be required to solidify these instructions into universally applicable legal exemptions.