A recent report has brought to light significant concerns regarding the responsible maintenance of vehicles in India. Despite a surge in vehicle ownership, a large number of motorists are neglecting fundamental legal obligations such as insurance and pollution checks. Despite the implementation of stricter regulations and increased awareness about road safety, millions of vehicles in the country continue to operate without valid insurance or a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). These revelations are part of the latest ORBIT data study conducted by CARS24. Here are some key findings from the report. According to the report, over 50 percent of vehicles in India do not possess valid insurance, with two-wheelers contributing significantly to this statistic. Moreover, states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu exhibit less than 30 percent compliance with PUCC regulations. The report indicates that despite the annual increase in the number of vehicles, adherence to legal and environmental standards is not keeping pace.
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Interestingly, the data also indicates that southern states like Andhra Pradesh and Kerala have slightly better average compliance rates at around 9.6 percent, while northern states lag behind at 5.6 percent. In northern regions, the primary issue is the prevalence of lapsed or expired insurance, whereas in the south, PUCC violations remain a focal point. Maharashtra records an enforcement rate of merely 1.9 percent, while Rajasthan stands out with a relatively higher rate of 6.74 percent. The study also sheds light on the usage of FASTags. Between June 2024 and June 2025, FASTag toll collections have increased by 17.53 percent, with an average FASTag wallet balance of Rs 408. While this suggests a rise in digital toll payments, the absence of essential vehicle documents indicates a disparity between digital adoption and legal compliance. Another significant concern is the substantial backlog of unpaid traffic fines. Since 2015, traffic fines totaling Rs 5.11 lakh crore have been issued. However, only Rs 1.92 lakh crore has been settled thus far, leaving Rs 3.18 lakh crore pending in court. Approximately 7.69 crore challans are awaiting resolution.
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