Report Highlights High Percentage of Uninsured Vehicles and Low Compliance with Pollution Norms in India
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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Uttarkashi Cloudburst Horror: Flash Floods Sweep Away Village, People Seen Running For Their Lives
DEHRADUN: A man narrowly escaped death after the flash flood swept through Dharali village in Uttarkashi on Tuesday, triggering a massive pile of debris. He was seen crawling out from the rubble, covered in mud and visibly injured, moments after the deadly waters destroyed homes, shops, and roads in seconds. The man's identity and his current condition remained unknown as of Tuesday evening, but widely circulated videos have already hailed him as a hero. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he was later taken to hospital or rescued by disaster response teams.
Can Vijay be the Next MGR in Tamil Nadu Elections?
A huge poster of actor Vijay stares down from the wall. A digital signboard flashes: 285 days, 3 hours, 43 minutes and 46 seconds, a countdown to the 2026 assembly election in Tamil Nadu. Scores of people sit glued to screens, fingers flying over keyboards, some others are on mobile phones trying to reach voters in remote hamlets. The Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) war room in Chennai is fully activated.
Man Loses Leg in 'Phatka Gang' Attack on Moving Train in Kalyan
KALYAN: A 22-year-old farmer from Nashik suffered a partial amputation of his left leg after being hit by the notorious 'Phatka gang' near Kalyan. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while Gaurav Nikam was travelling on the Tapovan Express from Thane to Nashik. According to Kalyan GRP, the incident happened between Shahad and Ambivli railway stations when the train slowed down near Irani Pada. Nikam was on a phone call near the train door when a minor boy from outside struck his hand with a
Allegations of Fraudulent Surrogacy Practices Surface at Hyderabad Fertility Clinic
HYDERABAD: Gopalapuram police have registered five new cases against the head of Srushti Fertility Clinic Dr Athaluri Namratha alias Pachipala Namratha, and others based on complaints lodged by five sets of victims. While in one case a couple alleged that the doctor handed them a baby whose DNA did not match theirs, three other couples accused the clinic of adopting dubious methods. They claimed that they had already paid the money â anywhere from Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 19 lakh â and even deposited their biological samples when they grew suspicious about the operations of Dr Namratha and her clinic. The frauds occurred between 2019 and 2025. Cops are yet to ascertain details of the fifth case.
Uttarkashi Cloudburst Horror: Flash Floods Sweep Away Village, People Seen Running For Their Lives
DEHRADUN: A man narrowly escaped death after the flash flood swept through Dharali village in Uttarkashi on Tuesday, triggering a massive pile of debris. He was seen crawling out from the rubble, covered in mud and visibly injured, moments after the deadly waters destroyed homes, shops, and roads in seconds. The man's identity and his current condition remained unknown as of Tuesday evening, but widely circulated videos have already hailed him as a hero. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he was later taken to hospital or rescued by disaster response teams.
Can Vijay be the Next MGR in Tamil Nadu Elections?
A huge poster of actor Vijay stares down from the wall. A digital signboard flashes: 285 days, 3 hours, 43 minutes and 46 seconds, a countdown to the 2026 assembly election in Tamil Nadu. Scores of people sit glued to screens, fingers flying over keyboards, some others are on mobile phones trying to reach voters in remote hamlets. The Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) war room in Chennai is fully activated.
Man Loses Leg in 'Phatka Gang' Attack on Moving Train in Kalyan
KALYAN: A 22-year-old farmer from Nashik suffered a partial amputation of his left leg after being hit by the notorious 'Phatka gang' near Kalyan. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while Gaurav Nikam was travelling on the Tapovan Express from Thane to Nashik. According to Kalyan GRP, the incident happened between Shahad and Ambivli railway stations when the train slowed down near Irani Pada. Nikam was on a phone call near the train door when a minor boy from outside struck his hand with a
Allegations of Fraudulent Surrogacy Practices Surface at Hyderabad Fertility Clinic
HYDERABAD: Gopalapuram police have registered five new cases against the head of Srushti Fertility Clinic Dr Athaluri Namratha alias Pachipala Namratha, and others based on complaints lodged by five sets of victims. While in one case a couple alleged that the doctor handed them a baby whose DNA did not match theirs, three other couples accused the clinic of adopting dubious methods. They claimed that they had already paid the money â anywhere from Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 19 lakh â and even deposited their biological samples when they grew suspicious about the operations of Dr Namratha and her clinic. The frauds occurred between 2019 and 2025. Cops are yet to ascertain details of the fifth case.
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Tesla Leases 33,000 Sq Ft Space in Gurugram to Open Second Showroom in India
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Mahindra Teases Vision SXT Pickup Concept Ahead of Annual Showcase
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Tesla Prepares to Launch Robotaxi Service in San Francisco
Tesla is gearing up to introduce its robotaxi service in San Francisco this weekend, marking a significant milestone in its autonomous vehicle journey. Following a successful trial in Austin, Texas, where a limited fleet operated within a geofenced area, Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has pivoted the company's focus towards robots and self-driving taxis. The upcoming launch will initially be by invitation only, with safety being a top priority as Tesla navigates regulatory challenges.
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India-UK Free Trade Agreement: Impact on Luxury Car Imports
Luxury car buyers in India might have a reason to celebrate. India and the United Kingdom have officially signed a Free Trade Agreement that promises to bring down import duties on premium British cars - but only to a certain extent. This means that only select models and only in limited numbers, will qualify for the lower import tax. Here's why.
India-UK FTA: Key details
As part of the FTA, India will slash tariffs on automotive imports from the UK from the existing 100–110 per cent
Honda CB125 Hornet Launched: A New Challenger in the 125cc Segment
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has officially launched the CB125 Hornet, pricing it at Rs 1.12 lakh, ex-showroom. Unveiled just recently, this new offering now becomes the most premium bike in Honda’s 125cc lineup. Positioned above the Shine and SP125, the CB125 Hornet is set to challenge segment leaders like the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R. Here’s what makes this new contender has to offer.
Two-Wheeler Sales Report: July 2025 Overview
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has claimed the top spot in two-wheeler sales for July 2025, pushing Hero MotoCorp to second place. Honda clocked a total of 5,15,378 units, which includes 4,66,331 units sold in the domestic market and 49,047 units exported overseas.
Delhi Traffic Police's New Initiative: Reporting Traffic Offences for Rewards
Delhi Traffic Police has come up with a new way to not only curb violations but also reward vigilant citizens. The department has relaunched the Traffic Prahari app, a platform that lets users report violations. With the app, users can easily report traffic violations they witness in real time. All they need to do is register on the app using their phone number and email ID. Once registered, they can upload photos or videos of traffic rule violations directly through the app. The best part? Peop
India to Make Two BIS-Certified Helmets Mandatory with Every New Two-Wheeler Sold
India is set to take a major step forward in two-wheeler safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently proposed a change to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. This proposal will require manufacturers to provide two BIS-certified helmets - one for the rider and one for the pillion - with every new two-wheeler sold in the country starting January 2026. The objective is to promote safer riding habits and reduce road fatalities, especially among pillion riders who often do not wear helmets. Dealerships will also need to deliver both helmets at the time of vehicle handover.
For an industry that has long struggled with poor safety awareness and widespread use of fake helmets, this new regulation could bring about much-needed change. According to Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird, this rule could lead to a significant increase in helmet demand. Kapur mentioned that if every new two-wheeler comes with two helmets, the annual requirement could exceed 4 crore helmets. However, a challenge lies ahead as India's actual production capacity for genuine ISI-certified helmets is only around 3 crore units per year, leaving a substantial gap.
The proposed rule aligns with the government's broader efforts to reduce road fatalities, with over 1.5 lakh deaths reported annually in India due to road accidents, a significant portion of which involve two-wheeler riders. Steelbird, one of India's largest helmet manufacturers, is already heavily investing in automation and plant expansion. The company plans to introduce 75 new helmet models over the next five years, catering to various segments from budget to premium.
Despite these positive steps, the issue of fake helmets remains a concern. Approximately half of the helmets used on Indian roads are counterfeit, lacking safety standards and providing inadequate protection. Kapur emphasized the importance of strong enforcement to ensure that only genuine ISI-marked products are sold and that any law mandating two helmets per vehicle must have robust checks in place.
Kapur believes that effective enforcement of this law will not only save more lives but also help eliminate counterfeit helmet suppliers from the market.
Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.