DRIVING licenses no longer have to be examined annually to verify traffic violations.

In a new rule which took effect Thursday, according to Tuesday's Shenzhen Daily, traffic violations would now attract points, said sources from the traffic police bureau.

Points will be allotted for each traffic offence and when a total of 12 is reached, the license will be suspended. The license holders will then be required to join traffic safety classes and take a test before their licenses can be renewed. Once they pass the test, they start with a clean sheet.

According to the bureau, drivers will have the right to question alleged traffic violations recorded by electronic devices, such as running red lights, speeding or traffic violations where a car is stolen.

In another development to eradicate exhaust pollution, police are now required to check vehicles with black exhaust emissions and take pictures for evidence. Combining with the municipal environmental protection bureau early this year, the traffic police bureau established six checkpoints in the special economic zone to concentrate on inspecting vehicle exhaust systems.

Source: Xinhua