In 2024, a total of 8 crore challans worth Rs. 12,000 crore were issued in India. In 49% cases, the offence is overspeeding, then helmet and seatbelt non-compliance at 19%. Around 18% of violations were jumping signals and wrong-side driving, while the remaining 14% were obstructive parking.
Earlier, there were paper challans, which were complex to issue, report and collect fines. Now, the whole process has been replaced by e-challan, which is more accurate thanks to AI-based detection and also transparent.
States including Maharashtra utilise Automated Traffic Enforcement Systems (ATES) to monitor and report traffic rule violations and issue Maharashtra traffic challan.
So, let us take a look at how digital fines have become a game-changer in the Indian road management system.
Issues With the Traditional Traffic Enforcement System
The manual traffic enforcement system is rife with inaccuracies, biased decisions, complex reporting, and more. These are the 5 key reasons for adopting smart traffic systems:
- Time and Resource Constraints
Manual traffic enforcement was extremely complex. It gives officers little time for actual traffic management. With growing numbers of vehicles, insufficient manpower means many violations may go unchecked.
- Corruption and Lack of Accountability
Cash-based paper challans encouraged bribery, with officers sometimes pocketing fines. The lack of transparent records made audits difficult and enabled harassment or data manipulation.
- No Tracking of Repeat Offenders
The old system lacked digital history, so repeat violators faced no escalated penalties, allowing dangerous driving patterns to continue unchecked.
- Ineffective Deterrence
Weak enforcement and inconsistent penalties failed to discourage violations, making reckless driving common and normalised.
- Data Loss and Record Management Issues
Paper records were prone to loss, damage, or tampering. There was no centralised database, making follow-ups and systematic fine collection nearly impossible. Online challan check helps check violation history easily and can be stored for years.
Key Components of a Smart Traffic System
Smart traffic systems are a combination of different components, including cameras, command and control rooms, Vehicle‑Actuated Speed Display, etc. These are 5 key components:
1. CCTV Surveillance Networks
Cities deploy extensive CCTV networks for round-the-clock traffic monitoring. Bengaluru, for instance, uses 75 ITeMS cameras to detect violations such as helmet non-compliance, pillion rider violations, seat belt lapses, and signal jumping.
2. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
ANPR uses image/video analytics to read vehicle license plates. It is widely used in law enforcement, toll collection, and traffic monitoring. It uses high-resolution cameras to read plates in real time and cross-check them against RTO databases.
3. Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD)
Automated high-resolution cameras at intersections capture signal violations, including stopping past red marks or crossing over zebra crossings. Thus, it generates digital evidence for challans. Ahmedabad expanded its RLVD network in 2024 under the Safe and Secure Ahmedabad (SASA) initiative.
4. Integrated Traffic Management Systems (ITMS)
Centralised command centres monitor live feeds and dashboards. Agra uses 200+ AI-based systems for automated challans. Delhi integrates 535 ANPR cameras with video analytics for driver identification.
How Digital E-Challan System Work?
The process starts with the violation detection through a modern, AI-based CCTV camera and works in this flow:
1. Violation Detection:
Traffic violations are detected using tools such as CCTV cameras, speed guns, and automated systems. These tools capture pictures or videos of the vehicle breaking the rules, along with the vehicle’s number plate and details of the violation.
2. Data Processing:
The captured information is processed electronically to create an e-challan for the violation. This includes the details of the offence and the fine amount.
3. Notification to the Offender:
The person who broke the traffic rule gets a notification about the e-challan through SMS or email. The notification will include information about the violation, including the date, time, and fine.
4. Online Payment:
Vehicle owners can pay the fine online using government websites or apps. Payment methods include credit/debit cards, net banking, and other digital options.
5. Challan Status and Receipt:
Once the offender pays the fine, the vehicle owner can check the status of their E-Challan to confirm it is cleared. After payment, the system generates a digital receipt as proof.
Owners can check any pending fines by entering the vehicle number on the official e-challan website echallan.parivahan.gov.in.
Final Word
Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) act as a strong deterrent against violations. Knowing that AI-enabled systems monitor roads encourages drivers to follow rules. Automated systems reduce human involvement, minimise corruption, and enhance transparency. Overall, India’s intelligent traffic systems mark a big step toward streamlined enforcement and disciplined driving, creating smoother, safer, and more organised roads for everyone.