Kerala ranks second in imposing fines for traffic violations
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has emerged as the second-highest state in India for imposing fines for traffic violations, despite ranking 10th in the number of vehicles on the road. Since the introduction of the e-Challan system, which allows fines to be paid via mobile phones and AI cameras, police and the Motor Vehicles Department have recorded 92.58 lakh cases of traffic violations. Uttar Pradesh leads the nation with 1.06 crore cases, while Tamil Nadu is in third place with 90 lakh cases.
The e-Challan system was implemented in Kerala in 2020. The introduction of AI cameras last year has increased the speed and efficiency of issuing fines. Of the total cases, the Motor Vehicles Department is responsible for 52.45 lakhs, while the police have issued 40.30 lakh cases. In contrast, in most other states, police typically issue more fines than transport departments. For instance, in Uttar Pradesh, police account for 95.50 lakh cases, with the transport department having only 11.04 lakhs.
The growth of smartphones and AI technology has made it easier to enforce traffic rules through the e-Challan system in Kerala. Officers are able to document traffic violations and issue fines through mobile phone application. Limitations in mobile network coverage have also hindered the implementation of e-Challan in other states. Since the system's launch, there has been a massive increase in fines, totaling Rs 526 crore, of which Rs 123 crore has been received.
Understanding the e-Challan process
If fines are not paid soon through the e-Challan system, the case may go to court. After 30 days, unresolved cases will be transferred to virtual court. If a penalty is imposed, there will be an additional one-month time for online payment. If the fine remains unpaid, the case will escalate to the Chief Judicial Court. To avoid complications, vehicle owners are advised to register their mobile numbers in vehicle records and pay fines online as soon as they receive notifications.