Udupi: The Udupi district police are yet to collect nearly Rs 40 lakh in traffic fines generated through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, with 6,980 challans remaining unpaid since the system was introduced on May 20.
According to the traffic police, a total of 11,797 challans have been generated for violations such as riding without helmets, driving without seatbelts, speeding, triple riding and driving on the wrong side. So far, the department has collected Rs 27,60,500 from 4,817 challans, while payments for the remaining violations are pending.
The police continue to collect fines from motorists caught violating traffic rules at major junctions and roadsides. However, ANPR-based violations are recorded by cameras, with notices sent directly to the registered vehicle owners’ residences by post.
Nearly 7,000 challans remain unpaid
Since the ANPR camera system became operational on May 20, the department has issued challans for several categories of traffic violations.
The recorded offences include 4,947 cases of driving without seatbelts, 3,991 cases of riding two-wheelers without helmets, 1,706 speeding violations, 131 cases of triple riding and 1,022 instances of driving on the wrong side.
The fines vary according to the nature of the offence and the type of vehicle. Driving without a seatbelt and riding without a helmet attract a fine of Rs 500 each. Speeding fines are Rs 500 for two-wheelers, Rs 1,000 for cars and Rs 2,000 for heavy vehicles. Triple riding and driving on the wrong side attract fines of Rs 500.
The department has collected payments against 4,817 challans, but 6,980 challans are still awaiting settlement. The pending amount is estimated at nearly Rs 40 lakh.
Police officials said there are currently no pending dues from on-the-spot fines, as motorists generally pay immediately or opt for court settlement where applicable. Drunk-driving cases are dealt with exclusively through the court.
ANPR violations and fines at a glance
| Traffic violation | Challans issued | Applicable fine |
|---|---|---|
| Driving without a seatbelt | 4,947 | Rs 500 |
| Riding without a helmet | 3,991 | Rs 500 |
| Speeding | 1,706 | Rs 500–Rs 2,000 |
| Driving on the wrong side | 1,022 | Rs 500 |
| Triple riding | 131 | Rs 500 |
| Total | 11,797 | — |
The figures show that seatbelt and helmet violations account for the largest share of challans generated through the camera system.
Motorists waiting for another rebate
Police officials believe some motorists are delaying payment in the hope that the government will announce another 50% rebate on pending traffic fines.
A similar concession was offered in July and ended on July 10. During the rebate period, several motorists reportedly cleared their outstanding challans by paying half the original fine amount.
More than 18 cases were also settled at Rs 250 instead of Rs 500 under the earlier rebate scheme.
However, there is no guarantee that another discount will be announced. Waiting for a possible concession could leave motorists with outstanding dues and expose them to further action under the applicable rules.
The police have urged violators to clear their pending challans instead of waiting for another rebate announcement.
Police warn of action against long-pending fines
Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar has warned that motorists who fail to pay their fines for more than six months will be summoned to the respective police stations.
Unlike fines collected directly at the roadside, ANPR-generated challans are communicated to offenders through notices sent by post. Motorists are expected to settle the amount within the stipulated period.
Failure to pay within the prescribed timeframe could lead to further complications, particularly when vehicle-related documents require renewal or verification.
The police have stressed that camera-based enforcement is intended to identify violations consistently and improve compliance with traffic rules. Motorists are advised to check their challan status and settle outstanding payments through the authorised channels.
Unpaid fines could affect vehicle documents
The report also highlights potential consequences for vehicles with unpaid traffic fines. Directions attributed to the Supreme Court have called for action concerning Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and the renewal of Registration Certificates (RC) in cases involving outstanding traffic dues.
Such measures could affect motorists who allow their challans to remain unpaid for extended periods. Vehicle owners should verify the current rules and any applicable orders before assuming that pending fines can be deferred indefinitely.
With nearly 7,000 ANPR challans still unpaid, the Udupi police face the task of recovering the outstanding amount while ensuring that motorists comply with traffic regulations.
The department’s warning signals that motorists who continue to ignore camera-generated notices may face further action, particularly if their fines remain unpaid for more than six months.