How Contactless Policing Is Changing The Way Drivers Handle Fines

Contactless policing or introducing e-challans has significantly transformed the way traffic violations and fines are managed across the country. The manual, paper-based challan process has been replaced by an automated challan issuance system, which is much more effective than manual issuance.

This new system has clearly led to a notable rise in the number of challans issued in India. Over 8 crore challans were issued in India in 2024 alone.

However, approximately 75% of the challans remain unpaid. So, read more to know how the e-challan system affects the people in India and why a large part of fines remain unpaid.

Impact of Contactless Policing on Driver Behaviour and Fine Management

The e-challan system has been a great initiative by the government that has helped to strengthen the enforcement of the traffic management system in India.

For instance, in Maharashtra, the e challan maharashtra  system recorded 27.76 lakh challans worth ₹470 crores on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway alone in 2024–25.

Below, let us understand how this system is affecting the Indian traffic management process:

1. Faster Fine Processing

ANPR cameras and AI-based systems make it possible for contactless policing to find violations right away. Drivers get digital challans sent straight to their phones, which cuts down on the need for people to get involved and speeds things up.

This quicker process makes things clearer and makes sure that fines are given out quickly and correctly.

2. Fewer Disputes and Human Interactions

There is less need to talk to traffic police in person because violations are recorded digitally. This lessens conflict, bias, and gives clear photographic or video evidence. Drivers feel safer knowing that challans are based on facts and not on their own opinions.

3. Easy online payments

Digital challan check and payment process make it easier for drivers to pay their fines online through apps, websites, or through platforms like ACKO.

This gets rid of waiting in the queue and speeds up compliance. Automated reminders and payment links make things even easier, allowing drivers to handle fines from their smartphones easily.

4. Better Accountability

Every violation is recorded in centralised systems, such as e-challan portals, which keep records that can’t be changed. Drivers can see their past fines, what they still owe, and the details of their violations at any time. This openness helps stop fake charges and encourages safe driving in all cities.

5.  Improved Road Discipline

Drivers are more careful about following the rules at intersections because they know that violations are recorded right away. This consistent enforcement makes people feel responsible, cuts down on repeat offences, and makes roads safer without the need for constant physical policing.

How People Handle Fines After The Enforcement of E-Challan Systems in India?

The e-challan system allows people to conveniently pay their fines on their phones anytime they want. Whereas, people had to go to government offices during working hours to pay challans. So, why do still 75% challans remain unpaid? Let’s know about them in detail.

1.  Lack of Strict Enforcement

Under the One Nation One Challan program, the government created virtual courts, where people who did not pay their challans for up to 90 days will have to settle their case. However, Immediate actions from the Court or RTOs for unpaid challans are rare and slow.

2. Lack of Awareness

Many people in India are still new to technology and hence are not aware that they have been fined. Moreover, people who do not have a driving license linked to their current phone number. They receive all their SMS and notifications on their old and probably inactive phone numbers.

3. Public Mistrust and Fear of Scams

Many people do not open SMSs or notifications out of fear of scams. Currently, a new WhatsApp scam is circulating, featuring APK files named “RTO E-Challan.apk” or “MParivahan.apk” that appear official but contain malware that can steal your data.

4. Lack of Willingness

Many people believe that collecting fines for breaking traffic laws is more of a revenue generation than an attempt to make people comply with the law. This reduces people’s willingness to comply.

5.  Large Fines

The government raised the penalties for traffic law violations by 10 times for most kinds of violations. For example, the fine for no helmet or seatbelt rose from ₹100 to ₹1000, and the fine for signal jumping rose from ₹500 to ₹5000. This is a major reason why people postpone paying fines.

6.  Lack of Affordability and EMI Options

It is hard for middle-class or upper-middle-class people to afford fines as large as ₹5,000 for basic violence. Moreover, there are no EMI options for people to pay their fines in smaller amounts, which makes it even harder for people to comply. Around 38.5% of drivers admit to paying bribes to avoid challans.

7.  Increase in The Number of Challans

The e-challan system strengthened the enforcement of traffic law compliance. It helped to make people comply with traffic laws. However, its strong surveillance capacity made people pile up their challans and increased their reluctance to pay their fines.

The Bottom Line

Contactless policing through e-challans strengthens traffic law enforcement, even without on-ground officers. Yet many drivers still avoid payments due to awareness gaps, affordability issues, and mistrust.

To improve compliance, the government is introducing stricter measures, such as license suspensions and affordable one-time settlement options.

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