Motorists challenge wrong e-challans issued by AI-powered traffic cameras
Automated enforcement systems have incorrectly fined riders for carrying guitars and wearing turbans, according to a Times of India report.
Motorists in several cities are facing incorrect traffic fines issued by AI-powered cameras, according to the Times of India. Reported errors include a Bengaluru man being fined Rs 500 for a pillion rider not wearing a helmet when he actually had a guitar strapped to his back on September 15.
In Udham Singh Nagar, AI cameras issued 10 helmet challans to Sikh motorists wearing turbans over two months. Assistant regional transport officer (administration) Mohan Kothari said the department has addressed several such complaints from time to time.
In Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda, more than 50,000 erroneous challans were recorded in the first 10 months of 2025. DCP (traffic) Rahul Hegde said smudged plates can cause automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems to confuse digits like 8 and 9.
Other errors include duplicate number plates and database issues. In Pune, a motorist was fined for a violation involving a different vehicle with the same registration number. Police inspector Vijay Bajare said such cases surface regularly and require an application with a registration certificate to cancel the fine.
Additional commissioner of police Pravin Padwal said citizens can challenge e-challans if they submit sufficient evidence. Data from the ministry of road transport and highways shows camera-generated challans rose from 2.04 crore in 2023 to 3.74 crore in 2025.