Traffic cops get updated e-challan devices

Unlike the devices in use currently, the updated devices are linked to all RTOs across the country using Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Vahan and Sarathi ecosystems through a sophisticated software developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), New Delhi.

The moment a traffic policeman enters the vehicle registration number and driving license number into the device, it will show all the details of the vehicle’s owner with photographs. Officials said that it will help the police find whether the documents are genuine. “Also, as the device is integrated with all RTOs through Vahan and Sarathi websites, the police can check if a particular vehicle is involved in any offence in any other State, apart from booking vehicles of other States and sending the details to the respective RTOs. “In case of not honouring the penalty anywhere in the country, vehicle owners will be denied fitness certificate for the vehicle or face issues when they want to transfer ownership,” the official said. The device also has a facility to directly recommend suspension of driving licence with an RTO concerned through the digital medium.

While traffic enforcement police have so far been using a separate Point of Sale (PoS) machine to collect fine using debit or credit cards, the new device has this facility included and henceforth they need not carry two different devices. Those who do not have debit/credit cards can continue to pay the fine either through Paytm or at the government e-seva centres and post offices, a scheme which was introduced on May 10, 2018, as part of the cashless fine system to keep the fine collection transparent.

The new e-challan machines also have a camera to take photos of the violators and vehicles and link them with thecase details. Senior officer can monitor the devices on a real time basis usingGoogle Maps. While traffic police have already started using the new device from Friday, officials expect that it will help them book more violators.