Road safety enforcement in India has undergone a significant digital transformation. Not long ago, a traffic challan meant being stopped by a police officer and handed a handwritten penalty slip. Today, enforcement is largely automated and technology-driven.

High-speed ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras now monitor vehicles in real time, detect violations instantly and generate an e challan without physical intervention. If you have noticed a camera flash at a signal or received an SMS about a violation, your vehicle was likely captured by this digital system.

Understanding how it works and conducting a timely challan check is essential for every responsible motorist.

What are ANPR cameras and how do they work?

ANPR stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition. These advanced cameras are designed to identify and read vehicle registration numbers in real time.

Here is how ANPR cameras function:

• Image Capture: High-resolution cameras, often supported by infrared sensors, capture clear images of vehicles in all lighting and weather conditions.
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Specialised software extracts the number plate details and converts them into digital text.
• Data Cross-Referencing: The registration number is instantly matched with national vehicle databases to verify ownership, insurance validity and compliance status.

ANPR cameras are commonly installed at traffic signals, highways, toll plazas and busy urban intersections. They operate continuously and form the backbone of modern challan traffic monitoring systems. Because the process is automated, enforcement becomes more consistent and less prone to human error.

How do ANPR cameras generate an e-Challan?

The issuance of an e challan follows a structured digital workflow:

1. Violation Detection: A vehicle commits an offence such as jumping a red light or exceeding the speed limit.

2. Number Plate Capture: ANPR cameras record the registration number.

3. Database Verification: Vehicle ownership details are retrieved from government databases.

4. Traffic Challan Issued: A digital challan is then digitally generated.

5. Notification Sent: The registered owner receives an SMS alert.

6. Challan Check by Owner: The owner performs an online challan check to confirm and pay the penalty.

This automated process ensures that a traffic challan can be issued even without a traffic officer being physically present.

How ANPR-based e-challan system improve road safety in India?

The digital challan traffic system offers several important advantages:

• Transparency: Every traffic challan is supported by digital evidence, reducing disputes and improving accountability.
• Reduced corruption: Automated issuance of an e challan minimises direct interaction between motorists and enforcement officers.
• Faster processing: Violations are detected and recorded instantly, enabling the quick generation of an e-challan.
• Accurate record-keeping: Centralised databases ensure each challan check reflects up-to-date and verifiable information.
• Improved road discipline: Continuous monitoring through ANPR cameras encourages drivers to follow traffic rules more responsibly.

Why should you perform a regular challan check?

Though the drivers always receive an SMS immediately after a violation occurs, but in some cases, due to technical errors, outdated mobile numbers linked to the RTO database, or network issues, can lead to failure in sending notifications.

For this reason, it is advisable to carry out a proactive challan check at least once a month.

• Insurance Renewal Delays: Insurers may review your traffic record before policy renewal.
• RC Transfer Problems: A pending traffic challan can block ownership transfer during resale.
• Legal Escalation: Unpaid fines may be referred to virtual courts, leading to higher penalties.

How to check and pay e-Challans after ANPR detection?

Once an ANPR system records a violation, a digital challan is generated and linked to your vehicle registration details. It is important to verify and settle the penalty promptly to avoid additional charges or legal complications.

How to do an e-Challan check by vehicle number online?

You can use:

• Park+

• Parivahan portal

How to check traffic challan through Park+?

Park+ offers a simpler and faster way to perform an online challan check. The process is designed for convenience and quick access.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the Park+ app or website.

Step 2. Go to the ‘E-challan’ section.

Step 3. Enter your vehicle registration number.

Step 4. Click on ‘Check Challan’.

Step 5. Check all the pending challans instantly.

How to check challan through Parivahan?

The Parivahan eChallan portal is the official government platform for checking and paying traffic penalties.

Follow these steps:

Step 1.Visit the Parivahan eChallan website.

Step 2.Navigate to the challan enquiry section available on the homepage.

Step 3.Enter either of the following vehicle registration number, DL, Challan number.

Step 4.Complete the verification process.

Step 5.Click on the “Get Details” and to get challan details.

How to pay a pending traffic challan online?

After completing the challan check, payment can be made securely using different methods. Settling a pending e challan without delay helps maintain a clean driving record and prevents further complications.

How to pay an e Challan through Park+?

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the Park+ app or website.

Step 2. Perform the steps to review the challan details.

Step 3. Choose a preferred payment method and complete the payment.

How to pay an e Challan through Parivahan?

Follow these steps:

Step 1.Visit the Parivahan e-Challan website.

Step 2.Check pending challans and select the challan for payment.

Step 3.Proceed to choose the payment method.

Step 4.Complete the transaction and a digital receipt will be generated for your records.

What are the common violations caught by the ANPR system

ANPR cameras are not just for speeding. Their utility has expanded to cover a wide array of motoring offences:

1. Over-speeding: Exceeding the prescribed speed limit is automatically detected by speed-monitoring cameras or speed guns and results in an immediate e challan.
2. Red light jumping: Crossing a signal after the light has turned red is captured by surveillance systems and recorded as a serious traffic challan offence.
3. Not wearing a helmet: Two-wheeler riders without proper protective headgear are identified through camera monitoring and penalised digitally.
4. Driving without a seatbelt: Failure to wear a seatbelt, even on short journeys, can trigger an automated e-challan under safety regulations.
5. Lane discipline violations: Improper lane changes or driving in restricted lanes are monitored through ANPR-based systems and may result in a challan.

Challenges around ANPR and e-Challan systems in India

Despite its advantages, the system is not without limitations. Occasionally, incorrect number plate recognition can result in a wrong traffic challan. Technical glitches, outdated vehicle ownership records, or unclear plate images may also cause errors.

Some drivers express concerns regarding privacy and large-scale digital surveillance. However, the primary objective remains traffic regulation and road safety. Conducting a regular online challan check helps detect and address any inaccuracies promptly.