PANAJI
In a late but telling move, the State has sought a report by the end of this week on the alleged illegal collection of traffic fines, after official records revealed that a sweeping, technology-led crackdown may have run ahead of the law meant to govern it.
The development comes following disclosures obtained by The Goan through the Right to Information Act showing that traffic police issued thousands of challans including for speeding and drunken driving before obtaining approval for the electronic devices used to detect and record violations. This generated over Rs 3 crore fines since last two years.
Under Rule 167-A of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, such equipment must be tested and certified for accuracy by a designated authority. Records indicated that this certification was granted only on February 20, 2026, long after enforcement had already generated substantial revenue.
By the government’s own accounting, traffic drives up to February brought in roughly Rs 3.24 crore. The gap between deployment and certification raised the possibility that penalties imposed during that period may not withstand legal scrutiny, leaving the State vulnerable to challenges and potential refund claims.
Official sources have now told The Goan that within the administration, the issue has triggered unease. Complicating it further is the Traffic Department’s alleged defence to its higher ups.
Sources said officials justified that the central framework for automated enforcement applies to 132 cities with populations exceeding 10 lakh, category that does not include Goa.
Yet that position sits uneasily alongside the department’s own record as RTI replies, available with The Goan, show that certification for enforcement devices was eventually obtained. The certification itself came after the RTI documents were filed.
So also, mobile phones do not fall within the category of certified enforcement tools under the rules. Even devices that would ordinarily qualify such as speed radar guns and body-worn cameras were formally validated only in February this year, after most of the enforcement activity had already taken place.
"As of now, there are indications whether the department will revisit fines issued before certification or outline a process to address claims from motorists. All this will be decided after a detailed report from the Traffic Department," sources said.
