Gurugram: Auto-tech platform CARS24 has released its first-ever CARS24 Challan Report, shedding light on India’s growing traffic violation epidemic.
Titled “The Great Indian Challan Crisis”, the report reveals that in 2024 alone, over ₹12,000 crore worth of traffic fines were issued nationwide—of which ₹9,000 crore remain unpaid, exposing a widespread culture of non-compliance and weak enforcement.
The report paints a worrying picture of traffic indiscipline becoming routine. With over 8 crore challans issued last year, nearly every second registered vehicle in India was penalized. Yet enforcement continues to lag behind, with only 25% of these fines paid.
“Every traffic violation is a silent vote against civic order,” said Gajendra Jangid, Co-Founder of CARS24. “If we want safer cities, we need a cultural shift from compliance out of fear to responsibility out of pride.”
Nationwide Violations: From Helmets to Overloading
The report cites extreme instances across cities. A Bengaluru two-wheeler rider accrued ₹2.91 lakh in fines over 475 violations, while an overloaded truck in Haryana was fined ₹2,00,500. Gurugram alone recorded daily collections of ₹10 lakh through 4,500+ challans, while Noida issued challans worth ₹3 lakh in just one month—only for helmet violations.
Overspeeding was the top offence, accounting for nearly 50% of all challans. Other common violations included not wearing helmets/seatbelts, obstructive parking, and signal jumping. The report found that four-wheelers (55%) and two-wheelers (45%) are nearly equally responsible, debunking myths about any one group being more compliant.
CARS24 Challan Report: The Real Cost of Ignoring Challans
CARS24 Challan Report warns that non-payment of fines is no longer risk-free. Offenders face penalties such as license suspension, RC cancellation, higher insurance premiums, and court summons for repeated defaults. Still, a large portion of the public ignores the consequences, reflecting the need for stricter deterrents.
CARS24 Urges Reform: From Fines to Accountability
To address this crisis, CARS24 recommends:
- Wider adoption of AI-based surveillance and automated challan systems
- Policy reforms for stricter enforcement
- Public education campaigns on road safety
- Enhanced accountability and compliance frameworks
The report concludes with a powerful message: India doesn’t need more challans—it needs more discipline. Until a shift in mindset occurs, violations and road-related dangers will only escalate.
