Are Cameras Wrongly Fining You? Common Reasons for Wrong E-Challans in Mumbai

The e-challan system in Mumbai was introduced to make traffic enforcement smarter and more transparent. But over time, many motorists have begun to question whether these automated systems are always accurate. From wrong number-plate detection to poor image evidence, thousands of Mumbaikars have faced fines for violations they never committed.

Let’s explore the most common reasons behind wrong e-challans in Mumbai, what you can do if you receive one, and how to verify its authenticity online.

1. Camera or ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) Errors

The Mumbai Traffic Police relies heavily on AI-based cameras and ANPR systems to capture violations like signal jumps, speeding, and no-parking offences. However, these systems are not perfect.

Common issues include:

• Blurry images or unclear number plates during night or rain.
• Misreads due to fancy or damaged plates.
• Camera angle or reflection errors, especially on wet roads.
• Overlapping vehicles, where the camera tags the wrong one.

These errors lead to innocent owners getting fined, while the real offenders go unnoticed.

2. Duplicate or Multiple Challans for the Same Violation

In several instances, multiple cameras installed close to each other issue separate challans for the same act — for example, two cameras detecting the same signal jump or wrong-lane movement.

The result? A single offence sometimes results in two or three separate e-challans, confusing the vehicle owner. Though the Traffic Department occasionally reverses duplicates, there’s no automatic correction system yet.

3. Vehicle Ownership and RC Transfer Delays

Another major cause of wrong challans in Mumbai arises from delayed updates in the RC (Registration Certificate) database. When someone sells a vehicle but the new buyer doesn’t update ownership records on Parivahan or at the RTO, all future challans continue to be issued under the old owner’s name. Many people learn about these fines months later when trying to renew insurance or sell another vehicle.

4. GPS and Location Tagging Errors

E-challan systems rely on GPS to tag where a violation occurred. However, due to network delays or calibration issues, the tagged location may be incorrect. It’s not uncommon for motorists to receive challans for places they never visited — like a driver in Andheri getting a ticket for a violation at Dadar. Such errors are hard to dispute because there’s no detailed route log or real-time tracking to compare with.

5. Camera Calibration and Maintenance Issues

Most traffic cameras require regular cleaning and calibration. In Mumbai’s dusty and humid climate, lenses can easily collect dirt or moisture.

When cameras are not maintained, they may:

• Misread speed or movement.
• Record partial number plates.
• Capture outdated frames, issuing delayed challans for earlier activity.

These problems have increased as more high-traffic zones get automated monitoring.

6. Insufficient Photo or Video Evidence

Many users report that the e-challan photo often shows only the number plate, not the actual violation.

For example:

• A car may appear parked on a curb, but the photo doesn’t show the signboard marking it as a no-parking area.
• A helmet-related challan might not clearly show whether the rider was actually wearing one.

When such limited evidence is used, genuine appeals often get rejected due to “insufficient proof”.

7. System Sync Delays Between Parivahan and MTP Portals

Mumbai Traffic Police uses both Parivahan (MoRTH) and MTP (Mumbai Traffic Police) systems. Sometimes, challans issued on one platform don’t appear immediately on the other. This leads to:

• Old challans reappearing after months.
• Paid challans showing as pending.
• Confusion during virtual court hearings.

These sync delays cause unnecessary anxiety and duplicate payments.

8. Virtual Court and Grievance Redressal Challenges

While the virtual court was meant to simplify dispute resolution, many citizens find it complicated.

Common complaints include:

• Missed hearing links or failed logins.
• Appeals rejected without explanation.
• Delays in reflecting paid challans or cleared cases.

Additionally, not all citizens are tech-savvy or have reliable internet access, making the process inaccessible for many.

9. Wrong Challans for Electric Vehicles (EVs)

EV owners in Mumbai are now facing a new set of issues:

• ANPR systems not recognizing newer EV number plate formats (green backgrounds).
• Incorrect tagging for silent EVs in noise-restricted zones.
• Mismatch between vehicle type and challan category (e.g., petrol vehicle fine applied to EV).

These errors are still rare but increasing as EV adoption grows.

10. Fake E-Challan Messages and Scams

Amidst legitimate confusion, scammers have entered the scene. Mumbai Cyber Police recently reported cases where people received WhatsApp or SMS messages with fake payment links like “Pay ₹500 challan now”. Once clicked, these links either install malicious apps or steal bank information.

Always remember:

• Verify challan details only on echallan.parivahan.gov.in or the MTP app.
• Never click on third-party links or download any APK claiming instant challan clearance.

FAQs

1. Where can I check my e-challan details?

Ans: You can visit echallan.parivahan.gov.in or trafficpolicemumbai.maharashtra.gov.in to view pending challans.

2. What should I verify before paying?

Ans: Check the photo evidence carefully — confirm date, location, and vehicle type.

3. What if the challan is wrong?

Ans: File a grievance through the MTP app or visit the Worli Traffic HQ grievance desk before making payment.

4. Should I pay immediately if I feel the challan is incorrect?

Ans: No — wait for an appeal response or virtual court notice if the challan is clearly invalid.

Conclusion

Mumbai’s traffic cameras are transforming the city’s enforcement system, but the transition hasn’t been perfect. Errors in detection, outdated databases, and tech glitches have created confusion for honest motorists. As authorities continue to improve transparency, citizens should stay alert, check their challans regularly, and use only official websites for verification. By being informed and proactive, you can protect yourself from wrong e-challans and contribute to a safer, smarter Mumbai traffic system.