Hyderabad police consider linking traffic fines to FASTag

Hyderabad traffic authorities are exploring a new system to collect traffic fines directly from motorists’ FASTag accounts. Cyberabad Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sunpreet Singh confirmed the plans on August 23, according to a Siasat Daily report. The proposal has been discussed with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), and authorities are awaiting a formal response.

The proposal was revealed during a road-safety discussion held as part of the Society for Cyberabad Security Council’s 20th anniversary. Singh stated that authorities are actively examining greater use of technology for traffic rule enforcement, moving away from conventional methods.

The proposal, however, remains under consideration. Specific details on how fines would be deducted from FASTag accounts or when the system might be implemented have not yet been determined. Procedures for contesting a fine before deduction have also not been outlined.

Singh emphasized that penalties alone cannot ensure lasting changes in driving behavior, even if they "pinch the pocket." He also suggested using technology to identify and encourage drivers who adhere to road-safety rules.

The idea of using FASTag for fine collection is not new. A similar proposal was made in Delhi in December 2023 by Ashish Kundra, then Transport Secretary, to improve e-challan collection, citing low payment rates. The proposal, however, raises technical and legal questions regarding authorization for deductions and coverage across vehicle types, as motorcycles typically do not use FASTag.