On-the-spot fines back in Chandigarh for traffic offenders; Details Inside
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 20, 2026: The Chandigarh Traffic Police has decided to once again initiate strict action against motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol and tampering with vehicle number plates.
As per the latest directions issued by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), manual challans will now be issued on the spot to violators clearly flouting traffic norms.
The move comes in response to increasing instances of motorists exploiting the existing CCTV-based challan system.
Earlier, following complaints from citizens alleging unnecessary harassment by police personnel, the Director General of Police had discontinued the manual challan system. Since then, traffic challans were being generated solely through CCTV surveillance cameras installed across the city.
However, authorities observed that some drivers began taking undue advantage of the camera-based system. Several motorists were found covering or altering their number plates with tape to avoid identification.
In addition, incidents of vehicles being driven openly on cycle tracks and on the wrong side of the road had also increased.
Under the new directives, traffic personnel have been instructed to stop only those vehicles that are visibly violating traffic rules. Officials clarified that law-abiding drivers will not be stopped or harassed without reason.
The renewed enforcement will particularly target drunk driving cases, with challans to be issued immediately at the spot.
In the past, there were also complaints of vehicles—especially those entering the city from other states—being stopped unnecessarily at entry points.
Taking note of such concerns, the administration has emphasized that strict action will be limited strictly to rule violators, ensuring that compliant citizens do not face inconvenience.