Weeks after traffic fine hike, Government strengthens traffic violation checks with new radar equipment verification rules

April 18, 2025 by News Desk

Just weeks after the government raised fines for traffic violations, new rules for verifying traffic radar equipment will come into play starting July 1, 2025. These changes are designed to improve road safety and ensure more accurate traffic law enforcement across the country.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, after consulting with various stakeholders, including the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology, manufacturers, and vehicle certification bodies, has notified these regulations.

The new rules require that all “microwave Doppler radar equipment” used to measure vehicle speeds undergo verification and receive official stamping before deployment. These regulations, falling under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, set detailed technical and safety standards to ensure equipment works reliably under all conditions, is tamper-resistant, and provides precise readings.

“The new framework will ensure that radar devices used to measure speed meet international standards, making traffic enforcement more reliable,” the ministry stated.

For the public, these rules will help ensure fair enforcement of speed limits, with accurate readings preventing wrongful fines. This initiative will contribute to road safety by ensuring that traffic violations are based on reliable equipment. For industries involved in radar equipment manufacturing, the regulations provide a clear, internationally aligned framework. Law enforcement agencies will also benefit from more credible and effective devices.

This move towards stringent verification is part of the government’s broader push for data-driven traffic management, aiming to reduce road fatalities and improve road discipline. The regulations also seek to lessen the social and economic impact of road accidents, vehicle damage, and infrastructure wear.

The new radar verification rules follow the recently announced hike in traffic violation fines, set to be enforced from May 1, 2025.

The fines for overspeeding, for instance, have been raised from ₹500 to ₹5,000, and penalties for offenses like drunk driving and using mobile phones while driving have also seen substantial increases. Previously, fines for drunk driving ranged from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, while using a mobile phone while driving carried a ₹1,000 fine. Now, first-time offenders for drunk driving will face a fine of ₹10,000, and repeat offenders could face up to ₹15,000, along with possible jail time. Similarly, the fine for using a mobile phone while driving has risen from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000.

This increase in fines, introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is part of a larger effort to strengthen traffic law enforcement. By ensuring that traffic violations are accurately recorded and appropriately penalized, the government hopes to create a safer and more disciplined road environment, while also increasing revenue from enforcement.

News Desk

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