Unpaid fines a dampener on MVD’s AI-powered crackdown

MVD struggles to collect ₹40 crore in unpaid fines from Kozhikode motorists despite AI camera enforcement.

Despite the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) ramping up enforcement with AI-powered cameras to curb traffic violations, a large number of fines issued to motorists in Kozhikode district remain unpaid.

Since the launch of camera-based enforcement in June 2023, the department has observed widespread non-payment of fines by violators, who may soon face stringent court proceedings and higher penalties as per the Central government rules.

MVD sources said the department was yet to recover around ₹40 crore in fines imposed for various violations detected using artificial intelligence (AI) cameras from June 2023 to February 2025 in the district. The majority of violations were related to mobile phone use while driving, helmetless ride, triple riding, and driving without seat belts, they added.

In the district, 55 AI cameras were actively used to detect traffic violations during the period. Though there are 60 cameras in total, a few are non-functional due to technical issues. To coordinate AI-based enforcement, the MVD also operates a control room at Chevayur with the support of a 15-member team.

“While some motorists are suspected of deliberately ignoring fine payments, others are barely aware of the fines imposed. Messages are sent to violators in time to ensure payment and prevent further actions, including blacklisting of vehicles,” said a senior MVD official. He added that some cases of motorists using evasion tactics to dodge AI cameras were also under investigation.

MVD officials said the number of traffic rule violations detected through AI cameras was steadily rising. Last month alone, over 33,000 cases were recorded in the district, with around 20,000 related to helmetless ride. Most of the remaining cases involved travelling without seat belts.