Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Traffic Police has dismissed allegations questioning the legality of traffic fines amounting to nearly Rs 3 crore, asserting that all enforcement actions are being carried out in strict compliance with existing laws.
The clarification comes in response to recent reports and an editorial that suggested traffic enforcement in the State lacked mandatory certification under Rule 167-A of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
In an official statement, the department maintained that its primary focus remains improving road safety and reducing accidents, adding that enforcement measures are both lawful and transparent.
Officials explained that Rule 167-A, introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in August 2021, applies specifically to electronic monitoring and automated challan generation systems. The rule mandates certification only for devices used in such automated setups.
“The Goa Traffic Police does not operate any automated challan generation system,” the statement clarified. “All challans are issued manually by enforcement personnel after verifying data from devices like alcometers and speed radar guns. Hence, Rule 167-A provisions are not applicable in this context.”
The department further pointed out that enforcement tools such as alcometers, radar guns, and body-worn cameras have been in use for several years and have contributed to better compliance and safer roads across the State.
Addressing another aspect of the reports, the police noted that the requirement for deploying electronic enforcement systems in “Million Plus” cities does not apply to Goa, as none of its urban centres fall under that category.
Reiterating its stance, the Traffic Police urged the public to rely on verified information, stressing that its enforcement framework remains legally sound and aimed at public safety rather than revenue generation.
