Nagpur: In 2024, the Nagpur Traffic Police issued a staggering 13.67 lakh challans, collecting fines worth Rs 14.22 crore. While this marked a significant step toward improving traffic discipline, it also revealed a stark disparity in enforcement. Two-wheeler riders faced the brunt of the penalties, while four-wheeler drivers appeared to receive comparatively lenient treatment.

Unequal Enforcement: The Numbers Speak

Two-wheeler riders accounted for the majority of violations, with 8.92 lakh challans issued for helmet rule violations alone—an increase of 2.5 lakh cases compared to 2023. Additionally, 31,516 two-wheeler riders were penalized for triple-seat riding.

In contrast, only 25,756 challans were issued for seatbelt violations in 2024, a sharp drop from 35,367 in 2023—a 27% decrease. Similarly, black film violations on four-wheelers saw a reduction, with just 7,760 challans issued in 2024, compared to 8,933 in the previous year.

Perception of Discrimination:

Critics argue that the focus on two-wheelers highlights a clear bias in enforcement. Despite traffic violations such as seatbelt non-compliance and black film usage being rampant among four-wheeler drivers, enforcement against these offenses has declined.

Many two-wheeler riders see this as a case of discrimination, questioning why they face harsher scrutiny while four-wheeler drivers seem to escape stringent action.

Police Explain the Disparity:

DCP (Traffic) Archit Chandak defended the enforcement, stating that violations involving two-wheelers, such as helmet non-compliance and triple-seat riding, are easier to detect. “Spotting seatbelt violations through CCTV cameras is more challenging. Additionally, manufacturers have implemented seatbelt warning systems, increasing compliance among four-wheeler drivers,” Chandak explained.

He further added that drivers often fasten seatbelts when they notice traffic police, making it difficult to catch them in the act.

Public Concerns Over Biased Enforcement:

The apparent leniency toward four-wheeler drivers has raised concerns about fairness in traffic enforcement. Activists argue that prioritizing easier-to-spot violations while overlooking others undermines the goal of equitable traffic safety.

With nearly 9 lakh helmet rule violations penalized but fewer actions against seatbelt violations and black film usage, questions about enforcement priorities continue to mount.