The Panchkula traffic police have reported an unprecedented surge in the number of challans issued for key traffic violations in 2025, with a particularly shocking rise in cases related to invalid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and third-party insurance. The dramatic increase is attributed to a new automated software system that has significantly enhanced enforcement capabilities on the city's roads.
Software Crackdown Leads to Massive Fine Spike
Official data reveals a staggering leap in challans for PUC certificate violations. From a mere 207 challans in 2024, the number exploded to 27,939 in 2025. Similarly, penalties for vehicles operating without valid or expired third-party insurance saw a monumental jump from 215 in 2024 to 24,324 last year.
Traffic police officials explained that this record-breaking enforcement is primarily due to a newly implemented software system from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This system automatically detects and issues online challans for these two specific violations whenever a vehicle is flagged for a third traffic rule infraction.
"Many people do not have these two valid documents and they do not realise that the combined challans get issued online," a traffic police official stated. "The PUC certificate costs only Rs 50, but its fine is as huge as Rs 10,000. Insurance-related violations also attract Rs 2,000 fine for the first and Rs 4,000 for the subsequent violation. So, it is all the more important to have these valid documents."
Across-the-Board Rise in Traffic Penalties
The enforcement drive was not limited to documentation. Panchkula witnessed a significant increase in challans for a wide range of traffic offences in 2025 compared to the previous year:
- Driving without a valid license: Challans doubled from 1,000 to 2,009.
- Drunk driving: Penalties intensified, rising from 2,276 to 4,501.
- Wrong-side driving: Violations increased from 6,668 to 9,682.
- Riding without a helmet: Remained high, climbing from 57,877 to 64,419.
- Wrong parking: Cases almost doubled, jumping from 3,428 to 8,038.
- Tripling on two-wheelers: Increased from 2,094 to 3,677.
- Seat belt violations: Notable rises were seen for both drivers (1,075 to 2,626) and front-seat passengers (642 to 1,485).
- Non-standard number plates: Violations rose from 7,822 to 11,184.
Stricter Enforcement for Road Safety
The overall picture confirms a major crackdown. The total number of traffic challans in Panchkula jumped from 92,213 in 2024 to 152,435 in 2025, marking a substantial increase in monitoring and penalties.
Authorities have clarified that this surge reflects a focused and sustained drive against major violations. Officials shared that the year 2025 saw more nakas (checkpoints) and awareness campaigns. The consistent enforcement, powered by technology, aims to instill disciplined driving practices and ultimately reduce accidents on the roads of Panchkula. The message from the traffic police is clear: ensure all your vehicle documents are valid and adhere to traffic rules to avoid hefty fines.
