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Karachi’s newly activated AI based traffic monitoring system launched on October 27 continues to surprise motorists, as many residents are receiving e-challans despite believing they are following the rules. The city’s updated enforcement now includes stricter requirements, leading to confusion, especially among motorcyclists and car passengers.
The system, designed to automatically detect violations, has already improved overall compliance, but DIG Traffic Peer Muhammad Shah clarified that fines are not limited to just seat belt or helmet checks. He explained that
“the cameras are programmed to catch every mandatory safety detail, not just the obvious ones.”
This has resulted in many citizens receiving unexpected penalties.
According to the updated rules, both the motorcycle driver and the pillion rider must wear helmets at all times. Even if the driver is fully compliant, a passenger without a helmet triggers an automatic fine. Similarly, in cars, front-seat passengers must wear seat belts, and the system treats an unbelted passenger the same as an unbelted driver.
DIG Shah also advised delivery riders to keep an extra helmet for any accompanying passenger, warning that failure to do so will result in fines under the new AI enforcement model. Karachi’s traffic authorities say the goal is to reduce road injuries and ensure universal compliance with safety measures as the city modernizes its monitoring system.
