The Bihar government has introduced an automated system at toll plazas that instantly fines drivers without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Integrated with FASTag technology and operational at 32 toll booths, the system captures vehicle data, cross-references it with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) vehicle portal, and automatically issues e-challans if any required documents like the PUC, insurance, or fitness certificate are missing. The fine for not having a valid PUC can reach up to Rs 10,000, and notifications are sent directly to the vehicle owner’s registered mobile number.
Following its initial success, the government plans to expand the system to smart cities like Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur, where it will integrate with existing cameras used for monitoring traffic violations. This broader rollout aims to further reduce the number of non-compliant vehicles on the road and enhance road safety. By automating the enforcement of vehicle documentation, the initiative underscores the importance of keeping documents updated, as failing to do so could result in significant financial penalties and legal consequences.