Hyderabad: Traffic Cops Barred From Using Private Phones to Film Erring Motorists
Attempts by this newspaper to obtain a clarification from the Hyderabad police joint commissioner of traffic were unsuccessful.
Hyderabad:Police personnel have been using personal mobile phones to photograph traffic violations and issue challans despite government instructions prohibiting the use of personal devices for this purpose. Traffic personnel have reportedly been spotted across the city taking such photographs and using them as evidence of violations.
Attempts by this newspaper to obtain a clarification from the Hyderabad police joint commissioner of traffic were unsuccessful.
Devdas Sagar, an IT professional, said motorists were being fined even for parking briefly near buildings that lacked designated parking spaces. “Challan amounts have now been increased, with a no-parking violation attracting a fine of ₹1,000,” he said.
A recent social media post revived concerns over the legality of using uncertified devices for enforcement. Rule 167A of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules mandates that every electronic enforcement device used to issue challans must have an approval certificate from a designated authority.
The Telangana transport commissioner has proposed constituting a multi-departmental authority to examine and certify such devices and renew their approval certificates annually.
In the S. Rajaseekaran vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court, through orders issued on September 2, 2024, and in October 2025, directed all state governments to take immediate steps to implement Rule 167A of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.