Vehicle insurance offenders beware! e-Detection to check insurance at toll gates across Odisha

An innovative electronic detection (e-Detection) system will be put into action to ensure vehicle insurance compliance, a notification issued by State Transport Authority (STA)-Odisha in this regard on Friday mentioned.

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According to the official sources, the new system will be rolled out at 22 toll gates on national highways across the State. This initiative aligns with the enforcement of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which mandates vehicle insurance.

The technology will automatically spot vehicles without valid insurance as they traverse through toll gates, prompting the issuance of electronic fines, known as e-challans, to those found in violation. As stipulated under Section 146 of the Motor Vehicles Act, all motor vehicles are required to possess valid insurance.

Offenders are subject to a penalty of Rs 2,000 or a three-month imprisonment, or both, under Section 196 of the Act. Repeat violators are likely to face fines of Rs 4,000, three months imprisonment, or both.

Past experiences have shown significant noncompliance among private and commercial vehicle owners, resulting in families being denied compensation following road accidents. This concern has driven the Transport Department’s decision to integrate insurance verification within the electronic detection system.

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Previously, this system monitored issues related to permits, fitness, and tax violations. Now it will further capture insurance defaulters. Taking advantage of modern technology will enhance the stringency and effectiveness of this enforcement effort, ensuring adherence to the law.