Ever been caught by the traffic police and told you need to shell out a really huge fine? You are not alone. City motorists have been increasingly complaining about not knowing when they have violated traffic rules and being surprised months later with fines that run into thousands.

Recently, an architect from south Mumbai, who does not wish to be named, travelling from Marine Drive was stopped on the sea link on suspicion. When the traffic cops were feeding in the details in order to e-challan him, they discovered that he owed R60,000 in fines. The motorist was shocked as he had not received a single alert on the alleged previous offences. He, however, was allowed to go after he had paid R30,000 (an online payment).