The Traffic Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has begun using AI-based CCTV cameras to enforce traffic laws in the capital, marking a shift from manual enforcement methods to an automated digital system.
Officials said 200 cases of traffic violations have already been recorded through the new system, with legal action to be taken after verification of the footage.
The system, which began operations on Thursday (May 7), uses AI-integrated CCTV cameras installed at key intersections to automatically detect and record traffic offences. Modern signal lights have also been installed as part of the initiative.
According to traffic police officials, the footage is being used to identify violations such as running red lights, crossing stop lines, wrong-way driving, illegal passenger pick-up and drop-off, unauthorized parking, and blocking of the left lane. Cases will be filed after detailed verification of the recorded videos.
Officials said the AI-based system replaces the earlier manual enforcement process, where traffic violations were recorded using paper slips or POS (Point of Sale) machines under the e-traffic prosecution system.
They said paper-based slips often contained corrections or unclear handwriting, making legal processing difficult. The POS system improved enforcement by enabling on-the-spot fines, but it required stopping vehicles, which frequently led to traffic congestion and disrupted road flow.
The newly introduced AI surveillance system eliminates the need to stop vehicles, allowing violations to be recorded automatically while maintaining smoother traffic movement.
The DMP has installed AI-enabled CCTV cameras integrated with “Road Transport Act-2018 Violation Detection Software” at 25 major intersections in the capital. These include Shahbagh, InterContinental intersection, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, and Jahangir Gate.
So far, footage of 200 traffic violations has been captured from these locations, and traffic police are currently reviewing the recordings to ensure accuracy before filing cases.
DMP Traffic Division Additional Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman told Dhaka Tribune that the automated enforcement system began on May 7 through CCTV-based video and image capture for auto-generated case processing.
He said no cases have been formally issued yet, as the recorded footage is undergoing verification.
Once confirmed, SMS notifications will be sent to the mobile phones of vehicle owners, and official notices will be delivered to their home addresses by post.
For individuals whose current Dhaka addresses differ from official records, notices will be sent to permanent addresses. If recipients cannot be located, authorities will proceed using Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) records, including mobile numbers and National Identity (NID) data.
Offenders will be given 10 to 15 days to pay fines after receiving SMS alerts and written notices.
Traffic officials also said preparations are underway to issue a public notice for vehicle owners regarding unclear or missing number plates, which are preventing proper identification by the AI system.
Officials said the use of advanced surveillance technology will continue to strengthen traffic management and improve discipline on Dhaka’s roads.
