Traffic discipline in Dhaka is showing signs of improvement as AI-powered surveillance cameras and a new penalty-point system for driving licenses begin to influence driver behaviour across the capital.
At major intersections, vehicles are increasingly stopping behind designated stop lines when signals turn red. Motorcycles, buses, private cars and CNG-run auto-rickshaws are more compliant with traffic signals, while the once-common tendency to rush intersections or overtake at crossings has declined.
The changes follow the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP)’s introduction of AI-based surveillance cameras alongside an e-prosecution system at key intersections.
DMP traffic officials said the system was launched experimentally on May 7. During this period, more than 5,000 video clips of traffic violations were collected from roads across the capital. Around 3,000 have been reviewed by the Technical Traffic Unit (TTU), and legal notices are being prepared against offenders.
Officials said violations are now being recorded automatically without direct police intervention. After verification, digital cases are filed and notices issued to vehicle owners and drivers.
Under a proposed penalty-point system linked to driving licenses, each license will carry 12 points, according to DMP officials.
“If someone violates a traffic rule while driving, one point will be deducted. This is a penalty system,” said Senior System Analyst of the DMP Traffic Division Mohammad Nurus Samad Bapy.
He said the framework is still being finalized jointly by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the traffic division, including what happens if a driver loses all 12 points.
Previously, cases were filed against vehicle registration numbers, but under the new system enforcement will be tied directly to driving licenses, he said.
“As a result, wherever a driver commits an offense in Bangladesh, points can be deducted from their license. Financial penalties will also remain,” he added.
According to DMP sources, the system has been incorporated under the Road Transport Act 2018 and the Road Transport Rules 2022. A nationwide mobile app titled “Road Safety Penalty System” (RSPS) is being prepared for rollout.
Offenses such as violating traffic signals, speeding, wrong-way driving, illegal parking, blocking traffic flow and failing to obey road signs will lead to point deductions.
Officials said repeated offenses could lead to suspension or cancellation of licenses once all points are exhausted.
A BRTA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said software development for AI-based prosecution and automatic point deduction is still underway.
“It will take some more time before the full system becomes operational,” the official said.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) NM Nasiruddin said the initiative has received a positive response.
“Compared to before, drivers are following traffic signals more carefully,” he said, adding that AI-based enforcement will be gradually expanded across the capital.
DMP sources said 105 AI-enabled cameras have been installed at key intersections, including InterContinental, Bijoy Sarani, Banglamotor, Jahangir Gate, Sonargaon and Karwan Bazar.
However, many major intersections are still outside the system.
At Bijoy Sarani near the metro rail station, traffic is still manually controlled, with no digital signals or zebra crossings, and violations remain frequent.
A police officer stationed there said drivers often ignore signals in the absence of AI enforcement.
“Drivers know there is no AI prosecution risk here, so many still ignore signals,” he said.
At intersections with AI cameras, driver behavior has noticeably changed.
At Jahangir Gate, vehicles were seen stopping before the stop line as soon as signals turned red. Officials said drivers who previously ignored signals are now more cautious due to surveillance.
A motorcyclist at Bijoy Sarani said he had heard even crossing the stop line could trigger a case.
“So now I am more careful,” he said.
At Karwan Bazar, a bus driver warned another rider carrying a helmetless passenger: “There’s a camera ahead. You’ll get fined.”
Ride-sharing driver Muslim Uddin welcomed the initiative, saying it would encourage more responsible driving.
“People are following rules now. AI cameras should be installed across all of Dhaka,” he said, though he raised concerns about late-night enforcement.
“After midnight, roads remain mostly empty. Stopping at signals then can create security risks,” he said.
Private car driver Ahsanul Haque said congestion has eased slightly at some intersections since enforcement began.
“Earlier, people competed to cross first, especially motorcyclists. Now they are following rules more,” he said.
Pedestrian Nasima Begum said she feels safer on the roads.
“Earlier, vehicles would move suddenly before pedestrians crossed. Now drivers are more disciplined because they fear penalties,” she said.
Traffic police said the automated system has reduced operational pressure as violations are now documented digitally.
Previously, officers had to physically stop vehicles and file cases on the spot, often adding to congestion.
An officer at the InterContinental intersection said the system is centrally monitored from DMP headquarters.
“If someone violates the law, there is no escape. No recommendation or influence works anymore,” he said.
However, officials said challenges remain, including unclear or missing number plates, making identification difficult.
Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman said the response has been positive.
“People are following traffic laws more carefully now,” he said.
He added that more than 5,000 violation clips have been collected so far, with around 1,000 cases under process.
DMP previously had 80 PTZ cameras across the capital. “An additional 25 AI cameras have been installed at six key points, bringing the total to 105,” he said.
Traffic division sources said many vehicles still use painted registration numbers instead of official plates, while others have not collected RFID-enabled plates despite paying fees, and some installed RFID tags are not functioning properly.
Officials said enforcement drives against such vehicles will begin soon.
Under the Road Transport Rules 2022, offenses carrying penalty points include signal violations, speeding, excessive horn use, illegal parking, overloading, obstruction of traffic flow and wrong-way driving.
