A citation is a formal notice issued by traffic officials. A citizen will receive a citation if he violates a traffic law or regulation. Offences may entail exceeding the speed limit, parking in a restricted region, or ignoring a stop signal. Authorities issue citations to uphold orderliness and safety on roadways. Gaining knowledge of the most common fines and their sums becomes necessary to avoid traffic fines efficiently.
Unlock the secrets of understanding these necessary but often misunderstood citations-
1. Speed beyond limit
In India, there are set speed limits for roads. Going above these limits will result in a fine. The amount of the fine can range from INR 1,000 to INR 2,000 depending on the severity of the offense. To avoid this fine, it is important to be aware of the speed limit and adhere to it while driving.
2. Wear a seatbelt
Not wearing a seatbelt while driving is seen as a major traffic offense. In certain states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka, it is obligatory for all individuals in a vehicle to wear a seatbelt. Those who are found without one must pay a penalty of INR 1,000. Remember to fasten your seatbelt every time you are in a car for your own safety and to avoid being fined.
3. Drive with a valid license
Operating a vehicle without a valid license or with an expired one can result in a citation and a penalty of INR 5,000 for the initial violation. It is important to regularly renew your license and always carry a copy with you while driving.
4.No phone while driving
In the modern era of technology, our phones serve as a means of communication, but if you use your phone while operating a vehicle, you will receive a citation and be charged INR 1,000. To avoid this penalty, you can simply pull over to take phone calls or utilize your car’s built-in calling capabilities. It is crucial to refrain from texting or typing while driving.
5. Parking violations
If you park in areas where parking is not allowed or if your vehicle blocks traffic, you may receive a citation and be required to pay fines of up to INR 1,000. Moreover, you may also be charged for towing services ranging from INR 200 to INR 2,000. To avoid a penalty for illegal parking, it is advisable to park in designated parking areas.
6. Rash driving
Breaking any traffic laws or driving recklessly may result in receiving a traffic ticket ranging from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000. Furthermore, you could be sentenced to serve 6 months to a year in prison. If you commit a second offence, the imprisonment period could increase to two years and you may have to pay a fine of up to INR 10,000. To avoid these penalties, simply abide by road regulations, stay in your designated lane and overtake vehicles only from the right side.
7. Incomplete paperwork
In 1988, the Motor Vehicles Act in India mandated the inclusion of third-party vehicle insurance. During a routine traffic check, if authorities request to examine your documents and you lack the necessary insurance, you will be issued a challan and fined INR 2,000 for a first violation. To avoid this, ensure timely renewal of your insurance annually. Instead of choosing a third-party liability-only policy, it is advisable to opt for a comprehensive plan to increase your financial security.
Check traffic challans online
Nowadays, traffic authorities utilize advanced tools such as cameras to detect infractions and generate digital tickets. They no longer need to physically hand you a citation. You must consistently monitor your traffic ticket status and look for any outstanding fines. Failure to acknowledge a ticket and settle the payment within a few months can result in an escalated amount.
You have the option to verify the status of your online traffic fine by using the traffic application specific to your city. All electronic fines are automatically uploaded and can be paid through the app. Nevertheless, not all cities have a designated app. Alternatively, you can also view your traffic challan status on the Parivahan website.
Unlock the secrets of understanding these necessary but often misunderstood citations-
1. Speed beyond limit
Since there are set speed limits for roads in India, exceeding them will attract a fine. The amount of the fine varies between INR 1,000 to INR 2,000 depending on the seriousness of the offense. To avoid this fine, one has to be aware of the speed limit and practice the same while driving.
2. Seatbelts
Not wearing seatbelts in the vehicle is considered the most serious traffic crime. In some states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, everyone in the vehicle has to be provided with a seatbelt. If people are not wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle, they have to pay a fine of INR 1,000. Never forget to lock your seatbelt each and every time when you are driving a vehicle for your safety and to keep away from the fine.
3. Drive with a valid license
If it is not a valid licence or license has expired, then violation along with penalty of INR 5,000 is quite common for first time. Ensure to renew your license pretty often, and also carry a copy while driving.
4. No mobile while driving
In this modern age of technology, we can get all kinds of communication from our phones, but if you are using your phone while driving, then you will be given a citation and you have to pay INR 1,000. To avoid this kind of fine, you should just pull over while you have some calls or if you want to use the intercom of your car. Don’t type or text while driving.
5. Parking Violations
You may receive a ticket and be fined up to as much as INR 1,000, in case you park your car in no-parking zones or block any traffic. You may also have to pay for towing services that may vary between INR 200 and INR 2,000. In order not to receive a penalty for parking your car in an unauthorized zone, you should park in your allotted parking space.
6. Rash driving
Well, breaking any traffic rule or driving negligently could get you a traffic ticket anytime between INR 1,000 to INR 5,000. You could also face imprisonment for 6 months to one year. And if this is your second offence, then the time in prison may go up to two years and you could be fined up to INR 10,000. You avoid such fines by simply following traffic rules, driving in one’s lane and passing others only on the right-hand side.
7. Incomplete paperwork
In 1988, the Indian Motor Vehicles Act made third-party vehicle insurance obligatory. In case during a routine check while driving, the authority asks you to produce your documents and you do not have valid insurance, then you will be given a challan with a first-time penalty of INR 2,000. For this reason, ensure that renewals of your insurance are made prior to the end of every year. For complete financial security, opt for a comprehensive policy rather than a third-party liability-only policy.
Check traffic challans online
Using cameras, the traffic authorities detect infractions and automatically print digital tickets. They don’t have to physically give you a citation. You keep checking on your traffic ticket status and scanning pending fines. Failure to own up to a ticket and settle up in a few months leads to an increased amount.
You can also check if your online traffic challan is paid by applying for the traffic application from your city. All the e-fines are uploaded automatically and even payment is allowed through the same app. However, not all cities have such an app. You can also check the status of the Parivahan traffic challan online by visiting the Parivahan website. Check E-Challans on the Parivahan Website Get Started: Open the official website of Parivahan. Proceed to Online Services and click on the tab of eChallan. Now check the header from online service > check challan status: It takes you to a page which demands inputting specific information. You can find out what challans have been issued against your vehicle by specifying its vehicle number as well as the chassis or engine number. After viewing, you are free to clear any pending traffic challans online.
Saving money, it’s not the only purpose but also making an environment safe and secure for all motorists. Through adherence to traffic rules and good driving practices, you provide safety to all roads. Keep yourself updated with traffic laws and regulations to avoid legal violations. This will greatly help in avoiding fines and make your driving life better. The Zuno Driving Quotient is a challenge through which you can measure how good you are at driving and avoid the risk of getting fined.
Check for e-Challans on the Parivahan website
To begin, access the official Parivahan website. Navigate to the Online Services tab and click on eChallan. Next, go to the Check Online Service section and select Check Challan Status from the top menu. This will lead you to a page where you must input specific information. By providing your vehicle number and chassis or engine number, you can view any issued challans for your vehicle. Once viewed, you can proceed to pay any outstanding traffic challans online.
Avoiding fines is not just about saving money, it’s also about creating a safe and secure environment for all motorists. By adhering to traffic regulations and practising good driving habits, you contribute to the safety of the roads for everyone. Stay informed about traffic laws and regulations to avoid any legal violations. This will greatly assist in preventing fines and enhancing your driving experience. You can also participate in the Zuno Driving Quotient (ZDQ) Challenge to assess your driving performance and reduce the risk of fines.
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