A challan is a piece of paper with official text on it given to a specific individual commonly issued in India for breaking traffic rules and regulations. If a challan is issued in your name, you need to pay the fine as per the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act.
Types of Challans
1. Overspeeding
Those driving a Light Motor Vehicle are subject to fines between 1000 and 2000 rupees for the first offense, while those driving a Medium Passenger or Goods Vehicle face heftier fines between 2000 and 4000 rupees, as well as the possibility of having their licenses seized.
2. Red light
Jumping a red light is illegal. Digitization and improved technology now allow traffic police to monitor traffic lights from a traffic control room and send an e-challan to your mobile number.
The Indian government amended the 1988 Motor Vehicle Act. On September 1st, 2019 and new rules for the country's traffic went into effect. Traffic challan rates for jumping red lights have increased from Rs. 100-300 to Rs. 1000-5000, depending on the state.
3. Helmet/seatbelt
You will face a fine of Rs. 1000/- if you violate this rule by driving without a helmet. The amended Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act has increased the fine for not wearing a seatbelt in India from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000.
The Motor Vehicle Department can also suspend your license for three months if you violate the rules repeatedly. The primary goal of raising the fine is to instill a sense of fear in drivers, which will help reduce the number of deaths on the roads.
4. Wrong side
A road has two sides but you can't drive on any side. However, Indians often drive on the wrong side due to bizarre reasons.
If you are caught driving on the wrong side of the road, you could face up to three months in prison and a fine of up to Rs 1,000.
5. Absence of DL/RC/PUCC
Driving without a valid license, RC or PUCC is a serious traffic violation. Driving without a proper documents can attract a penalty of Rs 500 under the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act.
All of us should follow the traffic rules promptly to keep Indian roads safe and free from chaos.
