If you are a driver or a rider in India, you must be aware of the traffic rules and the fines for violating them. The Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 has increased nationwide penalties for various traffic offences. However, some states have decided to reduce the fines or implement them partially.
In this article, we will compare the challan penalties in Gujarat and Kerala, which have different approaches to enforcing traffic laws. We will also tell you how to pay your challans online in both states.
What are Challan Penalties?
Challan penalties are the fines that are levied by the authorities for violating traffic laws. They are also known as e-challans, issued electronically through cameras, sensors, or mobile apps. Challan penalties are meant to deter people from breaking traffic rules and ensure road safety.
Challan Penalties in Gujarat
Challan penalties in Gujarat are among the highest in India and can affect your driving license, insurance, and wallet. Some of the most common traffic offences and challan penalties in Gujarat are:
Speeding: Rs. 1,000-2,000 based on excess speed over 80 km/h on highways and 50 km/h on city roads.
Red Light Jumping: Rs. 500-1,000
Drunk Driving: Rs. 10,000 or imprisonment up to six months or both. Alcohol is banned in Gujarat.
Driving without a license, insurance, or registration: Rs. 5,000 or imprisonment up to three months or both.
Driving without a helmet or seat belt: Rs. 500-1,000 for each violation.
Driving on the wrong side of the road or lane: Rs. 1,500-3,000 or imprisonment up to six months or both.
Using a mobile phone while driving: Rs. 1,000-2,000.
Overloading or over-speeding a vehicle: Rs. 2,000-4,000 per extra passenger or tonne.
To pay the e-challan in Gujarat, one can use online platforms such mParivahan. Alternatively, one can visit any traffic police station with the challan and the required documents.
Challan Penalties in Kerala
Some of the most common traffic offences and challan penalties in Kerala are:
Over-speeding: Penalty of Rs. Rs. 1,000 for a light motor vehicle and Rs. 2,000 for a medium passenger goods vehicle.
Drunken driving: Fine of Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months for the first offence. Subsequent offences may result in higher penalties and longer imprisonment.
Not wearing a seatbelt: Fine of Rs. 1,000 for the driver and Rs. 500 for passengers.
Violating traffic signal rules: Fine of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 depending on the offence.
Not carrying valid driving documents: Fine of Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000.
Violating pollution control norms: Fine of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 10,000, depending on the offence.
Unauthorised parking: Fine of Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000.
Driving without insurance: Fine of Rs. 2,000 and/or imprisonment up to 3 months for the first offence. Subsequent offences may result in higher penalties.
Driving without a helmet: Rs 500.
Racing & Speeding: Rs 5,000.
Speeding (Medium Heavy Vehicle): Rs 3,000.
Riding or Driving with a handheld mobile phone: Rs 2,000.
To pay the e-challan in Kerala, one can use online platforms such mParivahan. Alternatively, one can also visit any traffic police station with the challan and the required documents.
Tips to Avoid Challans
Getting a challan can be an unpleasant experience. However, you can take some simple steps to avoid getting one.
Always carry valid driving documents such as your license, registration, and insurance.
Follow traffic rules and signals.
Wear a helmet while riding a two-wheeler and a seatbelt while driving a car.
Do not use your mobile phone while driving; do not drink and drive.
Follow speed limits and do not engage in racing or speeding.
Lastly, park your vehicle only in authorised parking areas.
Conclusion
Challan penalties are an important tool for enforcing traffic discipline and reducing road accidents in India. These penalties vary widely across states like Gujarat and Kerala and can be costly if not paid on time.
It is always advisable to pay challan penalties promptly to avoid any additional charges or legal consequences.
Not paying a challan can result in legal action against you, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Following traffic rules and paying challan penalties on time can help promote road safety and avoid legal complications.
Download the Park+ App and type your vehicle number to check your challans details. The Park+ app also offers other services, such as checking your vehicle details, parking history, fuel prices, etc.