Introduction
The Indian government has introduced some drastic changes to traffic challans from September 2019, amending the Motors Vehicles Act of 1988, to enhance road safety. The fines have been increased by a hefty margin. Most states have implemented these new traffic fines. However, there are some states which have their own traffic penalties and some variations within the framework of the act.
This has led to differences in the challans and penalties in different states, like Karnataka and Punjab. Consider the rush hour traffic in a city like Bengaluru, which is considered one of the world's most congested cities in 2022. Karnataka's diverse industries, culture, and sights attract people, which results in more vehicles and more traffic violations.
Punjab also has its fair share of traffic problems being an industrial state and a tourist place. Cities like Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar deal with heavy traffic during office and school hours.
A person travelling from Punjab, unfamiliar with the regulations in Karnataka, may unwittingly end up paying a fine for a traffic violation. Let us see how the traffic violation penalties vary in the two states and see if there is any regional effect on the same. Listed below are the different types of violations and their corresponding penalties in Karnataka and Punjab.
1. Traffic Violation Challans
In Karnataka
Fine for overspeeding: INR 1,000 to INR 2,000
Fine for not wearing a helmet: INR 500
Fine for drunk driving: Court fine
Fine for not wearing a seatbelt: INR 500
Fine for reckless driving: INR 1,000
Using a mobile phone while driving/ riding: INR 1,000
Overloading of two-wheeler: INR 500
Racing on public roads: INR 5,000
Driving without a number plate: INR 500
Minor riding or driving: INR 5,000
Offence related to air/ noise pollution: INR 1,000
Honking in silent zones: INR 500 to INR 1,000
Obstructing emergency vehicle (ambulance/fire engine): INR 1,000
Driving during disqualification: INR 10,000
In Punjab
Fine for overspeeding: INR 1,000 to INR 2,000
Fine for not wearing a helmet: INR 1,000
Fine for drunk driving: INR 10,000 and/ or imprisonment of 6 months
Fine for not wearing a seatbelt: INR 1,000
Fine for tripling in a two-wheeler: INR 1000
Using a mobile phone while driving/ riding: INR 2,000/ INR 10,000 for a repeat offence
Racing on public roads: INR 5,000/ INR 10,000 for a repeat offence
Honking in silent zones: INR 1,000/ INR 2,000 for a repeat offence
Driving without a number plate: INR 3,000 to INR 5,000
Using a mobile phone while driving/ riding: INR 2,000 and INR 10,000 for a repeat offence
Smoking while driving or riding: INR 500
Driving during disqualification: INR 10,000
2. Challans Related to Document Violations
In Karnataka
Karnataka has implemented strict traffic rules and penalties to promote safe and disciplined driving on its roads. Offences like overspeeding, drunk driving, riding without a helmet, and using a mobile phone while driving attract hefty fines. These measures aim to reduce accidents and ensure public safety. With the Karnataka challan check with Park+, residents can easily view and pay their traffic fines online. This user-friendly platform provides real-time updates and simplifies the entire process. Staying aware of your challan status and adhering to traffic laws is crucial for avoiding penalties and ensuring a safer driving experience across Karnataka.
Fine for driving without a valid license: INR 1,000 to INR 5,000
Fine for driving without valid insurance: INR 1,000 to INR 4,000
Driving without valid registrations: Court fine
Driving without a proper permit: Court fine
Driving without PUC: Court fine
In Punjab
Punjab has enforced strict traffic rules and penalties to maintain road safety and discipline. Common offences such as drunk driving, overspeeding, riding without a helmet, and using a mobile phone while driving come with significant fines. These measures are aimed at reducing accidents and promoting responsible driving habits. With the Punjab e challan system, residents can easily check and pay their traffic fines online. This digital solution ensures transparency and convenience for all motorists. Staying updated with your challan status and following traffic regulations is essential to avoid penalties and contribute to safer roads across Punjab.
Fine for driving without a valid license: INR 5,000
Fine for driving without valid insurance: INR 2,000/INR 4,000 for a repeat offence
Driving without valid registration: INR 3,000 and INR 5,000 for a repeat offence
3. Traffic Signal Challans
In Karnataka
Traffic signal jumping: INR 500
Lane indiscipline: INR 500
One-way offence: INR 500
Not obeying/obstructing traffic police: INR 1,000
Offence related to stop line: INR 1000
Disobeying traffic police: INR 2,000
In Punjab
Not obeying/obstructing traffic police: INR 500/INR 1,000 for a repeat offence
Traffic signal jumping: INR 500/INR 1,000 for a repeat offence
Fine for not obeying road signs: INR 500
Fine relate to road markings: INR 500
4. Challans for Parking Violations
In Karnataka
- No-parking zone violations: INR 1,000.
In Punjab
- No-parking zone violations: INR 500/INR 1,000 for a repeat offence
Collection of Challans
In Karnataka
Challans can be paid through the KarnatakOne Portal. There is also an on-the-spot e-challan.
In Punjab
There are two methods available to pay the e-challans issued by the Punjab Traffic Police. You can use either the Parivahan website or the official Punjab Transport website.
Please note that the information given here is subject to change. For updated and accurate information on traffic fines and penalties, do refer to the government website or the official website of the relevant state.
Conclusion
A comparison of the differences between the challan penalties in Karnataka and Punjab shows that broadly the same violations are penalised, but there are certain differences based on the culture of the states, especially in terms of the amount of the penalties and type. You should keep this in mind while driving in these states.
Whether you are behind the wheel in Karnataka or Punjab, being aware of the traffic penalties will make you a responsible driver. Knowing the traffic regulation will go a long way in making the right decisions on the road.
Park+, a service platform trusted by more than 50 lakh car owners in India, enables you to stay informed about traffic regulations and parking updates. With the challan checking service on the Park+ app, you can easily check the status of your challan.
To learn more about how you can simplify your challan tracking and awareness experience download the Park+ app today!