Telangana, a state with rapid development, has many visitors from across the country. However, it also results in the state having an increased number of vehicles and traffic on the road.
The number of mishaps and traffic violations in Telangana has also increased, states the report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Telangana already has strict traffic laws and rules for drivers and riders that are enforced by the Telangana State Transport Authority (TSTA) to maintain safety and to control the increasing number of road accidents.
What does the Data say?
The reports state that between the years 2018 and 2022, road accidents have jumped 45.8% in Telangana.
The Government of Telangana revealed the number of accidents over the last five years.
| Year | Month Range | No. of Accidents |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | January - December | 19,164 |
| 2021 | January - December | 21,315 |
| 2022 | January - December | 21,619 |
| 2023 | January - December | 22,903 |
| 2024 | January - December | 25,934 |
15 Most Common Traffic Violations in Telangana
Under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, effective since September 2019, Telangana’s traffic fines have been revised. However, there are still some common traffic violations that have been constant and unresolved in Telangana.
Here are some of the most common traffic violations:
1. Overspeeding
Ignoring the speed limit and driving over it is very common in cities and especially in highway zones, but it is also a major reason for fatal accidents. There are also fines for violating this rule, so to avoid the fine, one must keep a check on the speed limit while driving.
2. Driving without a license
Having a driving license is the first and most important traffic rule in Telangana as well as in any other state in India, or across the world (age limit might differ). To get a driving licence, one should qualify the eligibility criteria followed by clearing the driving test.
3. Driving without insurance
Driving without insurance means driving a vehicle without legal insurance coverage. Without having one, the driver gets personally liable for any damages or injuries caused in an accident, which leads to financial burdens.
Third parties are involved by law to mandate the coverage of damage and injuries to others in an accident. That is why it is important to get the vehicle insured and keep the papers updated before you drive.
4. Rash driving
Rash driving refers to driving without thinking about the safety rules and basics, putting your and others’ lives in danger. This reckless behaviour often becomes the reason for fatal accidents or injuries.
Speeding, overtaking other vehicles, ignoring traffic signals and speed limits,etc., all these things are considered in rash driving.
As for Telangana, the fine for rash driving is Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000. In some severe cases, seizure of the licence or imprisonment for a period from six months up to a year can also happen.
Also Read:- Mandatory Car Rules
5. Using a phone while driving
Using a phone while driving distracts you from the road, which is very unsafe. It is important to be alert and attentive on the road while driving for your safety as well as for others’.
Being vigilant helps in countering mishaps and having control in times of difficult situations. It is always better to stop driving or park your vehicle at the side if it is important to use the phone, or you can use a hands-free device too.
6. Drunk driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated is very risky on the road. It is a serious offence as it makes you lose control, increasing the chances of accidents.
Alcohol also disturbs your decision-making and your ability to acknowledge the distance between objects or vehicles on the road. This serious offence has a fine of Rs. 2,000 or an imprisonment of up to six months.
7. Unauthorized driving
Another one from the list of the traffic violations in Telangana is unauthorized driving. This means that a person who is driving the vehicle isn’t authorized to drive, such as driving a vehicle without a valid license, or under suspension. It is an offence for which you can be punished.
8. Riding without a helmet
Not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler can cost your life. Helmets are for your safety as they reduce the risk and chances of head injuries and death when riding a two-wheeler. Riding without a helmet can be the reason for fatalities on the road.
Thus, it becomes important to wear a helmet before riding a two-wheeler not only to prevent yourself from getting penalized but also to ensure your safety.
9. Driving without a seatbelt
As wearing a helmet on a two-wheeler is important, wearing a seatbelt while driving is equally important. At the times of unfortunate crashes and accidents, being buckled up with your seatbelt makes you secure and can save your life.
Most times, people tend to ignore this as it can be a little uncomfortable to be all buckled up, but it is very important for everyone present inside the vehicle.
10. Wrong lane driving
It is often seen that people suddenly change lanes while driving, which can cause severe accidents. That is why it is always asked to be attentive on the road, and the driver needs to be aware of the lane-changing discipline. This is an offence for which you can get a TS e challan as well.
11. Traffic signal breaking
Jumping a signal or breaking it is very common while driving, as it involves crossing the red light without waiting for the signal to turn green. This action is a violation of the traffic laws and can lead to repercussions.
12. Triple riding (two-wheelers)
On two-wheelers, riding more than 2 persons is not allowed. As overloading can make the vehicle lose its balance by having more weight than its capacity. Triple riding is one of the most common traffic violations not only in Telangana but in other states as well.
13. Parking in no-parking areas
There are some spots or places where parking of a vehicle is restricted. Parking your vehicle in those areas, residential places, or public roads can cause inconvenience for others and can result in a no-parking fine as well. Your vehicle might get towed for the same reason as well.
14. Taking wrong U-turns
Taking wrong U-turns is turning your vehicle 180 degrees to reverse direction without checking other vehicles around you; it is a manner prohibited by traffic laws and is also unsafe for you and the other people on the road.
15. Driving without an authorised number plate
Driving a vehicle without an authorised number plate means driving a vehicle on public roads without the legal and required registration plate. This results in failure to check vehicle owner details in Telangana.
The common traffic violation list and its penalties
In the list, there are the vehicle type and penalty fines based on the frequency of the offence.
Here’s a common traffic violations list of Telangana.
| Offence | Vehicle Type | 1st Offence Penalty | Repeated Offence Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drunk Driving | All Vehicle Types | ₹10,000 & license Suspension, or both | ₹15,000 & license Suspension, or both |
| Breaking Traffic Signals | All Vehicle Types | ₹1000 - ₹5000 | ₹1000 - ₹5000 |
| Driving without a licence | All Vehicle Types | ₹500 / 3 months in prison or both | Higher fine and time in prison |
| Overspeeding | All Vehicle Types | ₹2000 (MMV), ₹1000 (LMV) | ₹4000 (MMV), ₹2000 (LMV) |
| Driving without a seatbelt | Four-Wheeler Vehicle | ₹1000 | ₹2000 |
| Using a phone while driving | All Vehicle Types | ₹1000 | ₹1000 |
| Tripple Riding | Two-Wheeler Vehicle | ₹1,200 | ₹1,200 |
| Overloading | All Vehicle Types | Minimum ₹2000, then ₹1000 per ton of extra load | Minimum ₹2000, then ₹1000 per ton of extra load |
| Driving without an irregular number plate | All Vehicle Types | ₹200 | ₹200 |
| Taking wrong U-turns | All Vehicle Types | ₹200 | ₹200 |
| Rash Driving | All Vehicle Types | ₹1,000 - ₹5,000 & licence seizure / 6 months - 1 year in prison | ₹1,000 - ₹5,000 & licence seizure / 6 months - 1 year in prison |
| Disobeying instructions from the traffic police officer | All Vehicle Types | ₹200 | ₹200 |
Note: You can pay these penalties and fines online through the Park+ app or by visiting the Telangana RTO.
Preventive Actions to Avoid Traffic Offences
There are some ways to avoid breaking the road rules and laws. A few of the must-follow traffic rules are as listed underneath:
Always carry your driving licence, registration, insurance, and PUC in digital or physical form.
Buckle up your seat belts and ensure that other passengers in the vehicle do too.
Helmets are mandatory for both the rider and the other person on two-wheelers.
Be aware of speed limits, especially on public roads and flyovers.
Never use your mobile phone while driving.
Follow traffic lights and never jump red signals.
Stick to your lane. No wrong-side driving or taking sudden & wrong turns.
Don’t take illegal U-turns or violate one-way signs.
Never carry more than two people on a two-wheeler.
Avoid rash driving and aggressive speeding.
Park in designated spaces only.
Don’t drive while intoxicated, use a cab or appoint a sober driver.
Always follow directions given by traffic officers.
Also Read:- Helmet Challan in India
Conclusion
To control the traffic violations in Telangana, the government has been taking major initiatives to ensure and enforce road safety through ways like e-challan system, CCTV monitoring, and other ways. Often, many violations happen simply because of ignorance and oversight, like not wearing a seatbelt or helmet, overspeeding, etc., but these become the main reason behind fatal accidents. By staying attentive on the road and following some simple rules and laws, these accidents, penalties, and fines can be avoided, contributing to safer roads.