The act of breaking a traffic rule or regulation can result in the issuance of a challan. This challan has to be cleared at your local police station, RTO or can be cleared on the government's Parivahan website. Each state in India has different rates for violations, which are reflected in the differences within a challan issued in any particular state. Here is a comparison of the challans issued in the Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka states.
The gorgeous and scenic state of Himachal Pradesh has been plagued in recent years with numerous traffic violations from locals and tourists alike. Due to this, the state has enforced higher challan rates and started issuing challans much more strictly. Here are some of the most common challan fares issued in the state for the most commonly violated laws:
Not carrying a valid driver's license
Using a mobile phone while driving - Due to the state being a popular tourist destination, the state has noticed a rise in commuters using mobile phones for everything from taking a selfie while driving to talking on their cell phones while driving. This has led the state to enforce a fine of between INR 1,500 to 7500 for a first offense if you are caught violating the law. Fines can go up to INR 15,000 for repeat offenders.
Not having third-party insurance - The state of Himachal Pradesh has enforced the mandatory need for third-party insurance in case of an accident. Those caught on the road without valid third-party insurance are subjected to potential jail time and a fine. The first violation can result in a fine of INR 2,000 and three months imprisonment. Repeat offenders are liable to pay higher fines with longer sentences.
The state of Karnataka is one of the most populated in the nation and is considered the business capital of the country. Bengaluru is considered the IT and start-up hub of the country. Due to this, there is a large population of commuters on the road resulting in more traffic violations per day than almost any other metropolitan city in the nation. To curb the rising rate of traffic violations, the state has begun enforcing the following challans:
Using a mobile phone while driving: Like in Himachal Pradesh, this has become a common problem within the state of Karnataka. Most people struggle with being stuck in long traffic jams, leading them to use their phones for an array of activities from speaking on the phone to watching videos. The fine in Karnataka however starts at INR 1,000 and can cost a commuter up to INR 8,000 for repeat offences.
Overloading a two-wheeler: This violation is unique to Karnataka in how frequently authorities issue fines for it. The violation has been deemed more serious in 2023 and will now cost commuters INR 500 for the first violation and INR 500 for each rider when the incident is repeated.
Impeding emergency vehicles: This violation is unique to the city of Bengaluru and is also considered one of the most fined offenses in the state. The state has begun taking it extremely seriously and has begun issuing major fines starting at INR 1,000 with increasing fines and potential jail time being on the cards as well. This fine is also issued to those who tailgate emergency vehicles to jump traffic lights or to navigate traffic jams. The act of following an emergency vehicle is reserved only for the immediate family of the person in distress.
It is recommended to use apps such as Park+ to understand the systems of challans and view your challan status online. These automobile apps have numerous services including parking, car insurance, and car wash services, and the ability to view your challan status. Download Park+ to make your automobile experience easier and more convenient.