Simple tips to avoid traffic challans

A traffic challan is a legal notice issued by traffic authorities. Any individual who violates a traffic rule or regulation will get a challan. Violations include speeding, parking in a no-parking zone, and jumping a red light. Traffic authorities use challans to enforce road safety and discipline.

If you want to learn how to avoid traffic challans, you must get familiar with the most common challans and their amounts.

Roads across India have defined speed limits. Driving over the limit will attract an overspeeding challan. Depending on the extent of the violation, you can expect to pay between INR 1,000 and INR 2,000 for a speeding challan. You can avoid the challan by making yourself aware of the speed limit on the road and sticking to it. 

Driving without a seatbelt is considered a serious traffic violation. Some states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have made it mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts in the car. Those caught without the required seatbelt must pay a fine of INR 1,000. Ensure you buckle up whenever you’re in a car to stay safe and avoid receiving a fine.

Driving without a license or with an expired license can lead to a challan and fine of INR 5,000 for the first offence. You can avoid this challan by keeping your license updated and never driving without a copy of your license.

In today’s digital age, we require our phones to work, contact loved ones, and stay updated on news. However, if you use your phone while driving, you will get a challan and a fine of INR 1,000. You can avoid the fine by pulling over to answer calls or by using your vehicle’s in-built call features. Never text or type while driving.

Parking in no-parking zones or in a way that obstructs traffic can result in a challan and fines of up to INR 1,000. Additionally, you may have to pay towing charges between INR 200 and INR 2,000. You can avoid a parking violation fine by parking in dedicated parking zones.

Any rash or dangerous driving could lead to a traffic challan between INR 1,000 and INR 5,000. Additionally, you may face imprisonment of between 6 months and a year. For the second offence, the imprisonment term could be up to two years, and the penalty could be up to INR 10,000. You can avoid these challans by following road rules, maintaining lane discipline and overtaking only from the right.

India made third-party vehicle insurance mandatory by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. At a regular traffic stop, if the police ask to inspect your paperwork and you do not have the required insurance, you will receive a challan and fine of INR 2,000 for a first offence. You can avoid the challan by renewing your insurance on time every year. Instead of opting for a third-party liability-only policy, consider a comprehensive plan for enhanced financial protection.

Today, traffic police use cameras and other technology to identify violations and create an online challan. They do not need to hand you a challan paper. You have to take the responsibility to complete your traffic challan enquiry regularly and check for fines. If you miss a challan and do not pay it for several months, the amount can increase.

You can check your online traffic challan status through the traffic app for your city. If you’re in Mumbai, you can download the Mumbai Traffic Police smartphone application. All eChallans get uploaded directly, and you can complete the challan payment from the app. However, not every city has an app. You can also check your traffic challan status on the Parivahan website.

First, visit the official Parivahan website. Select the Online Services drop-down menu and then click the eChallan option. From the top menu, select the Check Online Service drop-down menu and choose the Check Challan Status option. You will get redirected to a page where you have to enter some details. You can enter your vehicle number and the chassis or engine number to get details of all challans issued on your vehicle. You can then complete the online traffic challan payment to clear your dues.

Avoiding challans is about more than saving money. It’s about creating a safe and secure environment for all drivers. When you follow all the traffic rules and practise good driving habits, you contribute to safer roads for everybody. Ensure you stay updated on traffic rules and regulations to avoid breaking the law. It will go a long way in helping you prevent challans and enjoy your driving experience.

You can also take the Zuno Driving Quotient (ZDQ) Challenge to check your driving score and keep challans at bay. The ZDQ challenge tracks your driving behaviour and provides a score. The better you drive, the more you save on your Zuno car insurance premiums. Download the Zuno App from the Play Store or App Store today to register for the challenge!

ARN: Zuno/Blog/Simple tips to avoid E Challans /11/23/01

 All rights reserved.