The traffic police and transport department have once again taken the lead to curb deaths in road accidents and ensure strict adherence to traffic rules. A special intensive checking drive has been started to arrest two-wheelers and four-wheelers in major cities, intersections and expressways across the country. During this campaign, strict action is being taken especially against two-wheeler riders without helmets and vehicles running without valid third-party insurance. If multiple violations of traffic rules are found, the drivers can face a combined challan of up to ₹ 5,000, along with the risk of the vehicle being seized and the driving license being suspended for three months. Motor Vehicles Act: How much will be the fine for violation of rules? Under the amended Motor Vehicles Act, there is a clear provision for heavy fines and legal action for disobeying traffic rules: Riding a two-wheeler without a helmet (Section 194D): If either the rider or the pillion rider is not wearing a BIS/ISI certified helmet, a challan of ₹ 1,000 will be issued. Along with this, the driving license of the concerned driver can be suspended (Disqualify/Suspend) for 3 months. Driving without valid insurance (Section 196): First time conviction: Fine of ₹2,000 or jail up to 3 months (or both). On second or repeat offence: Fine of ₹4,000 or jail. Apart from this, the vehicle can be impounded on the spot unless valid insurance is presented. Fine of up to ₹ 5,000 for combined violation: If a driver is caught without a helmet (₹ 1,000), without insurance (₹ 2,000) along with a valid pollution certificate (PUC – up to ₹ 10,000) or without a seatbelt/license, the total amount of on-the-spot e-challan reaches more than ₹ 5,000. Hi-tech ANPR cameras and e-challan system: It is now impossible to hide It is no longer possible to avoid challan even when the policeman is not present at the intersections: Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and high-definition CCTV surveillance have been installed at major intersections, flyovers and toll plazas in the cities. These cameras match the vehicle number plate directly with the database of the central 'VAHAN' portal. If the insurance or fitness of the vehicle is expired, the SMS of e-challan is sent directly to your registered mobile number without any interruption. In case of helmet, digital challan with photo is being generated by scanning the faces of both the driver and the pillion rider through the camera. It's not just about fines: Why driving without insurance is a huge risk? Many drivers are careless in renewing their insurance in order to save premium. But this mistake can prove to be fatal: Burden of third-party liability: If an uninsured vehicle meets with a road accident, then compensation worth lakhs of rupees to the victim has to be paid not by the insurance company, but directly by the vehicle owner from his personal property or pocket. Disadvantages of No Claim Bonus (NCB): If the policy is not renewed within 90 days of the expiry date, the no-claim bonus of 20% to 50% accumulated over the years becomes completely void. Be sure to check these things before going out on the road. Keep digital documents with you: If paper documents are left at home, then the digital RC, driving license and insurance available in the Central Government's mParivahan or DigiLocker app are considered valid. Wear standard helmets only: cap-style or local plastic helmets are not acceptable; The helmet must have BIS hologram/ISI mark and the strap must be tied properly. Check Pending Challan: Visit the official portal of the Transport Department (echallan.parivahan.gov.in) and enter your vehicle number and see if any old challan is pending. If payment is not made on time, summons may be issued from the virtual court.
