The main objective of traffic challan is to increase road safety and prevent accidents. It is penalized for breaking rules like not wearing a helmet, overspeeding etc. Now e-challans are also issued from CCTV, which attract heavy fines.
Traffic Challan: If you never wore a helmet, broke a red light or did not wear a seat belt, it is possible that you may have been issued a traffic challan. Many people think that challan is raised only to recover money, but it is not so. The real purpose of traffic challan is to increase the safety of people on the road and reduce accidents. Let us know why traffic challan is issued?
What is a traffic challan?
Traffic challan is the official notice that the police issues when a person breaks traffic rules. It mentions fines or other legal action as per rules broken. Today, e-Challan system is implemented in many cities, in which challan is also issued with the help of CCTV cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technique.
Why are traffic challans issued?
1) To prevent road accidents
Traffic rules are made for the safety of people. When a person breaks the rules, the risk of an accident increases. Therefore, challan is issued for breaking rules, so that people drive carefully. For example, if a person crosses a red light, he may collide with a vehicle coming from the other direction. Breaking a small rule can cause a major accident.
2) To maintain discipline among the people
If no action is taken against breaking rules, people will not take traffic rules seriously. Challan motivates people to follow the law.
3) Same rules for everyone
The purpose of traffic laws is to ensure that every person on the road – whether driving a car, riding a bike, cycling or walking – remains safe. Therefore the rules apply equally to everyone.
4) Prohibit dangerous driving
Mistakes like overspeeding, drunk driving, driving while talking on mobile or driving in the wrong direction can cause major accidents. Strict action is taken against them so that such incidents are reduced.
For what reasons are most challans issued?
- not wearing a helmet
- not wearing seat belt
- jumping red light
- overspeeding
- driving using mobile phone
- driving without a valid driving license
- drink driving
- Driving in the wrong direction
- Not carrying pollution certificate (PUC) or other important documents.
How does e-challan work?
Now in many cities, smart cameras installed on the roads record the vehicle number. If any rules are broken, a challan is prepared based on the vehicle information and the information is sent to the vehicle owner’s mobile number or registered address. This has increased transparency in enforcing rules and reduced humanitarian intervention.
Common traffic challans and fines in India
In some cases, the amount or some rules may be different in different states.
- On breaking traffic rules: normal penalty
- Riding a bike without a helmet: ₹1,000 + license suspension action may be taken
- Not wearing seat belt: ₹1,000
- drink driving: Up to ₹10,000 or jail
- Without driving license: ₹5,000
- Overspending: ₹1,000–₹2,000 (depending on vehicle)
- Jumping Red Light: ₹1,000–₹5,000
- Driving while talking on mobile: ₹5,000
- Dangerous driving: up to ₹5,000
- Driving without insurance: ₹2,000 (1st Time)
- No pollution certificate (PUC): up to ₹10,000
- Overloading: Start from ₹20,000
- Driving by a minor: ₹25,000, vehicle registration can be cancelled, action will be taken against parents also
some important traffic signs
🔴 Mandatory Signs
- STOP: Stop the car completely.
- No Entry: Entry ban.
- Speed Limit: Do not exceed the limit speed.
- No Parking: Parking is prohibited here.
- No U-Turn: U-turn prohibited.
- One Way: The road is in one direction.
⚠️Warning Signs
- turn forward
- speed breaker
- school area
- pedestrian crossing
- railway crossing
- slippery road
🔵 Informational Signs
- hospital
- petrol pump
- Parking
- bus stop
- restaurant
- public toilet
What things should be kept in mind while driving?
- Always wear seat belt or ISI marked helmet.
- Follow the already fixed speed limit.
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Do not use mobile phone while driving.
- Maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle moving ahead.
- Use the indicator at the right time.
- Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots while changing lanes.
- Give priority to pedestrians and ambulance.
- Use headlights properly in rain, fog or at night.
- If you feel tired or sleepy while driving, take a break immediately.
Which documents should always be kept in the car?
- Driving License (DL)
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- insurance
- PUC (Pollution Certificate)
Their digital copy is also valid in DigiLocker or mParivahan app.
5 golden rules of road safety
- Always wear a seat belt or helmet.
- Follow the speed limit.
- Don’t drive while looking at your mobile.
- Never drive after drinking alcohol.
- Always obey traffic signals and road signs.
Content Source: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), World Health Organization (WHO), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, National Informatics Center (NIC), Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D)