With one of the largest road networks in the world, India accounts for 10% of fatalities from road accidents. The only possible solution to curb the menace of driving is the implementation of strict laws regulating traffic on the road. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 administers traffic laws in India. Following traffic rules not only ensures safety but also manages the smooth functioning of the roads. 

Irrespective of which vehicle you own, it is necessary to adhere to traffic rules and regulations for everyone’s safety. Violating traffic rules can be dangerous and attract heavy fines in Punjab. Moving traffic violations are more serious than non-moving traffic violations. Some of the common reasons that you could be penalized for breaching traffic rules include not following traffic signals, overspeeding, rash driving, not carrying your driving-related documents, etc. This article explains the importance of traffic laws in Punjab, the challan rate list, and more.

What is a challan and its purpose?

A traffic challan is a note or a ticket from a traffic police stating that you breached a traffic law. It also includes the penalty amount that the offender has to pay as a punishment. Since, digitization, issuing paper challans have gone hi-tech, replaced by the e- challans. One might get an automated text message from the traffic police department upon violating traffic rules. The purpose of issuing challan is to make people aware of the laws and remind them to follow them to keep themselves and others safe on the road.

Types of Traffic Challans in India

Earlier, the traffic police used to issue manual challans (tickets) for violating traffic rules. However, with the modifications of the Motor Vehicle Act, the government of India has banned the manual traffic challan across India. As per the new rules, electronic records are a must to issue a traffic challan.

2-Wheeler Challans

Without a Helmet or Turban

Traffic rules say that one should always wear a helmet. Any male or female driver without a Helmet or Turban can get a challan from traffic police. You can also get this challan if your helmet is loose. You can get a challan of Rs. 1000 if you’re not following this traffic rule. This amount remains the same even if you get caught on CCTV or in person. There’s also a clause about disqualifying a driver for holding a license for three months.

Triple riding

Only two people are allowed on a two-wheeler as per the traffic rules. If you violate this rule, traffic police can book you for Rs. 1000 under sections 128(1)/194C. Moreover, authorities can disqualify a driver from holding a license for three months.

Modified Silencer

It is one of the most common two-wheeler challans, especially in Punjab. There are two categories for this. The first one is the Modified Silencer of a Motorcycle (Bullet Patakha). You can get a challan of Rs.1000 for this violation under sections 23/r.120/s.194F(b), and it can get up to Rs.2000 in case of a repeated offense. The second one is Silencer non- functional or your vehicle (any class) creating undue class. You’ll know more about it in the four-wheeler section.

Riding without a valid Registration Certificate (RC)

You can get this challan on two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and even heavy vehicles. However, the penalties are different. For a two-wheeler, you receive a Rs. 3000 challan under section s.39/192 if you ride without a valid RC. Riding with an expired RC will also get you booked. You can get up to Rs. 5000 for a repeated offense.

Riding at excessive speed

You can get this challan on two-wheelers, four-wheelers, Heavy goods, and passenger vehicles if you’re riding above the speed limit. Speed limits can vary as per the roads or buildings. For instance, if you’re on a highway where the speed limit is 60 km/h and there is a school/hospital, etc., you have to lower the speed as per the instructions (Usually 10-30 km/h). The penalties are different as per the vehicle class. For a two-wheeler, you receive a Rs. 1000 challan and Rs. 1500 for a repeat offense. You’ll get booked under either section 112/183/188, depending upon the class of vehicles.

Riding Without Number Plate

You can get this challan if you are riding without a number plate or if your number plate is not according to the pattern. For two-wheelers, you’ll get booked under sections r.50/s.39/192 and have to pay Rs.3000 challan. It can get up to Rs.5000 for a repeated offense.

Note: Another category related to this challan is “Number Plate not legible or Obscured”. It means that your number plate is not readable. You’ll get booked under section MVDR.36r.50.r.77/s.177 for a fine of Rs.500 and Rs.1000 in case of repeated offense. These charges remain the same for other classes/types of vehicles.

These were some of the most common two-wheeler challans in Punjab. We’ll also attach a table at the end for a complete list of challans. Keep in mind that a repeated offense penalty can also be applied if you get caught on CCTV violating a rule like not wearing a helmet/turban or the number plate-related one. Let’s move to the four-wheeler challans now.

4 Wheeler Challans

Driving without a Seat Belt

If a driver is driving without a seat belt or a first-seat passenger is not wearing a seat belt, one gets booked under sections r.138(3)/s.194B for Rs. 1000. This rule does not apply if you’re a first seat passenger in a bus or other heavy vehicle. However, we might see rear seat belts compulsion in upcoming years.

Drunken Driving/abetment

We can only give you an idea about the punishment for this crime because it can vary a lot. It depends upon the amount of alcohol consumed, dangerous driving, driver mentally and physically unfit, and several other sections. One can get booked under sections s.185/188 for drunken driving. You’ll have to pay a fine of at least Rs.10,000, and you can also get imprisonment for up to six months. However, if you repeat this offense, you can get a challan of Rs. 15,000 and imprisonment for up to 2 years. The driving license of a drunk driver gets disqualified for at least six months or/and can also be canceled permanently.

Note: These punishments remain the same for any class of vehicles. One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll probably get a heavier fine if you are drunk driving a passenger vehicle.

Riding without a valid Registration Certificate (RC)

You can get this challan on LMV, HMV, and passenger vehicles. However, the penalties are different. For a four-wheeler(any class), you receive a Rs. 5000 challan under section s.39/192 if you ride without a valid RC. Riding with an expired RC will also get you booked. You can get up to Rs. 10,000 for a repeated offense.

Riding at excessive speed

As mentioned above, you can get this challan on any class/type vehicle if you’re riding above the speed limit. The penalties are different as per the vehicle class. For a four-wheeler(LMV), you receive a Rs. 2000 challan and Rs. 4000 for a repeat offense. You’ll get booked under either section 112/183/188, depending upon the class of vehicles. Furthermore, you can get booked for Rs. 4000 in case of HMV or passenger vehicles.

Note: This challan is different from Racing and Trails of Speed. So, if you’re racing or leaving trails of speed, you will get booked under a different section(S.189) for Rs. 5000 and Rs. 10,000 if you repeat this offense.

Number Plate not according to Pattern or Without Number Plate

This one is different from excessive speed. It involves racing activities or trails of speed. You can get booked under section S.189 for Rs. 5000 and Rs. 10,000 for a repeated offense. Fine and sections for Obscured or non-legible number plates are the same as mentioned in the two- wheeler section.

These were some of the most common 4-wheeler challans in Punjab. Below you’ll find a list of all the challans, fines, and other punishments issued by Punjab Police.

How to pay a traffic challan in India?

After the amendment of the Central Motor Vehicle Act 1989, the traffic police department must issue an e-challan to the offender within fifteen days of the traffic law violation. The vehicle owner can complete the challan payment either online or offline. Offline payment of traffic challan can be done by visiting the nearest traffic police station. To pay the traffic challan online, one can visit the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (parivahan.gov.in) website. Online payment of challan is easy, time-saving, and can be done using various modes of payment such as Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, net banking, and digital wallet.

How to pay for the traffic e-challan Online in Punjab?

1. Visit the official Parivahan website: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/
2. Choose one of the following options to find your challan:
   • Challan Number: Enter the challan number you received on the ticket.
   • Vehicle Number: Enter your vehicle registration number and the last four digits of your driving license number.
   • DL Number: Enter your driving license number.
3. Enter the captcha code and click “Get Details.”
4. Verify your challan details and click “Pay Now.”
5. Choose your preferred online payment method (debit card, credit card, net banking, etc.).
6. Complete the payment and download the e-receipt for your records.

How to pay for the traffic e-challan Offline in Punjab?

If you want to pay a traffic challan offline in Punjab, then follow the steps given below:

•  Visit the nearest traffic police station in your city.
•  Bring your important documents such as your driver’s license, identity proof, traffic
• violation challan, and proof of address.
•  Find the concerned traffic police officer and pay your traffic fine in cash. You can also
• make a cashless payment and swipe your debit or credit card.
•  After making a payment you’ll receive a receipt confirming that you have paid your
• traffic challan.

Punjab Traffic Police Challan Fine List 2024

With the introduction of the e-challan, the Punjab Traffic Police has become more active than ever before. Traffic rule offenders will be issued an e-challan, which they can pay online (through the Parivahan portal) or offline. To avoid getting fined, getting acquainted with the traffic rules and regulations and following them rigorously is crucial. Refer to the table for the updated Punjab Traffic Challan Fine List 2024-

Latest Vehicle Traffic Challan Rules and Fines in Punjab 2024

How to check for challan status online ?

To check your traffic challan status-

•  Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (parivahan.gov.in).
•  Enter your challan number or registered vehicle number.
•  Fill in the captcha code to get the challan status.

Why is it Important to pay a challan on time in Punjab?

Not paying traffic challans on time or failing to pay them all together is a criminal offense. For such negligence, the traffic authorities might impose late fees and take legal action as well. There is also a probability that the authorities can impound your car.

Punjab traffic police have become more advanced and vigilant to ensure the safety of individuals on the road and the smooth flow of traffic. For any violation of traffic rules, the Punjab traffic police issue an e-challan.

One must pay their e-challan within 15 days from the day it is issued because, after that, the offender will have to pay the additional late fee. If the challan is not paid for long, the state transport department can intervene and take necessary action.

The payment of an e-challan issued by the Punjab traffic police has to be made within 60 days from the day it is issued. In case of non-payment of a challan within a given time, the offender will get a notice from the court. Following this, they must visit the court to pay, or their driver’s license will be suspended.

How to contest a traffic challan in India?

Drivers who wish to challenge a challenge have several options available to them. One option is to get in touch with the concerned authority and file a representation or appeal with the evidence. Follow the steps given below to contest a traffic challan:

1. Check the details provided on the traffic challan and gather evidence to strengthen the case. 2. Next, make an online or offline representation with clear and convincing evidence to the concerned authority within the given time frame. 3. The authority will then review the representation and evidence submitted by the vehicle driver and make a decision. 4. If not satisfied with the decision, the vehicle owner can file an appeal to a higher authority within a stipulated time. 5. The appeal process may involve a court hearing, post which a final order is passed.

Driving without a Driving License/expired License

Under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, driving with an expired license is the same crime as driving without a license. It is a serious traffic violation and a punishable offense under Section 177 of the Act. As per new traffic rules, effective September 2019, the penalty for driving without a license or an expired license would incur a fine of ₹5000 (earlier, it was only ₹500). In addition to the fine, the defaulter may face imprisonment for up to 3 months. However, the penalty charges may vary from state to state.

Failure to produce a Driving License

Driving with a valid Driving License on Indian roads is a mandatory requirement, per the Motor Vehicles Act. A police officer (in uniform), by law, is allowed to demand a driving license. It is mandatory to present/produce a driver’s license when asked for it. If you fail to do so, you will be liable guilty of an offense and will get a fine of ₹500 and ₹1000 (for the second time).

An unauthorized person driving the vehicle

As per Section 180 of the Motor Vehicles Act, allowing an unauthorized person to drive vehicles is illegal in India. In case a vehicle owner or person in charge permits any other unauthorized individual (who does not satisfy the provisions of Section 3 or Section 4) to drive the vehicle shall be liable for a fine of ₹5000 or imprisonment up to 3 months or both.

Learner driving without displaying L Plates

As per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, an Indian citizen cannot drive a vehicle on a public road without having a valid driving license. However, if you are starting to learn to drive, it is compulsory to get a valid Learner’s License (LLR) to practice on roads under the supervision of a permanent driving license holder. A learner license holder must display a red color L-symbol/sticker on a vehicle that should be visible from a distance. Failing to do so will invite a fine of ₹500.

Driving without/Expired Registration Certificate (two-Wheelers)

In India, it is mandatory to register your vehicle before driving them on public roads. Once registered, you will receive a Registration Certificate (RC), which is compulsory to carry at all times while riding your vehicle. According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, one should not ride a two-wheeler vehicle on public roads without a valid Registration Certificate or an expired RC. If you get caught riding a motor vehicle without/expired RC, you can be penalized with a fine of ₹3000 for the first offense and ₹5000 for the subsequent offense.

Driving without/Expired Registration Certificate (Other vehicles)

Registering your vehicle is mandatory before driving it on public roads. Upon registering, you will receive a Registration Certificate (RC), which you must always carry while driving your vehicle. According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, one should not drive on public roads without a valid Registration Certificate or an expired RC. If you get caught driving a vehicle without/expired RC, you will be charged with a fine of ₹5000 for the first offense and ₹10,000 for the subsequent offense. There are a few exceptions to this. However, one must inform their Regional Transport Authority (RTA) within seven days of the reason you need to use a vehicle. Otherwise, you’ll be fined.

Road Tax not paid

According to section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, paying road taxes is mandatory for vehicle owners (both two- and four-wheelers) in India. Road or Lifetime tax is collected when purchasing or registering a new vehicle. However, different states have different methods of paying for road tax, quarterly, annually, or all at once. Road taxes must be paid online or offline at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). If a vehicle owner fails to pay road tax, they must pay a fine of ₹500. Sometimes, your vehicle papers (copy of RC book) might get seized if caught driving a vehicle without paying Road Tax.

Driving a transport vehicle without a Fitness Certificate

To ensure a vehicle is fit for the public roads, every transport vehicle must possess a valid vehicle fitness certificate (FC) issued by a Transport Department. A fitness certificate ensures your car is in excellent condition and does not contribute to pollution (via motor vehicle emissions). Under the Motor Vehicle Act, section 56, a transport vehicle is not deemed valid unless it carries a Fitness Certificate. The drivers or owners operating transport vehicles without a valid fitness certificate will be imposed a fine of ₹5000 for the first offense and ₹10,000 for the second or subsequent offense. In addition to the penalty, vehicle owners or drivers can even be sent to prison.

Driving a transport vehicle without a Permit

Section 66 with Section 192 A of the Motor Vehicle Act states that plying a transport vehicle without/an expired permit is a punishable offense. Whoever finds plying a transport vehicle without the license required by sub-section (1) of section 66 shall be punished with a fine extending to ten thousand rupees and for any subsequent offense with imprisonment, which may extend to one year or with both. There are few exceptions to this (vehicle in an emergency for the carriage of persons suffering from injury or sickness or for the transport of food, materials for repair, or materials to relieve distress or medical supplies). However, one must inform the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) within seven days of the reason you need to use a vehicle. Otherwise, you’ll be fined.

Carrying excess passengers

As per the Motor Vehicle Act, Section 194A, driving a transport vehicle carrying more passengers than is authorized in the registration certificate of the particular vehicle shall be punishable with a penalty of ₹200 per excess passenger. Such vehicles shall not be allowed to move before the extra passengers are off the car and an alternate vehicle is arranged for them.

Driving without/expired insurance

A motor insurance policy is a type of security that helps to provide coverage for the losses that happened to you or the third parties who suffered in an accident. Under the new Motor Vehicle Act 2019, Under Section 81, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without/ an expired insurance policy. The Government of India has made third-party coverage mandatory for all motor vehicles to drive legally on public roads.

Driving without an insurance policy amounts to a fine of ₹2000 for the first offense, ₹4,000 for a second or any subsequent offense, and imprisonment of up to 3 months. The fine levied for driving without/expired insurance is the same for all types of vehicles—two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial vehicles.

Failure to report a change of address within the prescribed period

If a vehicle owner changes his residential/commercial address mentioned in the RC, she or she shall be obligated to report his new address within thirty days. As per Section 49(2)/177 of the Motor Vehicle Act, if the owner fails to register his new address to the concerned authority within the period specified, he shall be imposed with a fine of ₹500 for the first offense and ₹1000 for a second or any other subsequent offense.

Violating air pollution standards

Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 states that any person who drives a vehicle that violates the air pollution standards shall be punishable. The defaulter would incur a fine of ₹2000 for the first offense and ₹5000 for any second or subsequent offense. In addition to the fine, drivers or vehicle owners shall be disqualified for holding a license for three months.

Overloading

Driving a car beyond the permissible limit in India is a punishable offense. Section 194 (IA) of the Motor Vehicle Act states that anyone caught driving a vehicle extending load beyond the limits shall be punishable with a fine of ₹20000 and an additional amount of ₹2000 per tonne of surplus weight, along with the liability to pay charges for off-loading the excess load.

Failure to provide passage to emergency vehicles- Fire Service Vehicle/Ambulance

Under Section 194 E of the Motor Vehicle Act, failure to allow free passage to emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire service vehicles, etc., is a punishable offense. Anyone caught while driving a motor vehicle who fails to give way on the approach of an emergency vehicle specified by the State Government shall be punishable with a fine of ₹ 10,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

Use of mobile phone while driving

Overspeeding, drunk driving, and using a mobile phone while driving account for the majority of road accidents in the country; as per the notification issued by the Road Transport Ministry, using a mobile phone while driving is a punishable offense. However, drivers can only use mobile phones for navigation purposes. Section 184/188 of the Motor Vehicles Act, using hand-held devices while driving, attracts a fine of up to ₹2000 and ₹10000 (if caught violating the rule within three years of the first offense). In addition to the fine, the defaulter may face imprisonment for up to one year.

Driver mentally/ physically unfit

Driving when mentally or physically unfit to drive is a punishable offense. As per section 186 of the Motor Vehicles Act, any person who drives a motor vehicle in any public place when he is, to his knowledge, suffering from any mental disease or physical disability figured to cause his driving of the car to be a source of danger to the public shall be punishable for the first offense with a fine of a ₹500 and for a second or subsequent offense with fine which may extend to ₹1000.

Violation of mandatory road signs

In India, it is compulsory to follow road signs such as No Entry, One-way Entry, Give way, no left turn, no right turn, no overtaking, etc. Violation of mandatory signs may jeopardize your and others’ safety and also invite disciplinary action. Therefore, to avoid this situation, one must comply with all the rules and regulations implemented by the Government of India. Under section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act, contravening road safety signs is considered criminal. It shall be punishable for the first offense with a fine of ₹500 and a second or subsequent offense with a fine extending to ₹1000.

Disobeying Police Orders

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, section 119/177, disobeying the signal of an on-duty Police officer regulating traffic is considered a criminal offense. It shall be illegal for any person to refuse to comply with any lawful order, signal, or direction of a police officer in controlling authorized vehicular traffic. Defying traffic police orders shall attract a fine of ₹500 for the first offense and ₹1000 for a second or subsequent offense.

Red-light Jump Challan

Jumping a red light violates the Motor Vehicle Act, and you can be fined if caught. The current fine for jumping a red light in Delhi is Rs. 1,000 for a first-time offense, and if caught again within three years, the fine can go up to Rs. 2,000.

Wrong Parking

Incorrect parking (Parking where prohibited, cycling track, on the footpath, or on the main road carrying fast traffic) of a vehicle in a public space can likely cause danger, obstruction, or undue inconvenience to others. According to Section 122/177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, leaving/parking a vehicle in the wrong position is punishable by law. Transgression of the act attracts a fine of ₹500 for the first violation and ₹1000 for a second or subsequent violation.

Honking unnecessarily

In India, section 194F of the Motor Vehicles Act states that a driver shouldn’t blow the horn needlessly or continuously. It adds to the noise pollution, but blowing horns unnecessarily causes a traffic jam and distracts others using public roads. The only legal use of “Honking” is related to safety (for example, to direct others to give way to emergency vehicles). Unnecessary use of a horn while driving a motor vehicle, honking needlessly in an area with a traffic sign prohibiting the use of a horn shall be punishable with a fine of ₹1000 and for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of ₹2000.

Driving without seat-belt

Not wearing a seat belt while driving a car is a severe traffic rule violation and is illegal in India. The new Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 under section 194B (1), states that anyone driving a motor vehicle without wearing a safety belt or carrying passengers in the front seat not wearing seat belts shall be punishable with a fine of ₹1000 (earlier it was ₹100). Along with the fine, traffic police can seize the vehicle or suspend a driving license. To keep your safety in mind and avoid the penalty, ensure you and the person in your front passenger seat always wear seatbelts.

Children below 14 Yrs. not secured by safety Belt/Child Restraint System

Under section 194B of the Motor Vehicles Act, anyone who drives a motor vehicle or allows a motor vehicle to be operated by a child who has not completed the age of fourteen years and is not secured by a safety belt or a child restraint system shall be punishable with a fine of ₹1000. One must use child seats, safety belts, or a child restraint system while driving motor vehicles to avoid getting penalized.

Offences by Juvenile

Any offense committed under section 199A of the Motor Vehicle Act by a juvenile, the guardian of such juvenile, or the motor vehicle owner shall be deemed guilty and liable to be penalized accordingly. In addition to the penalty charges, such guardian or owner shall also be punishable with imprisonment for up to three years, along with a fine of ₹25,000. In some cases, the registration of the vehicle used in the commission of the offence shall be cancelled for a year. Also, such juveniles shall not be eligible to be granted a driving license until they reach the age of twenty-five.

However, the act’s provisions shall not apply to the guardian or owner if the juvenile committing the offense has been granted a learner’s license (LL) or a driver’s license.

What happens if the traffic challan is not paid in Punjab?

Punjab traffic police have become more advanced and vigilant to ensure the safety of individuals on the road and the smooth flow of traffic. Therefore, it is essential to know, follow, and be aware of the latest traffic rules and regulations implemented by the Punjab traffic police department. For any violation of traffic rules, the Punjab traffic police issue an e-challan.

One must pay their e-challan within 15 days from the day it is issued because, after that, the offender will have to pay the late fee and the actual amount. If the challan is not paid for long, the state transport department can intervene and take necessary action.

The payment of an e-challan issued by the Punjab traffic police has to be made within 60 days from the day it is issued. In case of non-payment of a challan within a given time, the offender will get a notice from the court. Following this, they must visit the court to pay, or their driver’s license will be suspended.

How do I pay the e-challan issued by the Punjab traffic police?

Using the Punjab Government’s official web portal:

• Visit the IFMS Punjab website.
• Click on the “e-receipt” tab and the “Register User” icon.
• Login using your newly created credentials.
• “Create a new profile” by entering the department and treasury details.
• Click “Make Payment” and start filling out the e-challan. For instance, you must pay the price of a number plate challan in Punjab if you don’t have a high-security number plate, as per the Motor Vehicles Act.
• Enter the amount to be paid along with your details.
• The “success” notification will flash on your screen upon a successful online transaction.

How to Pay Traffic Challan Online in Punjab

1. Visit the official Parivahan website: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/
2. Choose one of the following options to find your challan:
   • Challan Number: Enter the challan number you received on the ticket.
   • Vehicle Number: Enter your vehicle registration number and the last four digits of your driving license number.
   • DL Number: Enter your driving license number.
3. Enter the captcha code and click “Get Details.”
4. Verify your challan details and click “Pay Now.”
5. Choose your preferred online payment method (debit card, credit card, net banking, etc.).
6. Complete the payment and download the e-receipt for your records.

Conclusion

Traffic laws are made only for the safety of the drivers however, the sensibility of following traffic rules is rarely seen in them. Not complying with the law will not only attract a legal battle for the offender, but a huge pain and suffering for the victim and his family members. To avoid such circumstances, try to be a responsible driver and a citizen to contribute to road safety. Also, obey traffic laws and, in case of a genuine mistake, it is recommended to pay the traffic challan on time to avoid any further consequences.

Traffic Offences, Penalties and Fines of Other States