Karnataka Traffic Fines: An In-depth Guide

Karnataka is one of the most developed states in India. Popular cities such as Bengaluru, which is known as the Silicon Valley of India, Mysuru and Mangalore are located in Karnataka. Karnataka is known for its roads and public transport as well. However, due to the growing number of companies in the state and job opportunities, the population of the state has increased as well. This has increased road traffic to a certain extent, which can cause unfortunate incidents on the road. To deal with this, the Karnataka government implemented revised traffic fines as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Here is an in-depth guide to the traffic rules in Karnataka.

Karnataka Traffic Fines: What You Need to Know

In 2019, keeping in mind the changing landscape of India in terms of road traffic, the Indian government amended the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. One major amendment was carried out with the traffic fines. When the changes were amended and implemented, this was across pan-India. Karnataka was one of the first states to legally recognise these changes. Considering how there has been a rapid growth in the number of vehicles being purchased in the state, it was important for people to understand and adopt these changes.

Updated Traffic Fines for Karnataka

As per the revised fines in the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, the Karnataka government amended the fines in the state as well. Here are the updated Karnataka traffic fine rules:

Type of offence	Vehicle	Fine in Rs.
Not wearing a seatbelt	Car	500
Not wearing a helmet	Bike/Scooter	500
Using a vehicle while being physically or mentally unfit	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000 for first offence
Driving despite being disqualified from driving	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000
Blocking the road	Four- and Two-wheeler	500
Allowing a minor to drive the vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	25,000   (in addition to 3 years of imprisonment. The vehicle is also deregistered for 1 year. The minor driving the vehicle is not allowed to acquire a driving license before the age of 25 years.)
Obstructing the path of emergency vehicles	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000
Driving a vehicle without a number plate	Four- and Two-wheeler	2000 for bikes and scooters; 3000 for four-wheelers
Breaking the traffic signal	Four- and Two-wheeler	500
Making illegal alterations to your vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	You could be fined, and the offence might carry a prison sentence as well
Using horn in silence zones	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000
Driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road	Four- and Two-wheeler	500
Creating obstruction for on-duty traffic police	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000
Indulging in racing on roads	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000
More than two people riding on a two-wheeler	Two-wheeler	500
Talking or texting on the phone	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000
Parking in a no-parking zone	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000

 

Additional tips:

1. Before you purchase vehicle insurance, do not forget to read the policy document carefully. This will give you an idea about the inclusions and exclusions of the policy.
2. Ensure that you carry all the necessary documents when driving your vehicle to avoid getting fined by the traffic authorities.
3. Always ensure lane safety while driving, especially in inner city roads where overtaking or sudden turns can cause accidents.
4. Get only genuine parts for your vehicle. Avoid going for cheap alternatives as they could cause considerable damage.
5. Get your vehicle serviced from time to time to avoid any unnecessary malfunctions.
6. If your car is damaged, you can get it serviced from a network garage of your car insurance*
7. Do not compromise the performance of your bike by using low-grade fuel. Even though the cost of damages would be covered by your bike insurance policy, use the fuel type recommended by your insurer.*
8. If you are planning to drive long-distance, get the tire pressure and engine functioning checked to avoid any unwanted mishaps.
9. If you are planning to purchase a second-hand car or bike, always do thorough checks of the vehicle before you purchase it. You can get it through third-party surveyors who give you a detailed report of the vehicle’s conditions. This helps you in making an informed decision whether to purchase the vehicle or not.
10. Avoid parking your vehicle in zones earmarked for emergency vehicles.

Conclusion

If you are staying in Karnataka or are planning to stay there, remembering this list of fines might help maintain road safety at all times. Ensure safety for yourself and your vehicle by going for vehicle insurance. *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.