West Bengal Traffic Fines: An In-depth Guide

West Bengal is a state that has a strong cultural importance. Known for its food, celebrations of festivals, and architecture, West Bengal is a melting pot of culture. West Bengal is a state which is constantly under development, due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal, which is a major shipping route. Because of this, there has been rapid growth in the number of industries. This has also led to an increase in the movement of heavy vehicles, which can lead to an increase in the number of road accidents. To maintain law and order on the road, the West Bengal government implemented the changes carried out to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Let us see how this has affected the West Bengal traffic fine rules.

All You Need To Know About West Bengal Traffic Fine Rules

In 2019, the Indian government decided to make changes to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 keeping in mind the gradual increase in the number of vehicles on road across the country. As more people purchase four- and two-wheelers, it is tied directly to the increase in the number of road accidents. Since West Bengal is witnessing a growth in development and an increase in the population, the burden on the authorities also increases to ensure the roads are safe for driving. For this, the amendments carried out to the Act in 2019 were implemented in the state. Here are some of the major changes done to the traffic fines in West Bengal:

Type of offence	Vehicle	Fine in Rs.
Not wearing a seatbelt	Car	1000
Not wearing a helmet	Bike/Scooter	1000
Using a vehicle while being physically or mentally unfit	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000 for first offence   2000 for repeat offence
Driving despite being disqualified from driving	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000
Riding your vehicle on the footpath	Two-wheeler	500 for first offence   1500 for repeat offence
Allowing a minor to drive the vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	500
Letting a person without a license drive the vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000
Driving a vehicle without insurance	Four- and Two-wheeler	2000 for first offence 4000 for repeat offence
Breaking the traffic signal	Four- and Two-wheeler	500 for first offence   1500 for repeat offence
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 for first offence   2000 for repeat offence
Making illegal U-turns	Four- and Two-wheeler	500 for first offence   1500 for repeat offence
Using headlights with higher brightness	Four- and Two-wheeler	500 for first offence   1500 for repeat offence
Indulging in racing on roads without permission	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000 for first offence   10,000 for repeat offence
Talking or texting on the phone	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000 for first offence   10,000 for repeat offence

 

Helpful Tips for You to Remember

As a vehicle owner in West Bengal, these tips can help you maintain road safety while at the same time reduce the chances of accidents involving your vehicle:

1. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 requires you to have at least third-party vehicle insurance. If you found using your car or bike without an insurance policy, you could get fined by the traffic authorities.
2. Do not make illegal alterations to your vehicle. If you make alterations to your car, make sure they fall within the rules. Any illegal parts could be confiscated by the authorities, and you would not get compensated by your car insurance provider*.
3. If you are purchasing a bike, you can reduce the cost of your bike insurance by having a clean driving record. This also ensures you follow necessary traffic norms.*
4. Make sure your vehicle has the required fitness certificate. The certificate is an indicator that your vehicle is performing satisfactorily without any defects.
5. When on the road, always make way for emergency vehicles such as an ambulance or fire brigade truck. Obstructing their path could get you fined heavily and might also get you imprisoned.
6. If your vehicle has been registered in another state, it is your responsibility to get your vehicle registered in the state of West Bengal if you plan to reside there. Failure to do so might get you fined.
7. Do not endanger yourself and those around you by overloading your vehicle with more passengers. This applies to both two- and four-wheelers.
8. Always follow lane rules, especially on major roads such as highways to avoid being in any accident.

Conclusion

It is important to remember these changes in the traffic fines in West Bengal. As a responsible citizen and vehicle owner, abiding by these changes and the rules can ensure lesser mishaps for you. Investing in a good vehicle insurance policy safeguards you financially from any unwanted incidents as well. *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.