All You Need to Know About Traffic Fines in Punjab

Punjab is one of the most industrialised states of India. Known for being a hub of steel, rubber and even sports equipment, Punjab has made its mark as a truly developed state. Punjab, due to its close proximity to Delhi, has become an attraction point for many who are looking for employment and also setting up businesses. While the state government has created a conducive environment for people to move there, this has caused a sudden increase in the vehicles being driven on the roads of Punjab. As a countermeasure to growing number of incidents, changes were to the traffic rules in Punjab on the lines of the changes being made to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Let us see what these changes are.

Traffic rules in Punjab: What has changed

As per the 2019 amendments which were done to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 by the Indian government, the Punjab government also implemented those changes. Here’s an updated list of those changes

Type of offence	Vehicle	Fine in Rs
Not having license when driving	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000
Not wearing a seatbelt	Car	1000
Not wearing a helmet	Bike/Scooter	1000   (Your license could be suspended as well for repeated offence)
Driving despite being disqualified from driving	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000   (which might also include community service)
Honking for no reason	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000 for first offence   2000 for repeated offence
Allowing a minor to drive the vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	25,000   (with 3-year imprisonment along with 1 year cancellation of registration. License for the minor will not be issued before they turn 25)
Using the vehicle beyond the speed limit	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000 for two-wheeler 1500 for repeated offence   2000 for four-wheeler 4000 for repeated offence
Driving a vehicle without insurance	Four- and Two-wheeler	2000 for first offence 4000 for repeat offence
Not having the proper permit for your vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000   (which might also include a 6-month prison sentence)
Using customised horn with sounds not permitted by the authorities	Four- and Two-wheeler	2000 for first offence     5000 for repeat offence
Driving under the influence of alcohol and banned substances	Four- and Two-wheeler	10000 for first offence   (First offence also carries a prison sentence of 6 months)
Blocking the path of emergency vehicles	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000   (which might include community service)
Making alterations to the silencer of the bike	Two-wheeler	1000 for first offence   2000 for repeated offence
Indulging in racing on roads	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000 for first offence   10,000 for repeated offence
Talking or texting on the phone	Four- and Two-wheeler	2000 for first offence   10,000 for repeated offence if committed within 3 years of the first offence
Not producing license when asked by the authorities	Four- and Two-wheeler	500 for first offence   1000 for repeat offence
Not having a registration certificate for your vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	3000 first offence 5000 repeated offence for two-wheelers   5000 first offence 10,000 repeated offence for four-wheelers
Indulging in smoking while using vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	500 for first offence   1000 for repeated offence
Absence of number plate on the vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	3000 first offence 5000 repeated offence for two-wheelers   5000 first offence 10,000 repeated offence for four-wheelers
Disobeying the orders of the authorities	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000 for first offence   1500 for repeat offence

 

Additional things you should remember

If you are living in Punjab or planning to go to Punjab, these additional tips can be helpful:

1. If you are planning to sell your vehicle, it is important that you transfer the vehicle insurance from your name to the person who is buying your vehicle. This will enable to enjoy the benefits of the policy. You are also legally required to do so.
2. If your car has been fined by the authorities, it is important that you pay the fines within the stipulated period given by the RTO. Any delay could lead to legal action. Failure to pay the fines on time could also lead to the increase in the premium of your car insurance policy or it could also lead to its cancellation.*
3. If you own a bike, do not use it for commercial purposes. If your bike gets damaged while being used for any such purposes, your bike insurance provider might not compensate you for the damages caused to your bike.*
4. If you are stopped by traffic authorities and do not have all the required documents, pay the fine for the violation. Do not try to bribe the authorities or you could face legal action as well.

 Conclusion

These revised rules need to be followed by you as responsible citizen. Ensure that you use your vehicle within the defined speed limit and do not indulge in overspeeding or any kind of unlawful activities that might attract legal action. Make sure your vehicle is insured with vehicle insurance as required by the law. *Standard T&C 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.