road. It is a legal document that carries a penalty for the offence and is issued under the Motor Vehicle Act. In India, traffic challans can be issued for a wide range of traffic offences, including but not limited to, overspeeding, driving without a helmet or seatbelt, jumping a red light, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and parking violations. Though getting a traffic challan is a common phenomenon, people often make mistakes while dealing with these tickets that result in dire consequences. In this article, we will discuss seven common traffic challan mistakes you should avoid.
1. Not paying the challan on time
The first and the most obvious mistake people often make is not paying the challan on time. Delaying the payment may lead to the accumulation of interest, which could double or even triple the fine amount. Moreover, unresolved challan tickets can lead to the suspension of your driving license or registration of your vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to pay the challan on time to avoid any further complications.
2. Ignoring the challan altogether
It is not uncommon for people to disregard or ignore traffic challan. You might think that you can get away with it, but ignoring the challan will only make things worse. The authorities can take severe actions against you, such as seizing your vehicle or putting a clamp on your wheels. Ignoring the challan can also affect your driving record, which can lead to higher insurance premiums, affecting your car insurance premiums as well.
3. Not contesting the challan in court
If you believe that you have been wrongfully charged or issued a challan without proper reason, ignoring it won’t do you any good. You can contest the challan in court by presenting your case, and if the court finds your argument valid, the challan can be dismissed. However, failing to contest the challan will result in the authorities assuming that you have accepted the charges.
4. Not carrying the necessary documents while driving
One of the most common reasons people get a traffic challan is not carrying the necessary documents while driving. Failing to carry documents such as your driving license, vehicle registration certificate, and insurance papers can result in a traffic challan. Therefore, it is vital to keep these documents with you whenever you’re driving to avoid any hassle.
5. Not following lane and traffic rules
Driving is a responsibility, and as drivers, it is essential to follow traffic rules and regulations. Not following basic lane and traffic rules can result in traffic challans, as well as severe accidents. Common offences include not wearing a helmet or seatbelt, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, jumping a red light, and speeding. Not following these rules not only invites a traffic challan but also endangers your safety and that of others on the road.
6. Not renewing your car insurance
Renewing your car insurance before its expiry is crucial to avoid traffic challans. Driving without valid insurance can result in a traffic challan, and in case of an accident, you’ll have to bear the financial burden yourself. Besides, an expired car insurance policy will not cover any damages to your vehicle or the medical expenses of third parties in case of an accident.
7. Not carrying valid pollution control certificates
Environment protection is a shared responsibility, and complying with pollution control standards is essential for the same. Failing to carry valid pollution control certificates while driving can result in a traffic challan. These certificates are issued by authorized pollution control centres after your vehicle passes a pollution check. Not carrying the certificate might lead to your vehicle being banned from the road or seized by the authorities.
Conclusion
Avoiding traffic challans is not complicated if you are aware of the common mistakes people make. Paying your challans on time, renewing your car insurance, carrying the necessary documents, following traffic rules, and complying with pollution control standards are simple steps you can follow to avoid traffic challans. In case of any grievance, remember to contest the challan in court rather than ignoring it. Remember to be a responsible driver and keep yourself and others around you safe on the road.
