The festive season is here with all its vibrant colors – meaning that it’s probably the time that you embrace the festive spirit and plan out parties with your family or friends. Though, amidst all the festive chaos and traveling, you should never forget about following the traffic rules. Driving errors can make a massive dent in your festive budget, and some of them may cost you the same or more than your monthly fuel bill.

As you must know, in July 2019, the Indian parliament passed the Motor Vehicles Bill, which seeks to tighten road traffic regulations. It then came into effect from 1st September 2019 with hefty fines for all the traffic rule violations. So, it would be best if you travel safely this festive season, after all you wouldn’t want to hamper your festive spirit due to heavy challans.

The newly active traffic rules make sure that you are not driving a vehicle without car insurance or riding a bike without a helmet. For example, not having car insurance will make you pay a challan of Rs. 2000 or imprisonment up to 3 months or both. The offense is charged more harshly if it is repeated for the second time. Likewise, you should also keep in mind to renew your motor insurance policy. The process of bike or car insurance renewal online is easier and can help you get done with the whole process from the comfort of your home.

 

What Are the Critical Challan Updates Under The New Indian Traffic Rules, 2019?

• With the new traffic rules passed by Lok Sabha, you’ll be charged Rs 5000, if you are to be found steering without a valid driving license.
• The Government of India adopted reforms to the Motor Vehicle Act and imposed a more stringent punishment for driving under alcohol influence. Hence, the drunk driving penalty has been increased from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 10,000 or 6 months of imprisonment.
• Next, if you overload your vehicle with goods and luggage, you will be charged a penalty of Rs 20000, and Rs 2000 for each extra ton.
• If you are caught riding your bike without a helmet, you will attract Rs 1,000 penalty and 3-month suspension of license.
• You will be charged with a fine of Rs. 2000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months or both for the first offense for not carrying motor insurance policy. Similarly, you will be punished with a fine of Rs. 4000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months or both for the second offense.

 

Things To Keep In Mind And Not Let Challans Hamper Your Festive Vibes:

• You must have valid car insurance in place. Not only is it mandated by law, but it is must that helps you cover for any third-party allowances in case of an unlikely event. You should also renew your car insurance timely in case you already have one. It is easy to opt for online renewal of car insurance or bike insurance policies these days.
• You must wear a helmet whenever you are riding a bike. It would keep you safe from any head injury in case of an accident, and protects your eyes from dust particle that might cause any unlikely incident. You will be liable to pay the challan if caught without it.
• In the run-up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you would plan to attend many parties. However, this should not let you fall prey to the threats that persist on the roads. The most usual way in which you can be in danger valid is by driving under the influence of alcohol. So, make sure you book a cab on your way back from a party to be worry-free of getting charged under Section 185 of Motor Vehicles Act.

 

Keeping these things in mind will help you enjoy the festive season to its fullest. On this note, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead. Stay safe!