Traffic rules are designed to ensure vehicles' and pedestrians' safety and smooth flow. They are meant to prevent accidents, chaos, and confusion resulting from violating the basic principles of road discipline.
However, only some follow the traffic rules diligently. Some people ignore or break them for various reasons, such as being in a hurry, careless, or unaware of the consequences. Two of the most common traffic violations many drivers commit are not having car insurance or jumping a red light signal.
A red light signal indicates that the traffic from a particular direction must stop and wait until the signal turns green. This allows the traffic from the other direction to move freely and safely. Jumping a red light signal means crossing the intersection when the signal is still red, without regard for the traffic from the other direction. This can cause serious collisions, injuries, and fatalities, disrupt the traffic flow and create congestion.
Jumping a red light signal is not only dangerous but also illegal. According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, amended in 2019, jumping red signal fine can be severe. Moreover, the traffic police can also seize the offender's driving license and suspend it for a minimum of three months. The fine and penalty may vary from state to state, depending on their respective laws and regulations.
Fine for Jumping a Red Light Signal in Different State
The following table shows a red light signal jump fine in different states in India.
State
|
Fine
|
Maharashtra
|
Rs 200
|
Karnataka
|
Rs 500
|
West Bengal
|
Rs 100
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
Rs 300-Rs 500
|
Telangana
|
Rs 500
|
Delhi
|
Rs 1000
|
Punjab
|
Rs 500-Rs 1000
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
Rs 1000
|
Haryana
|
Rs 5000
|