The statistics for road accidents and casualties in India are alarming. Did you know that more than 5 lakh road accidents take place in India every year, out of which 1.5 lakh people never make it alive and 3 lakh are left crippled for life? 

With an aim to curb the rise of road related vehicle mishaps, more stringent traffic rules have been imposed from September 2019, by the Indian Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act. The sharp increase in traffic penalties has been done so that motorists and two-wheeler riders take traffic rules and regulations more seriously and do not violate them for the sake of their own safety and that of others.    

These are the top 8 traffic rule violations with their updated penalties and fines that you should be aware of. It will serve as a quick guide and reminder for you every time you turn on the ignition key to ride your bike.

Driving Without a Valid Driving License

It is obvious that you should have their driving license with you when riding your bike and it should not have expired. Telling the traffic cop that you forgot your driving license at home or were just about to get it renewed may not work anymore. You will have to pay up a whopping Rs.5000 instead of the earlier Rs.500 as fine for violating this fundamental traffic rule.  

Driving an Uninsured Vehicle

Say you were on your bike, jumped a traffic signal and got unlucky. If you don’t have bike insurance or your policy has expired, you have committed an offence. According to the new traffic rules you can be penalised with a fine of Rs.2000 (first time) or Rs.4000 (second time) and/or imprisonment up to 3 months.

Getting your vehicle insured is compulsory as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. You should have at least third-party insurance to cover your liability in case your car or bike causes third-party injury, death or damage in an accident. Timely bike insurance renewal is a must.

Buying bike insurance is more than just fulfilling your legal duty as a bike owner. Comprehensive bike insurance will safeguard your bike from damages due to accidents, theft and other disasters.