Jumping a red light is one of the most common traffic violations in India, especially among two-wheeler riders. Whether done accidentally or on purpose, this act is dangerous and against the law. It not only puts the rider at risk but also endangers the lives of others on the road. Authorities have become stricter over time, and heavy fines are now in place to control such behaviour. Following traffic signals, especially at busy junctions, is an important part of safe driving.
In this blog, we will look at the rules for traffic lights and the penalties for jumping red lights.
Traffic lights rules: Green, yellow and red light
Traffic signals are provided to control the flow of vehicles and ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Each colour in the traffic light system has a specific meaning:
- Green light: When the light turns green, it means you can move forward or take a permitted turn. However, make sure the path is clear before proceeding.
- Yellow light: A yellow or amber light is a warning that the signal is about to turn red. If you are far from the signal, you should slow down and stop. It is not an invitation to speed up and cross quickly.
- Red light: This means 'stop'. You must bring your bike to a complete halt before the stop line. Moving ahead during a red signal is illegal and can lead to fines or penalties.
Many accidents at traffic junctions happen because riders do not respect the red light. It is vital to understand that even if the road looks empty, the rules still apply. Cameras and traffic officers keep a close eye on such violations.
Fine for jumping red light in different states
The Indian Motor Vehicles Act has laid down specific penalties for traffic violations, but individual states have the authority to adjust the amount of the fine depending on their policies.
Below is the list of a few states and their respective fines:
|
Sr. No.
|
State
|
Fine for running red light
|
|
1.
|
Delhi
|
Rs 1,000
|
|
2.
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
Rs 300-500
|
|
3.
|
Haryana
|
Rs 5,000
|
|
4.
|
West Bengal
|
Rs 500
|
|
5.
|
Telangana
|
Rs 500
|
|
6.
|
Maharashtra
|
Rs 200
|
|
7.
|
Karnataka
|
Rs 500
|
|
8.
|
Punjab
|
First offence - Rs 500
Subsequent offence - Rs 1,000
|
|
9.
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
Rs 1,000
|
|
10.
|
Rajasthan
|
Rs 1,000
|
|
11.
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
First offence - Rs 500
Subsequent offence- Rs 1,000
|
|
12.
|
Kerala
|
First offence - Rs 5,000
Subsequent offence- Rs 10,000
|
|
13.
|
Odisha
|
First offence - Rs 5,000
Subsequent offence- Rs 10,000
|
|
14.
|
Tamil Nadu
|
Rs 300-600
|
|
15.
|
Assam
|
Rs 2,000
|
|
16.
|
Bihar
|
First offence - Rs 5,000
Subsequent offence - Rs 10,000
|
What happens after you get caught breaking traffic rules?
When you are caught jumping a red light, several things can happen:
- On-the-spot fine: A traffic police officer may stop you and issue a challan immediately. You will be asked to pay the fine or be given time to pay it later.
- E-challan: In many cities, traffic police use cameras to monitor signals. If your bike is caught on camera, you will receive an e-challan through SMS or post.
- Court notice: In extreme cases, like aggressive or dangerous driving while jumping a red light, you might be summoned to court.
How to pay challan online?
Thanks to digital services, paying traffic fines is now simple and quick. If you have received an e-challan or were stopped by the police, there are both online and offline ways to clear the fine.
Online process
- Visit the official website of your state’s traffic police or the Parivahan portal.
- Enter your vehicle number/challan number to check the pending fine.
- Verify the details of the offence.
- Proceed to the payment option using a debit card, credit card or net banking.
- Once paid, you will get a confirmation message or receipt.
Offline process
If you prefer to pay in person:
- Go to your nearest traffic police station or court as mentioned in the challan.
- Provide your challan details and vehicle documents.
- Pay the fine.
- Collect the receipt and keep it safe for your records.
Tips to avoid breaking a red light
Here are some practical suggestions to help you stay safe and avoid breaking red lights:
- Plan your journey with enough time so you are not rushing to reach your destination.
- Always slow down when approaching a signal, especially if the light is yellow.
- Pay attention to road signs and signals even if the road looks empty.
- Do not try to beat the red light. It is safer to wait for the green signal.
- Stay alert at all times, especially in busy traffic areas and near schools or hospitals.
- Regular vehicle maintenance ensures your brakes and indicators are working properly.
- Always stay covered with insurance. This not only protects you financially in case of accidents but also ensures compliance with the law.
In India, having third party bike insurance is a legal requirement for all bike owners. This type of bike insurance covers the cost of damage or injury caused to another person or vehicle in an accident. While it does not cover damage to your own bike, it helps you avoid major expenses in case you are involved in a mishap.
Conclusion
Understanding the fines in different states and knowing how to pay a challan can save you time, money and legal trouble. Jumping a red light might seem like a small mistake, but it can have serious consequences. It may put lives at risk and lead to heavy penalties, loss of licence or legal troubles. Every rider must understand and respect traffic signals to ensure road safety for all.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.