Delhi Traffic Rules And Violations

Traffic Rules. Something that all of us are expected to follow unconditionally because following them saves our lives. Traffic Rules Violations. Something all of us do, despite knowing that we are risking our own lives by doing so. The national capital, Delhi, has more than 7.35 million cars. However, traffic rules or rather following traffic rules has never been Delhi’s strong suit. Between 16th to 31st August 2019, 3,48,272 challans were issued in Delhi. Prior to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, traffic violations in Delhi were soaring. The Delhi RTO had to do something about it.

In India, more than 150,000 people are killed each year in traffic accidents. That’s about 400 fatalities a day and far higher than developed auto markets like the US, which in 2016 logged about 40,000.

Road rage starts from things like illegal or improper lane changing, excessive speeding or driving on the wrong side of the road. The government is attempting to curb the road rage on Indian roads, caused by everything from speeding two-wheelers to cars not equipped with airbags. Make sure you have two wheeler insurance as it protects you with uncertain events.

On September 1, the government implemented the new Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, having 63 clauses to manage some of the most common traffic violations in the country.

Every citizen should know about these new changes in the traffic rules and regulations regardless of whether they are driving or not. Despite constant efforts by Delhi Regional Transport Office (Delhi RTO) and Delhi traffic Police, there have been numerous traffic rule violations in the national capital. These might just be cases of ill informed citizens, who are unaware of the RTO rules in Delhi.

Here is a list of offences and revised penalties

1.General penalty

• First offence fine: up to Rs.500
• Second offence fine: up to Rs. 1,500

2.Driving without a licence.

In case you are found driving any vehicle without a proper license card you will now have to pay a challan of Rs 5,000.

3.Driving without a helmet:

Driving a two-wheeler without a helmet puts the passengers at major risk and will fetch you a fine of Rs 1,000 and suspend the driver's license for 3 months.

4.Driving without a seat belt :

Whether you are sitting in front or driving or even sitting at the rear seat, you will have to give a challan Rs.1,000 to the Delhi traffic Police if found without the seat belt strapped on. Additionally, a 2 Hour Counselling Session will also be required to be taken from the designated Traffic Police Official on the Importance of a Seat Belt while travelling in a motor vehicle.

5.Violation of air pollution standards(emitting excessive black smoke on the roads):

With the rising levels of pollution in the capital and people becoming more and more prone to lung diseases and having breathing problems, it is imperative that everyone gets their cars checked for pollution. Delhi RTO is trying to ensure that this happens. As per the traffic rules in Delhi :

Driving without getting your car checked for pollution will cost you Rs. 10,000 and driving without a PUC(pollution certificate) copy will fetch you a fine of Rs 1,000.

6.Jumping red lights

Jumping red lights is one of the most common traffic violations. Apparently, this is the one traffic rule in Delhi or elsewhere which people have trouble adhering to, even though all it requires you to do is to be patient.

Accidents caused by drivers who ran red lights killed 939 people in 2017, the most recent year crash data was recorded, a 28% increase since 2012, according to the AAA.

The fine for jumping a red light is Rs.1,000.

7.Over speeding and Dangerous driving:

Every 1% increase in mean speed produces a 4% increase in the fatal crash risk and a 3% increase in a serious car crash risk. As per the Delhi RTO rules, the penalty for excessive speeding is now Rs 1000 for Cars and Rs 2,000 for Medium Commercial Vehicle. If found driving dangerously or speeding at an extremely high speed, you will be fined Rs 5000 and moreover, your driving licence will be seized on the spot by police & suspended for at least 3 months. The person accused with the charge will not be allowed to drive a vehicle and will have to call someone to drive it for them.

8.Driving a two wheeler wearing inappropriate footwear:

If anyone is found driving 2 Wheeler while wearing a Chappal, Sandal or Flip Flops will be fined Rs 1,000.

9.More than two people on two-wheeler:

Driving a bike or a scooter with more than two people is extremely dangerous and life-threatening and will cost you Rs 1,000.

10.Drunk driving:

Drinking and driving is a deadly combination. Literally. In 2015, nearly 1.5 lakh people, almost the entire population of a town like Shimla, died in road crashes in India. This is the highest number of road accident-related deaths that India has ever recorded. These statistics also represent a 53.9% increase over the last decade and nearly a tenfold increase since 1970. If any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs is found driving or trying to drive, and has a BAC - Blood Alcohol Content level exceeding 30 mg per 100 ml of blood detected by a breath analyzer, he will be penalised Rs 10,000 plus Court challan. Additionally, the vehicle is also liable to be locked up by Delhi traffic Police.

11.Driving while talking on the phone:

Talking on the phone while driving, diverts one's attention and hence makes one more prone to be involved in an accident. Hands-free phones are equally dangerous to use while driving and texting considerably increases the risk of a crash. All those who fail to follow the simple rule of not talking on the mobile while driving, will be fined a challan of Rs. 5,000 by Delhi traffic Police and the driver's license will be confiscated by the police officer and suspended for at least 3 months.

12.Driving a vehicle without insurance:

A fine of Rs. 1,000 and court challan awaits those who are caught driving a vehicle without having insurance or a copy of the insurance. The vehicle is also liable to be impounded by the Traffic Police officer.

13.Taking a selfie while driving.

With the new trend of taking selfies, everyone wants the perfect shot. But this comes with a price. Between 2011 and last year, 259 people died as a result of selfie accidents, according to a recent study by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. The penalty for driving a vehicle while taking or attempting to take a selfie is Rs. 2,000.

14.Underage driving

If any minor is caught driving any vehicle he/she will be charged with Rs 25,000 plus a 3 year imprisonment for the vehicle owner( person under whose name vehicle has been registered). Moreover, the vehicle registration will be cancelled and the minor will be booked under the Juvenile Act.

15.Violation of directions by traffic Police officer:

Many people bicker and argue with the on duty traffic Police officer and do not follow his/her direction which worsens the situation on the roads. Violating the directions given by them will result in a fine of Rs. 2,000.

16.Not giving way for emergency vehicle:

It is imperative that all citizens on the road must give way to emergency vehicles such as an ambulance, fire truck or police car as it may be a question of life or death for someone. The fine for not giving way to an emergency vehicle is Rs. 10,000.

The Delhi RTO has done its job. The traffic Police have tried their best to reduce the number of challans issued in Delhi. The number of traffic violations (traffic rules violations) have significantly reduced. The new and improved offences and penalties set by the government are sure to bring a positive change on the roads and make them safer for all citizens. After all, what's more important than the safety of our own people?