Here’s how you can avoid getting fined due to over-speeding 16^th November 2022

The penalties for traffic defaulters have increased steeply with the passage of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill in the year 2019 in India. For instance, the fine for driving without a licence has been increased from INR 500 to INR 5000. Similarly, the penalty for over-speeding has increased from INR 400 to INR 2000.

Also, the police have been extra vigilant, and as a result, the issuance of traffic challans has significantly increased in the last couple of years. Do you wish to stay protected and avoid draining your hard-earned money by paying for hefty traffic challans due to over-speeding your vehicle? Let us see how you can achieve this and prevent over-speeding.

1. Be mindful of the speed limit:
Although fast driving seems thrilling to some people, driving over the speed limit has grave consequences. The speed limit has been put in place by city traffic police with many factors in mind, including the friction of the surface of the road and whether it has schools or hospitals nearby. Be careful and pay attention to board signages alongside the roads. Ensure to drive your vehicle within the speed limit as per the signage on the respective road.
Over-speeding might not only affect your life but also put the lives of others at risk. According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2020, 71% of accidents were related to over-speeding on Indian roads, resulting in 66% of fatalities. Pay close attention to signboards when driving, or you might incur a fine of up to INR 4000.

2. Yellow lights mean slow down:
Everyone is in a hurry to reach their destination. Although jumping a light might seem like a minor offense at any given moment, it causes severe accidents in India. To deter the public from jumping a red light, fines have been levied that range up to INR 5000, and the driver can even be sent away up to a one-year prison sentence for this offense with the suspension of their driving licence.
To avoid such consequences, be prepared to stop right when the yellow light comes on, and stop a few metres before the stop line. Try not to block the zebra crossing and create inconvenience to the pedestrians.

3. Speed camera alert applications:
You will be surprised to know that there exist applications that can alert us of upcoming speed cameras from a few hundred metres in advance. Moreover, most of these applications are free and convenient to operate.
However, use these devices as a reminder that you are over-speeding your vehicle, not as an escape from speed cameras. Make a habit of following the speed limit set by the traffic police.

4. Never drink and drive:
Often drinking provokes you to do things you don't usually do when sober. And, one very common concern among drivers is rash & fast driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a punishable offense in India, and you will get a hefty traffic challan for drunken driving and over-speeding when intoxicated. Moreover, it can lead to serious accidents and cause property loss and lives.
Hence, do not drive when you have consumed alcohol or are heading out for a party. Book a cab to get back home if you are drunk, even if you came in your car. Otherwise, ensure that a non-drinking friend takes the wheel for you.

Another important thing is never to run away or escape the spot if a police officer finds you guilty of violating a rule and stops you. Always accept that you’ve made a mistake and support the officials doing their work.

You should always follow the above steps to avoid getting traffic challans and paying fines. Receiving challans is not a good feeling, and repeated mistakes can make you face severe consequences. So, be a responsible driver and ensure the above traffic practices that help you avoid getting fined due to over-speeding. In addition, car insurance online India can protect your car with adequate coverage against any possible damage due to an accident.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.