Red Light Jump Challan

Surely you must have felt the urge to jump a red light signal, especially when you were late to the office, late for a movie or if the road is clear. But acting upon that urge is a grave mistake. Not only is it dangerous for you and your surrounding vehicles/pedestrians, but it is also a fineable offence. India is a highly populated country with a high vehicle density. Traffic rules are in place so that these vehicles have an easy time manoeuvring the roads of India without creating chaos. Every driver or rider must adhere to these rules to avoid fines, accidents and mishaps.. We will be specifically talking about one traffic rule in this article, i.e., red light jumping, understanding what to do and what will happen if you break a traffic signal.

The simple answer is – absolutely not. Breaking a traffic signal and jumping a red light can lead to some serious consequences. You can cause an accident, create a traffic jam, and next thing you know, everything can get chaotic. Moreover, traffic challans will be issued, which would result in hefty fines, penalties, and even suspension of your driving licence. Traffic challans are here for our safety and so that we follow traffic rules and regulations vigorously.

Under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, which was revised in 2019, breaking a red light will lead to fines (Now ₹1,000). The fine got updated recently to ensure people follow traffic rules more vigilantly. Of course, if you are running late to some important affair, you will be tempted to jump a red light, but you need to understand the depth of trouble it can land you in. Just to save those extra minutes, you will be risking your life, be a danger to your surroundings and also will incur some hefty fines. Nowadays, traffic cameras are set up at almost every signal, meaning even if the traffic cop doesn't spot you, the camera will and you will be issued an e-Challan.

If you are spotted by a traffic cop when you are jumping a red light signal, immediately take your car to a safe location as per the traffic cop’s instructions for a traffic stop. You will need to pay the issued challan within 60 days of the breach to avoid further penalties. You will be either issued a traditional challan or an e-challan; whichever way, you need to pay that fine and ensure you do not repeat such violations.

If you broke a traffic signal or jumped a red light, these things will happen that you need to follow:

• Traffic cop will stop you

Follow the traffic cop’s instructions and park your car for a traffic stop.

• Traffic cop will ask for your car documents

You will be required to present before the traffic cop your driving licence, RC of the car, PUC and valid car insurance.

• Traffic cop will inform you about the infringement

They will tell you about the signal jumping or breaking of the traffic signal infringement, and inquire about the incident.

• Issuance of a challan or e-challan

The traffic cop will issue a challan using his handheld device, which you will receive online, tied to your registered vehicle.

• You can be fined through the e-challan system using a camera

A camera will record the infringement at the traffic signal, which would be reviewed by a traffic cop, and you will be issued an e-challan accordingly (In this scenario, the traffic cop will not halt you for a traffic stop).

Once you have received a challan for jumping a red light signal in India, you need to pay it promptly, before its expiration (generally 60 days). To pay, follow these steps to pay online:

1. Visit Your State’s Challan website
2. Enter your details (Vehicle number, challan number, chassis number)
3. Select the Signal Jumping Challan
4. Click on Pay Now
5. Pay using a secure gateway
6. Save the receipt.

To pay offline, follow these steps:

1. Pay directly to the traffic cop who issued the challan
2. Take receipt
3. You can also pay by visiting the nearest RTO
4. Take your vehicle documents with you
5. At the counter, ask to pay the challan
6. They will require the challan number or vehicle details
7. Pay the challan there
8. Do not forget to take the receipt.

Previously, the fine for jumping a red light was just ₹100-₹300. But, with the recent revisions, the fine has risen to ₹1,000 in most states of India. Repeated offenders should take care because penalties can become severe, and your licence can also be suspended for 3 months in severe cases. Here are the state-wise fines for the red light in India:

The best way to avoid a traffic challan is to not break a traffic law in the first place. Keep these tips in mind while driving:

• Always check the light at traffic signals.
• Yellow/Orange lights are for those vehicles that crossed the line before the signal turned green. It is not supposed to be used as a green light.
• Red Light means stop. Do not cross a signal showing a red light.
• Do not overspeed. Overspeeding can make you miss a signal very quickly
• Only emergency vehicles are allowed to cross red lights (that too with precautions), and there are no other exceptions.
• In case a traffic signal is not functioning, follow the instructions of the traffic cop at the signal.

Traffic laws are here to protect us and those around us. Breaking them is a silly mistake which can endanger not only you, but also people around you. Jumping a red light can lead to accidents, and without car insurance or bike insurance, the entire liability will fall on you. So, firstly, don’t break traffic laws and secondly, make sure you buy motor insurance from Coverfox to financially protect yourself. These 2 tips will ensure your road safety and wallet safety at the same time. Avoid fines, follow traffic rules and stay insured!