India claims the number one spot when it comes to road accident fatalities in the world and with a recent survey, it is estimated that around 1.50 lakh people have died in road accidents in 2016-2017. One of the biggest reasons for road accidents in India is that people fail to follow the traffic signals. These signals are designed to help drivers stay in control and stay safe while driving but some reckless drivers overlook these signals and cause fatal accidents on a regular basis. Here is a deeper look into how serious jumping a red light can be in India.
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Challan for Red Light jumping - Signal jumping fine in India
Anyone who is caught jumping a red light while driving a vehicle will immediately get issued a challan from the local traffic police. When this challan is received, the offender will have 60 days to make the payment either online or offline. The penalty for jumping a red light in India was initially Rs. 100 – Rs. 300, but after the Motor Vehicle Act was amended, the fine amount went up to Rs. 1,000.
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How to Pay Red light Jump Challan in India?
The payment for a challan for jumping a red light in India can be made either online or offline.
Online Payment
- Visit the State Transport Department website.
- Click on the Challan or Traffic Violation Payment tab.
- Enter the Challan Number or Vehicle Number.
- Check the details and choose a Debit or Credit card to make the payment.
- Make the payment and print the receipt for reference.
Offline Payment
- Visit the local Traffic Police Station in your area.
- Go to the payment department and ask for the details of the challan.
- Make the payment for the challan with cash, card, or other sources.
- Accept the receipt and keep it for further reference.
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What is the process if you are caught to cross the red light without signaling?
For anyone who is caught jumping a red light, the traffic police will ask you to stop your vehicle and pull up to the side of the road. Once the vehicle comes to a complete halt, the police officer will request you for your documentation – driving license, registration certificate of the vehicle, and any other documents they might ask for. The officer will then check the documents in his database to see whether the vehicle is rightfully owned and the driving license is valid. After all the procedures, the officer will issue a challan for the offence which can be paid online or offline.
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How to avoid jumping/breaking a red light signal and save yourself from Signal Jumping fines?
Jumping a red light in India can be avoided in a number of ways. Here are some of the most effective ways to avoid breaking the signals and stay clear of any violations and fines.
- Never over-speed when driving near an intersection. It could cause you to collide with another vehicle driving from another direction.
- If you want to make a U-turn, look for other vehicles that are coming from the opposite side of the road.
- Since the red light is positioned on the top of the signal, it can be seen from a distance which gives drivers the opportunity the slow down long before the intersection of the signal.
- Always have your vehicle serviced properly so that you have complete control of your vehicle and can reduce the speed at any time.
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Penalty for Jumping Red light in the Different States
Sr. No | States | Penalty in Rupees |
1 | Red light jump challan in Delhi | 1000 |
2 | Red light jump challan in Haryana | 5000 |
3 | Red light jump challan in Uttar Pradesh (U.P) | 300 - 500 |
4 | Red light jump challan in Punjab | 500 -1000 |
5 | Red light jump challan in Maharashtra | 200 |
6 | Red light jump challan in Andhra Pradesh | 1000 |
7 | Red light jump challan in Karnataka | 500 |
8 | Red Light challan in Telangana | 500 |
9 | Red light jump challan in West Bengal | 100 |
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Check Your Challan in Your City/State and Pay Online
Delhi traffic challan status | Haryana traffic challan status |
Maharashtra traffic challan status | Uttar Pradesh traffic challan status |
FAQ's
Q: Is it illegal to jump a red light signal?
A: According to the Motor Vehicle Act, breaking a traffic signal or jumping a Red Light is considered an offence and is absolutely illegal.
Q: What is the fine for jumping a red light signal?
A: Before the Motor Vehicle Act was amended, the fine for jumping a red light was Rs. 100 – Rs. 300. Today, the fine for breaking a traffic signal is Rs. 1,000.
Q: What is the violation of the stop line?
A: A fine of Rs. 100 will be levied on any driver who violates the stop line at a signal.
Q: What counts as running a red light?
A: Any vehicle that breaks the traffic signal and over-speeds over the crossing line at a red light signal is considered an offence.
Q: What does jumping a red light mean?
A: Jumping a Red Light means a vehicle that crosses an intersection or a traffic signal when it is on RED. The vehicle and the driver will be stopped by traffic police and a challan will be issued for the offence.
Q: What happens if you accidentally go through a red light?
A: Even if you accidentally go through a Red Light signal, you will be fined if traffic police catch you or the surveillance camera catches your vehicle.