Updated Traffic Fine for Breaking/Jumping Red Light Signal

India tops the chart of deaths due to road accidents. In 2016, over 1.5 lakh Indian lost lives in fatal road accidents, and this was an all-time high. Nearly 60% of those accidents were caused by over speeding, while other reasons include not following traffic rules and jumping the crucial red signal. 

The figure indicates the need for strict implementation of traffic rules, especially the signals. Traffic signals are invented to manage the smooth flow of signals, especially on the intersections of the roads.

The red colour has the highest wavelength which travels far easily and alerts you from afar. It is the colour of danger just to make you aware about slowing down. Traffic signals have the red light on the top so that you can observe it from a distance. The yellow light in the centre is an indication for people to move slowly either for a start or a stop. Most riders/drivers follow it, while some choose to ignore it. Greenlight is the signal that asks people to pass through the traffic stop. 

Make sure you abide by the traffic signal otherwise you will attract a heavy penalty.

Is it illegal to jump a red light signal?

Breaking a traffic signal or jumping a red light is considered an offence and is illegal as per the Motor Vehicle Act.

What is the fine for jumping a red light signal?

If you do not follow a traffic signal it will attract a fine of Rs.1000/-. Before the amendment under the Motor Vehicle Act, a fine of only Rs.100-300 was charged for jumping red light signal.

The amount of the penalty is the same for all the vehicles for breaking the traffic signal. It does not depend on the type of vehicle.

If you are caught breaking a traffic signal, these are the things you will have to face:

• The Traffic policeman will stop you and ask you to stop by the road-side.
  
• The traffic police officer will ask you to show vehicle documents like RC and license. He will verify the documents.
  
• For breaking the traffic signal, he will issue you a challan either offline or online.
  

For offline:

Visit the nearest traffic police station. Ask the officer there for the impending fine. Pay the amount and set yourself free from any liabilities.

For online:  

• Log on to the State’s Transport Department website.
  
• Look for the tab that reads payment of challan or traffic violation payment.
  
• Enter your vehicle number or challan number. 
  
• Pay the amount as mentioned in the challan. For online, use your debit or credit card to make the payment.
  
• Store the receipt of the payment for future reference.
  

Here are the ways in which you can avoid breaking a traffic signal:

• Do not over-speed close to an intersection of the road. You might hit another vehicle coming from the opposite end.
  
• Always take a U-turn when there is no traffic coming from the opposite side.
  
• Red light can be seen from afar. You should always check for the signal light and control the speed of your vehicle.
  
• Get your vehicle serviced regularly so that you do not miss on controlling the speed at the last minute.