by Mudasir Mushtaq Khan
Kashmir’s roads are consistently teeming with substantial traffic, making traffic violations a routine occurrence. This reality places a formidable responsibility on traffic authorities to monitor and penalize offenders diligently.
In the final quarter of 2023, the Times of India reported a substantial 19 per cent surge in sales within the Indian auto industry during the festive season, culminating in a total of 3.793 million units sold. This figure marks a notable increase from the previous year, which saw 3.19 million units in auto retail sales. The upswing in car purchases has led to a heightened presence of vehicles on the roads, posing a challenge for traffic law enforcement.
The surge in automotive activity has, in turn, amplified the challenges faced by traffic police in maintaining order on the roads. Instances of individuals flouting traffic regulations have become more prevalent, thereby jeopardizing the safety of the public. It is imperative to shed light on common traffic violations in India and offer practical tips to mitigate such incidents:
Kashmir’s roads are consistently teeming with substantial traffic, making traffic violations a routine occurrence. This reality places a formidable responsibility on traffic authorities to monitor and penalize offenders diligently. For individuals operating vehicles in Kashmir, awareness of prevalent traffic violations is essential for both personal safety and the well-being of others Adhering to traffic rules not only promotes safety but also shields drivers from potential penalties imposed by law enforcement.
To navigate Kashmiri roads safely and responsibly, consider the following tips to avoid common traffic violations:
Red Light Signal Jumping
Ignoring traffic signals, particularly jumping red lights, is a prevalent offence in India. Despite its seemingly minor nature, the repercussions can be severe, leading to potentially dangerous accidents. Offenders face penalties of up to Rs 5,000, depending on the gravity of the violation.
Maintain attentiveness to traffic lights while driving. When encountering a yellow signal, decelerate and be prepared to stop. Come to a halt well before the designated stop line when the signal is red. Avoid obstructing pedestrians by not stopping the vehicle on the ‘Zebra Crossing.’
Crossing the Speed Limit
Overspeeding is a common occurrence, notably on Indian highways. Surpassing the speed limit not only endangers your life but also poses a significant threat to other road users
Penalties for overspeeding range from 1000 to 2000, depending on the vehicle type.
Adhere to posted speed limits, especially on highways. Maintain a safe and controlled speed appropriate for road conditions. Exercise caution to prevent fatal accidents and ensure the safety of all road users
For responsible driving and to prevent common traffic violations, consider the following guidelines:
Avoiding Overspeeding
Pay close attention to speed limit signboards, particularly on highways. While high-speed driving may be exhilarating, it increases the risk of losing control and endangers both your life and others. Utilize the high-speed warning system in your vehicle, if available, to receive alerts when exceeding speed limits.
Avoiding Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances is a grave traffic offence with potentially severe consequences. If caught, traffic police officers are authorized to issue fines up to Rs 10,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. Repeated violations may incur fines of Rs 15,000 and/or imprisonment for two years.
Never operate a vehicle if under the influence of any intoxicating substance. Seek alternative transportation such as cabs or rickshaws. When driving alone, abstain from consuming alcohol. If planning to consume alcohol, ensure a designated non-drinking driver accompanies you for a safe journey.
In addressing common traffic violations, adherence to regulations is imperative for road safety. Here are guidelines to avoid some prevalent infractions:
Talking/Texting on the Phone While Driving
The use of mobile phones while driving poses a significant distraction, diverting the driver’s attention from the road and increasing the risk of accidents. As per the recent amendment to The Motor Vehicles Act, of 1988, drivers can only use the phone as a navigation device. Violators may face penalties of up to Rs 5,000 and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.
Switch your phone to ‘Silent’ mode before driving. Respond to calls and messages only after safely pulling over and parking. Avoid watching visual content on the phone while driving.
Not Wearing Seatbelt
Failure to wear a seatbelt is both an offence and a safety risk, particularly for inexperienced drivers. Traffic police may impose fines up to Rs 1,000 for driving without a seatbelt.
Develop a habit of buckling up before starting the engine. Ensure proper placement around your waist and chest. Encourage passengers to fasten their seatbelts upon entering the car.
The Motor Vehicles Act, of 1988 mandates Third-party Motor Insurance. Driving without insurance or with an invalid policy incurs fines up to Rs 2,000, escalating to Rs 4,000 for repeat offences.
Purchase at least a Third-party Car Insurance policy. Consider a multi-year insurance plan for convenience. Renew insurance before the due date to maintain coverage.
Driving Without Valid Documents
Operating a vehicle without necessary documents, such as a Driving Licence, Registration Certificate, or Pollution Under Control Certificate, can result in fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000 for repeated offences. Keep physical copies of essential documents in your car. Utilize digital copies stored on your smartphone or apps like Digilocker. Ensure timely renewal of documents to prevent expiration.
(The author, a graduate with a BSc LLB from the University of Kashmir, currently serves as a Government Law Officer in the Department of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Jammu and Kashmir. Ideas are personal.)
