List of Traffic Fines & Rules in Chennai

Posted on: Oct 14, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

List of Traffic Fines & Rules in Chennai

Chennai, the fourth-largest city in India, is experiencing increasing traffic problems. The Chennai Traffic Police enforce strict laws to reduce traffic congestion and accidents. Drivers must be aware of traffic laws, infractions, and penalties. This article provides an overview of Chennai's traffic laws to assist drivers in travelling responsibly and safely.

Common Traffic Violations and Fines in Chennai

In Chennai, traffic violators face stringent fines and penalties. Speeding offences, for instance, are not taken lightly. They are categorised into three tiers, with penalties as high as ₹1,500 for speeds exceeding 20 mph above the limit. This is a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to speed limits for road safety.

Other common violations and their corresponding fines include jumping red lights (₹1,000), wrong-side driving (₹1,000), failure to wear helmets or seatbelts (₹500), using mobile phones while driving (₹1,000), overloading two-wheelers (₹500) and four-wheelers (₹1,000), driving with invalid or no licences (₹500-₹1,500), lack of registration certificates (₹500-₹1,500), pollution certificates (₹500-₹1,500), violating traffic signals (₹500), reckless driving (₹1,000-₹2,000), and driving without insurance (₹1,000-₹2,000).

Offenders in Chennai may face a range of consequences for traffic violations, including increased insurance rates, licence suspension or cancellation, legal proceedings, and car impoundment. These serious repercussions underscore the importance of complying with traffic laws for road safety. The Chennai Traffic Police enforce these rules to guarantee road safety and can be contacted at 103, 044-23452345 or traffic.chennai@tn.gov.in.

Drivers must be aware of and follow traffic laws, as fines are subject to change by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and Tamil Nadu government regulations. A valid car insurance policy is crucial to avoid fines and financial losses in case of accidents or vehicle damage.

Types of Traffic Violations In Chennai

The Chennai Traffic Police closely monitors and prosecutes various traffic violations in Chennai. Significant infractions include driving on the wrong side of the road, speeding, running red signals, reckless driving, and overloading.

Violations of safety include:

• Driving without insurance.

• Not wearing seatbelts or helmets.

• Using a phone while operating a vehicle.

• Having a licence that is expired.

• Not having a registration certificate.

Ignoring traffic signs, parking without permission, driving too big of a car, and not following traffic police directions are all considered regulatory infractions.

Driving while intoxicated (DUI), reckless driving, obstructing traffic, operating a vehicle without headlights or taillights, and improperly utilising high beam lights are among other infractions.

The threat of fines, penalties, and legal action for violators highlights how crucial it is to become knowledgeable about traffic laws and regulations to avoid infractions and guarantee a safer driving experience. To prevent financial liabilities and legal consequences, ensure you have a valid comprehensive car insurance policy and adhere to traffic rules.

New Traffic Rules in Chennai

With immediate effect, the Chennai Traffic Police have implemented new regulations to improve road safety. Important laws include requiring drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts, imposing severe speed limits of 40 kmph in city boundaries and 60 kmph on highways, requiring two-wheeler and pillion riders to wear helmets, and more.

There are also specific lanes for buses and auto rickshaws, no-entry zones for heavy vehicles during peak hours, and higher fines of up to ₹1,500 for infractions. Additionally, car pollution certificates are required, and vehicle overloading or oversizing is prohibited.

Repeat offenders face a two- to three-year licence suspension and fines of ₹1,000 to ₹2,000. Chennai has installed computerised traffic enforcement systems, automated traffic signal control, and CCTV cameras to help with enforcement. The goals are to reduce accidents, traffic, and pollution while encouraging safe driving practices.

How to Avoid Traffic Fines in Chennai?

Learn about traffic laws in Chennai and comprehend things like speed limits, no-entry zones, and restricted locations to avoid paying traffic fines. Keep your car compliant by keeping a current comprehensive car insurance policy, a valid driver's licence, a pollution certificate, and a valid registration certificate.

Adopt safe driving habits by paying attention to signs and traffic signals, fastening seat belts and helmets, and not using your phone while driving. Do routine maintenance checks to ensure your car's headlights, taillights, and indicators work correctly.

Avoid driving carelessly, too fast, on the wrong side of the road, drunk driving, and rash driving. To stay informed, use traffic applications for real-time information and updates from the Chennai Traffic Police.

Always keep the required paperwork, such as your insurance, registration, and licence. Following these recommendations can help promote road safety and drastically lower your chance of receiving a traffic fine.

Conclusion

Adhering to Chennai's traffic rules and regulations is crucial to ensure road safety and avoid fines. By understanding traffic violations, maintaining vehicle compliance, practising safe driving habits, and staying informed, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and penalties, creating a safer and more responsible driving environment.

FAQ

1. What penalties do traffic infractions in Chennai carry?

Traffic violators in Chennai face fines (up to ₹2,000), licence suspension/cancellation, increased insurance rates, car impoundment, and legal proceedings.

2. What is the penalty for speeding in Chennai?

Speeding offences are categorised into three tiers, with fines ranging from ₹500 (up to 10 km above them) to ₹1,500 (exceeding 20 kmph above it).

3. Do I need car insurance to drive in Chennai?

Yes, having a valid Comprehensive Car Insurance policy is mandatory to avoid fines (₹1,000-₹2,000) and financial losses in case of accidents or vehicle damage.

4. Which new traffic laws have the Chennai Traffic Police put into effect?

New rules include mandatory helmet/seat belt usage, strict speed limits (40 kmph in city limits, 60 kmph on highways), designated lanes for buses/auto rickshaws, and increased fines.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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