With the onset of the reformed Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2019, which launched about some time back, there have been gigantic changes in the way traffic rules apply around. At least now they do. With this revised changes coming into action from September 1st, we have had several news coming in of people being charged with hefty amounts for not carrying their documents with them while driving.
Just recently, we covered a story of a Gurugram resident, who was fined Rs 23000 for not carrying his DL, registration certificate, no third-party insurance, no pollution certificate and a helmet. We are here to save you the trouble and help you tackle being charged of hefty fines.
You Might Not Need to Carry Physical Documents
It has come into notice that apart from disobeying traffic rules, one of the major reasons for the issue of such challans is people not being able to present valid documents of their respective vehicles when stopped by the traffic police. Even though carrying valid documents is absolutely necessary, it is not required to have physical copies of the same.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) dated 17.12.2018, documents like Driving License, Registration Certificate, Insurance and PUC can be presented in the electronic form. The ministry has written to all the state transport departments to consider electronic copies of these documents valid, on Digilocker or mParivahan app.
On the Digilocker app, one can upload scanned copies of the documents in PDF, JPEG or PNG format, the accounts on which are made with the help of the Aadhar number and mobile number.
However, these electronic copies of documents are only valid if they are stored in Digilocker or mParivahan app. It isn’t valid for images clicked on your smartphone and then shown to the traffic official. That might land you in trouble.
List of Revised Traffic Offences
According to the list of major traffic offences, penal provisions as per the Amended Act / MV Act, 1988, fines for the aforementioned offences are as follows:
- without PUCC – Rs 10000
- without DL – Rs 5000
- without RC – Rs 10000
- without insurance – Rs 4000
- without helmet – Rs 1000
Right since the 1st day, the rules have been put into action. Delhi Traffic Police issued 3,900 challans that included 45 challans for driving under the influence, 557 for dangerous driving, 42 for over speeding, and 207 for red light jumps.
Noida Traffic Police, on the other hand issued 1,329 challans on the second day of the onset of the new traffic rules. More than 334 riders were challaned on Monday for not wearing helmets, while those not wearing seatbelts were 210.