Driving without a valid licence is considered a severe traffic violation. Therefore, you must always get a licence before driving any vehicle. A city like Bangalore remains crowded all day long. Therefore, following all the traffic rules and carrying all the documents is important while driving in Bangalore. Failing to do so might result in different types of traffic challans. One such challan is the licence challan that gets issued for driving without a licence. More details about the licence challan and how to avoid it in a city like Bangalore are shared in this blog.
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What is a Licence Challan?
When you don’t carry a licence while driving, you will be issued a challan. This challan is called the licence challan. A licence challan’s fine may vary from one state to another. As the traffic rules have become stricter in recent times, especially in metropolitan cities like Bangalore, you must be alert while driving. Adhering to all the traffic laws is a must, especially since CCTV cameras and speed guns have been installed in the major junctures of the roads and highways.
At the same time, carrying all the vehicle documents, including the licence, Registration Certificate (RC), insurance, and Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate (for vehicles older than 15 years), is also equally important. Failing to produce any of these documents upon being asked by the traffic inspector will lead to a challan. Each missing document will trigger a separate challan and shall increase your penalty charges.
Sometimes, a challan can be issued against your vehicle without your notice. It is because of the latest technologies implemented in the traffic system. Such challans are typically referred as e-challan as you can check it online using the eParivhan platform and other apps and websites.
What is the Fine for Driving Without a Licence in Bangalore?
The fine for driving without a licence varies from one state to another. As Bangalore is in Karnataka, the traffic fines applicable in Karnataka apply in Bangalore too. The table below will shed some insights on the licence challan fine applicable in Bangalore:
| Offence | Fine |
| First time offender | Rs. 5000 |
| Repeat offender | Rs. 10,000 |
The fine levied for driving without a licence for the first time in Bangalore is Rs. 5000. For repeating the same violation again, you will be fined up to Rs. 10,000. Even the provision of a jail sentence of up to 3 months or vehicle seizure is there for repeat offenders. However, it depends on the severity of the case or if the vehicle owner has violated other traffic laws as well.
How to Pay a Challan for Driving Without a License in Bangalore?
You can either pay the licence challan offline or online. Offline payment of challans can be done in two ways. You can either clear the challan on the spot when the traffic police asks for the licence and you are unable to produce it. This payment can be done either in cash or through QR code scanner, debit card, or credit card via the challan machine. Or else, you can visit the nearest RTO and clear it in-person. The process for online payment of licence challan in Bangalore has been explained below:
- Step 1: Choose an online platform where you can see and clear the pending challans easily. Most people use the eParivahan site to clear their pending challans. You can also use our Spinny website or app for the same.
- Step 2: Open the website or app of your choice first. Enter your challan number in the option where ‘check challan number’ is written. Or else, you can directly enter your vehicle number and check the pending challan issued against it.
- Step 3: You can check every challan one-by-one and clear them. Apps like Spinny let you clear multiple challans at once. You can pay via net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. Once all the challans are cleared, you can save the payment receipt for future reference.
It is also possible to lodge a complaint against a challan that has been wrongly issued against your vehicle. For that, you need to collect evidence in the form of photos, videos, or GPS location first. After that, you can lodge the complaint online through the eParivahan portal or file a complaint offline in the traffic court. If the evidence is in your favor, the challan will be cancelled, and you will be saved from paying the penalty amount. This option is not only applicable to the licence challan but also applies to other traffic challans as well.
How to Avoid Getting a Challan for Driving Without a Licence in Bangalore?
Here are the things that you can follow to avoid getting a licence challan while driving in Bangalore:
- Always Keep The Licence In The Vehicle
If you forget to carry the licence often, it is best that you keep it in your vehicle only. Remember the place where you store the licence so that you can produce it immediately when the traffic police ask for it.
Also, you can save a digital copy of your driving licence on your phone. Apps like DigiLocker let you save all your vehicle documents, including driving licence, insurance, RC, and PUC, in your phone. These digital copies will save you from unnecessary challans when you forget to carry the driving licence or any other document for your vehicle while driving in Bangalore.
- Update The Licence Regularly
Renewing the driving licence regularly is a must to avoid getting a licence challan. This is because driving with an expired licence amounts to an equal fine. The transport vehicle licences require more frequent renewals than the personal vehicles. Keep checking the expiry date from time-to-time to renew the licence before it expires.
- Adhere To The Traffic Rules Obediently
Your driving style determines your overall driving experience. If you drive recklessly or don’t follow the traffic rules, you shall be pulled over by the traffic police immediately. This will lead to challans and fines that will also hamper your overall driving experience.
Don’t overspeed, especially while driving on busy roads and streets. Keep an eye on the traffic signals at all times. Keep a check on the traffic symbols and follow them diligently to avoid any violation of the traffic laws. Don’t use your phone while driving, and always wear a seatbelt/helmet while driving. Following these rules will not only keep you safe but will also help you to avoid a licence challan.
- Get Discounts On The Penalty
It is also possible to get a discount on the penalty applicable to the licence challan. You can visit a Lok Adalat, which is conducted to close trivial traffic challans. Here, you can request a discount, especially if you have broken a traffic law or rule for the first time or if you are planning to close multiple challans at once. It is possible to get a discount, or even the challan can be cancelled if it was issued for a trivial violation of the traffic rules.
Conclusion
We hope you have understood the importance of carrying a driving licence while driving in Bangalore. Also, you must follow all the traffic rules and ensure that you drive safely. Carrying a digital copy of the driving licence and other documents in your phone is also a good idea to avoid the challans.
You can also appeal against a challan if it is wrongly issued against your vehicle. For that, you must collect the evidence that supports your claim. Installing a dashcam in your vehicle can be an important step to prove your innocence when a challan is issued wrongly against your vehicle.
FAQs
Q. When is the driving licence revoked?
The RTO can revoke your driving licence if you are found violating traffic rules and laws 5 or more than 5 times in one calendar year. Committing serious traffic violations like drink-and-drive, not stopping after an accident, etc., can also lead to the same punishment.
Q. Can I get my licence challan cancelled?
Yes, you can get your licence challan cancelled if it was wrongly issued against your vehicle. You can register your grievance through the eParivahan portal and upload the necessary proof that establishes your innocence. Alternatively, you can also visit your nearest RTO with your valid licence and supporting evidence to get the licence challan cancelled.
Q. What is the fine for driving under the influence of alcohol in Bangalore?
The fine for driving under the influence of alcohol is Rs. 10,000 for the first offence. If this offence is repeated, your licence could be revoked or a higher penalty of up to Rs. 15,000 can be imposed against your vehicle.
Q. How much penalty is charged for crossing a red light in Bangalore?
For the first instance, a penalty of Rs. 1000 can be charged for crossing a red light. Repeat offenders can be charged with a penalty of Rs. 2000 or higher.
Q. How to check if a traffic challan has been issued against my vehicle?
You can use platforms like eParivahan to check if there are any pending challans issued against your vehicle. The Spinny app or website can also be used to view and clear challans online.
