Chandigarh is a union territory that functions as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. The city is known for its amazing layout and tourist attractions. Due to this, you can imagine how crowded the roads of Chandigarh get, especially during festivals and holidays. Carrying a valid driving licence is compulsory while driving in Chandigarh. Also, you must be aware of the traffic signals and symbols while driving. If you are found without a valid driving licence, a challan will be issued against your vehicle. This article talks about the ways to clear a challan in Chandigarh and discusses some ways to avoid a licence challan.
Table of Contents
What is a Licence Challan?
A licence challan is a challan that gets issued against a vehicle when the driver does not have a valid driving licence. The licence for different commercial, private, and transport vehicles differ slightly. Therefore, not having a driving licence suitable for the vehicle you are driving also results in this challan. You also need to renew your licence periodically to prevent a licence challan.
The traffic rules have become stricter, and advanced technologies such as speed sensors, CCTV cameras, etc. have been implemented in the traffic system. This has made it difficult for people to escape the traffic violations. Therefore, you must carry the licence along with important vehicle documents such as Registration Certificate (RC), insurance, and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate while driving. At the same time, following all the traffic rules is also equally important.
What is the Fine for Driving Without a License Challan in Chandigarh?
The fine for driving without a valid driving licence varies from one state to another. The penalty charges for driving without a driving licence in Chandigarh are mentioned below:
| Offence | Fine |
| First time offender | Rs. 5000 |
| Repeat offender | Rs. 10,000 |
The penalty charges for the first time will be Rs. 5000 for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. For subsequent times, a penalty of Rs. 10,000 may be charged. If you have violated any other rule of a severe type, your licence may be held under custody or suspended. Some serious traffic violations, such as not stopping after an accident, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, etc., may also result in vehicle seizure or a jail sentence for up to 3 or 6 months.
Also, you must clear the challan using offline or online means within 90 days of challan issuance. This will keep you safe from further penalties and legal actions.
How to Pay Challan for Driving Without License in Chandigarh?
Paying the challan fees is fairly easy these days. You can either pay via the challan machine as per the instructions of the traffic police or choose to pay it online using any e-challan app or website. The challan machine lets you pay via QR code, debit card, and credit card. Also, you can collect the payment receipt once you clear a challan. The process you must follow to clear an e-challan online has been explained below:
- Step 1: Visit an e-challan website or open an e-challan app on your phone. Most people choose the eParivahan website to clear the challans online.
- Step 2: Upon visiting this site, you will find an option called ‘check challan status’. Click on it to proceed further.
- Step 3: A new page will be opened where you will be asked to provide the challan number. You can also submit your vehicle number to check all the challans issued against your vehicle recently.
- Step 4: Now, you can choose to clear the pending challans via net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card. On Spinny, you get the option of paying against multiple e-challan at once. This reduces your time and effort. Also, you can download the payment receipt in PDF format for future reference.
If you find a wrong challan issued against your vehicle due to mistaken identity or any other reason, you can lodge a complaint against the same. You must register your complaint online using the eParivahan website.
You will also have to explain the nature of your complaint and upload the required documents and proof of your innocence. Then, a tracking number will be assigned to your complaint. You may also track your complaint by visiting a Regional Transport Office (RTO) that is nearest to your home. If everything goes well, your licence challan will get cancelled, and you will be saved from paying the hefty penalty.
How to Avoid Getting a Challan for Driving Without a Licence in Chandigarh?
Some tips that you can follow to avoid paying a licence challan in Chandigarh are given below:
- Update Your Licence
If your licence has expired, get it renewed immediately to avoid a licence challan. Also, get a driving licence that belongs to the class of vehicles you are driving.
For example, you cannot drive a commercial vehicle with a driving licence issued for a private vehicle. Similarly, the driving licence issued for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) is different. Also, you cannot show a two-wheeler’s licence while driving a four-wheeler.
- Carry an eCopy Of Your Driving Licence
Carrying an eCopy or digital copy of your driving licence can also help you avoid a licence challan. Apps like DigiLocker help you save the digital copies of your driving licence, RC, PUC, and insurance online. On days when you forget to carry the original copies of these documents, you can show these digital copies and avoid getting a challan.
- Follow The Traffic Laws
The traffic laws are to be followed strictly while driving in Chandigarh. Not obeying them may lead to other types of traffic challans and if you even don’t have a valid driving licence, it will add up to the penalty amount. Many people get fined for a licence challan when they are found violating a traffic rule.
Not obeying the traffic signals, overspeeding, reckless driving, driving after drinking alcohol or using drugs, not wearing a helmet/seatbelt while driving, and using the phone while driving are some of the most common traffic violations in Chandigarh. Ensure that you don’t break any of these rules and drive responsibly.
Driving responsibly includes maintaining the lane, avoiding abrupt lane changes and speedy overtakes, avoiding tailgating, being careful of the trespassers on the road, and having a thorough understanding of the traffic symbols and their meaning. If you don’t have a licence yet, get it from your nearest RTO by clearing the driving tests and exams. You may also get the required support from a registered driving school. Get a valid licence and drive only after acquiring a licence in Chandigarh.
Conclusion
We hope you have understood the importance and relevance of carrying a valid driving licence while driving. Never drive without a valid driving licence and obey all the traffic laws while driving. Don’t forget to carry a digital print of the licence on your phone, as it can be shown if you forget the original licence at home. Keep all the documents related to your vehicle in the vehicle itself to avoid any unnecessary challan. You can also fight against the challans that have been wrongly issued against your vehicle.
FAQs
Q. What is the fine for overspeeding in Chandigarh?
For LMVs, the fine for the first offence is Rs. 1000, whereas it is Rs. 2000 for Heavy Passenger Vehicles (HPVs). For the second-time offence, Rs. 2000 and Rs. 4000 fines are charged for LMVs and HPVs, respectively.
Q. Which vehicles come under the Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) category?
Buses, trucks, and other heavy commercial vehicles fall under the HMV category.
Q. How frequently must the driving licence be renewed for vehicles of the HMV category?
The licence for commercial or passenger vehicles of the HMV category must be renewed every 3 years.
Q. How long does a driving licence for a private vehicle remain valid?
The driving licence for a private vehicle remains valid for 20 years or up to 50 years, whichever comes first. Commercial vehicle licences have to be renewed every 3 years.
Q. What is the grace period provided for an expired licence in Chandigarh? Will I be charged a fine for driving with an expired licence during the grace period?
A grace period of 30 days is provided to renew your expired licence. You will not be charged any penalty for renewing the licence during the grace period. However, you might be charged for not having an active licence.
