Driving is a serious task that requires you to be aware of all the ongoing proceedings and road conditions. One of the basic requirements is driving with a valid licence. This will help you prevent a licence challan when the traffic inspector asks to show your original driving licence. Along with that, you must also drive carefully and adhere to all the traffic rules and regulations. Do you live in West Bengal or plan to visit there in the near future? This article will provide all the details on how to avoid a licence challan in West Bengal.
What is a Licence Challan?
A licence challan refers to the challan that is issued for driving without a valid driving licence. At times, you forget to carry your original driving licence while driving. This may lead to a licence challan, especially if you don’t follow the traffic rules and laws. It is because a licence is the first thing that a traffic police asks when you are found violating a traffic law.
Driving with an expired driving licence or a licence that does not belong to the class of vehicle you are driving also leads to a licence challan. Therefore, you must get your licence renewed before it expires and ensure that it is appropriate for the vehicle you are driving.
Apart from the driving licence, you must also carry the vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC) and insurance. If your vehicle is older than 15 years, you must also carry a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate. If you forget to carry any of these documents while driving in Kolkata, your traffic penalty will increase substantially. This is because each missing document will result in a separate challan, eventually increasing the traffic fines.
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What is the Fine for Driving Without a Licence Challan in West Bengal?
Driving without a licence can lead to a licence challan. The fine for different traffic challans is different. The fines may vary state-wise, too. The table below carries some important details regarding the fine imposed for driving without a licence in West Bengal:
| Offence | Fine |
| First time offender | Rs. 5000 |
| Repeat offender | Rs. 10,000 |
If it’s your first time, a fine of Rs. 5000 is charged for driving without a licence. For repeating this offence in the future, you may be charged with a fine of Rs. 10,000. In the case of accidents or other serious traffic violations, your vehicle might be impounded by the RTO. They may also suspend your licence or sentence you to jail for up to 3 months if you don’t carry a valid driving licence in the future.
How to Pay Challan for Driving Without License Challan in West Bengal?
The penalty for the licence challan can be cleared either offline or online. Online means include payment of the challan directly to the traffic police via cash. If the traffic inspector has a challan machine, you can also pay via QR scanner, credit card, or debit card. Alternatively, you can also clear a challan by carrying the challan receipt to your nearest RTO. The steps to be followed for paying the e-challan online are mentioned below:
- Step 1: E-challans can be viewed and cleared online using the eParivahan portal. Alternatively, you can also use our Spinny app or website to view and clear challans online.
- Step 2: Once you enter the eParivahan portal, you must click on the ‘check challan status’ link. A new page will be opened after that where you will be asked to provide your challan number. Enter the challan number in the designated space and continue to pay against it using UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking payment method.
- Step 3: If you don’t have the challan number, simply enter your vehicle number and view the challan pending against it. You can also raise a complaint against the wrongly issued challans using the ‘complaint’ section of eParivahan. Don’t forget to download the payment receipt after clearing a challan online.
On Spinny, you can clear multiple challans at once. The receipt is downloadable in PDF format for future references. Once a challan is issued against your vehicle, you must clear it within 90 days. Failing to clear the challans within this time frame will lead to hefty penalties. You may even have to face a court summons or your licence may be suspended after that.
How to Avoid Getting a Challan for Driving Without a Licence Challan in West Bengal?
Here are a few tips that you can follow to avoid getting a licence challan while driving in West Bengal:
- Get A Licence First
Avoid driving completely if you don’t have a driving licence or if it has expired. Get a valid licence first by clearing the driving tests and exam by visiting your nearest RTO. Also, keep a digital copy of your driving licence on your smartphone using apps like DigiLocker. This will help you prevent a licence challan on days when you forget your original licence at home.
Renewing your driving licence on time is also equally important. Similarly, ensure that the driving licence you are using is applicable to the type of vehicle you are driving. The licence for commercial, transport, and private vehicles are different. Also, you cannot use a two-wheeler licence for driving a four-wheeler. Keeping these things in mind will surely help you avoid a licence challan in West Bengal.
- Drive Responsibly
Driving responsibly keeps you safe while driving. Also, follow all the driving rules and regulations properly. This might also help you avoid a licence challan because on most occasions, a driving licence is asked for only when you violate any traffic law.
Don’t overtake speeding vehicles, drive in your own lane, and avoid tailgating and jumping traffic signals. Follow the speed restrictions, avoid honking in silent zones, and always wear a seatbelt/helmet while driving.
- Challenge A Wrongly Issued Challan
If the licence challan is wrongly issued against your vehicle, you have the option to raise a complaint against it. For that, you can visit your nearest RTO with the necessary documents and evidence that prove your innocence.
Or else, you can also raise a complaint via the eParivahan website. Once you raise the complaint after explaining your concern and submitting the required evidence, you will get a ticket number. The ticket number can be used to track your complaint in the future.
You can also seek a waiver or discount against a pending challan through the Lok Adalat. However, only trivial traffic offences such as parking in the no-parking zone, speeding without causing any accidents, and jumping a red signal are eligible for the waivers/discounts. If you are clearing multiple challans at once, you can request a discount from the Lok Adalat.
Conclusion
These were some tips regarding how to avoid a licence challan while driving in West Bengal. The best thing is to store your licence in your vehicle at all times. Saving a digital copy of your licence and other important documents may also protect you from a licence challan. Following the traffic laws and renewing the licence on time also helps to avoid a licence challan. Lastly, know how to challenge a wrongly issued challan and learn how to clear the challan through online and offline methods. Driving responsibly is a must to ensure everyone’s safety and to avoid traffic challans.
FAQs
Q. What is the fine for driving without a two-wheeler licence in West Bengal?
The fine for driving without a licence is the same (Rs. 5000) for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles. Subsequent offences of the same type might either increase the fine to up to Rs. 10,000 or result in the suspension or driving licence or jail sentences for up to 3 months.
Q. Can a traffic inspector take my driving licence under his custody?
Yes, a traffic inspector may take your driving licence under his custody, especially when you commit serious traffic violations such as reckless driving and drink-and-drive.
Q. Do regular police have the right to check your driving licence in West Bengal?
Yes, regular police can also check your driving licence when you drive in West Bengal.
Q. Can digital copies of driving licence and RC help me avoid a challan?
You may show the digital copies of your driving licence and RC in case you have forgotten to carry the original documents. The digital copies are also considered valid and help you avoid a licence challan.
Q. Is the driving licence linked to an Aadhaar Card?
Yes, the government encourages linking the Aadhaar Card with the driving licence. This also helps the traffic police to verify the identity of the driver and helps them prevent any fraud.
