Driving in a busy city like Kolkata is not easy by any means. You have to be alert about the hawkers, crowded streets, and people crossing the roads abruptly all the time. While it is necessary to abide by the traffic laws, you must also carry the required documents that establish your credentials as a verified owner and driver of the vehicle.
These documents include a driving licence, a Registration Certification (RC), insurance, and a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate for older vehicles. Forgetting a driving licence or not having a licence while driving is the most common traffic violation. A licence challan is issued in this case, and you’ll have to clear it by paying the penalty fees. More information on what a licence challan is and how to avoid it has been shared in this blog.
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What is a Licence Challan?
A licence challan is a traffic challan issued for driving without a licence. It is a serious traffic violation and results in a hefty penalty. Repetition of this violation may even lead to arrest and a jail sentence. Therefore, it is essential to carry a driving licence whenever you venture out with a vehicle.
Traffic rules and regulations have become strict these days, and the traffic fines have also increased significantly. To avoid getting a challan, you must try your best to follow the traffic rules. At the same time, you must also carry all the important documents related to your vehicle.
With the introduction of technology and digital payment in the traffic system, escaping the challan and applicable fines is not possible. The installation of CCTV cameras, speed guns, and sensors means that you have to be alert even when the traffic police are not around. If you overspeed or indulge in reckless driving, an e-challan can be issued against your vehicle.
Any traffic challan, including a licence challan, can be issued through an e-challan. It is an online form of challan, and therefore, you can clear it later using online payment methods. We suggest our readers clear an e-challan as soon as possible to prevent any further action from the traffic department.
What is the Fine for Driving Without a License in Kolkata?
The fine for driving without a licence varies from one state to another. Therefore, if you drive without a licence in Kolkata, the traffic challan applicable in the West Bengal state will be applicable to you. The traffic challan fines, including the licence challan fine, have increased significantly in the last few years. The table below contains the details for the same:
| Offence | Fine |
| First-time offender | Rs. 5000 |
| Repeat offender | Rs. 10,000 |
The first time offence is registered, and you are fined with a penalty of Rs. 5000. If you repeat this offence, the fine can be increased to up to Rs. 10,000. Further repetition of this offence may also lead to vehicle seizure or a jail sentence for up to 3 months. Avoid these actions and penalties by carrying the original copy of the driving licence at all times while driving.
How to Pay a Challan for Driving Without a License in Kolkata?
If the traffic police catch you without a licence in Kolkata, you shall be asked to clear the licence challan on the spot. You may ask them to generate the challan through the challan machine, after which you can clear the payment via debit card, credit card, or UPI scanner. If you don’t have access to these payment methods, you can also pay in cash. Don’t miss out on collecting the payment receipt after clearing the challan, as it could be useful in the future.
The following steps can be followed if you find out that an e-challan has been issued against your vehicle:
- Step 1: Visit an e-challan tracking app or website. Enter your vehicle number to check the pending challans against your vehicle. If you have the challan number, you can also submit the same to check its status.
- Step 2: The eParivhaan site is one of the most common platforms used for viewing and clearing e-challans in India. You can also use our Spinny app to view and pay traffic challans online.
- Step 3: Once you enter the vehicle number, all the challans issued against your vehicle will be visible on the screen.
- Step 4: View each challan one by one and clear them if you find them valid. If you are not satisfied with any challan, you can also challenge it. You can use the ‘complaint’ section provided on the eParivahan website to launch a complaint against a particular challan.
- Step 5: A dropdown menu will appear once you click on this section. Here, you can select the reason for the complaint and type of challan and provide details such as the challan number and upload documents, such as any video or photo that proves your innocence. You can also describe the complaint briefly in the space provided in this section.
- Step 6: Once you submit these details, a complaint number will be assigned, which you can save to track your complaint in the future.
- Step 7: After making the payment for the challans, which are valid, you must collect the receipt as well. On Spinny, you get the PDF receipt, which you can easily download on your smartphone or laptop.
Note: Always clear the e-challan within 90 days, as not following this may result in vehicle seizure and other legal actions.
How to Avoid Getting a Challan for Driving Without a Licence in Kolkata?
These tips can help you avoid the licence challan in Kolkata:
- Don’t Forget The Licence At Home
Your primary duty is to carry the licence every time you drive in Kolkata or any other city or state, for that matter. If you forget the licence at home, you must at least show the digital copy of the driving licence.
For that, you can use apps like DigiLocker, where you can save all the important documents, including the licence, RC, and insurance.
- Drive Responsibly
Driving responsibly is a must to avoid getting any traffic challans against your vehicle. Do not jump the signals, and follow the applicable driving speed at different junctures of the highways and roads. Avoid honking near hospitals, schools, and other public places unnecessarily.
Also, don’t drive when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. At the same time, avoid talking or checking out your phone while driving. If you commit any of these traffic violations, the traffic police will ask for your driving licence.
If you don’t have it, a licence challan will be issued along with other traffic challans applicable as per the traffic violations committed by you. Therefore, driving responsibly is one way of steering away from all types of traffic challans.
- Check the validity of the license.
Your licence must also be valid at the time of driving. An expired licence won’t save you from a licence challan, and the same fine will be applicable. Also, the driving licence you hold must apply to the type of vehicle you are driving.
For instance, the licence for driving heavy vehicles such as buses or trucks is different from the licence for driving cars, jeeps, and other light motor vehicles. At the same time, two-wheeler licences cannot be used for driving a four-wheeler.
The licences for the Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) require renewal at regular intervals. For example, the licence for transport vehicles is to be renewed every 3 years. On the other hand, the licence validity of Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) is much longer.
The personal vehicle licence can also be used for driving light commercial taxis and goods carriers. However, you cannot drive HMVs with a personal licence for a light vehicle.
Conclusion
We hope you have understood how to avoid paying a licence challan in India. The basic requirement is carrying a licence and maintaining traffic rules and regulations while driving. Similarly, you must also know how to clear and challenge challans via online platforms.
Also Read: Overspeeding Challan in India
FAQs
Q. Can drivers of a commercial vehicle, like a taxi, operate a personal vehicle?
Yes, the drivers of a commercial vehicle, like a taxi, can drive a personal vehicle like a car or small goods carrier with the same licence.
Q. Which vehicles fall into the Light Motor Vehicle, i.e., LMV, category?
Vehicles weighing below 7500 kg, such as cars, jeeps, and a small goods carrier, fall in the LMV category.
Q. Who can apply for a commercial vehicle licence?
Any person who has held a personal vehicle licence for over 1 year can apply for a commercial vehicle licence. This licence is also known as LMV-TR, whereas a personal vehicle LMV licence is called LMV-NT.
Q. What should my minimum age be to apply for a driving licence in India?
Your minimum age must be 18 to apply for a driving licence in India. If you are 16, you can drive only motorcycles below 50cc.
Q. Can people older than 70 drive legally in India?
Yes, people older than 70 can drive legally, provided that they renew their licence every 3 years and maintain the general visibility and health requirements. Driving safely is the key, and there is no certain age cap for driving.
