Violating traffic lights on impulse could land you in serious trouble, resulting in a hefty fine. Some of the serious road traffic accidents have resulted from red light jumps, which makes it a serious offence.
With the enforcement of strict rules and advanced technologies, even a minor traffic violation can leave a significant mark on your driving record, putting your driver’s license in jeopardy. Hence, it is essential to learn about the traffic light rules and regulations to avoid mistakes and drive safely.
Table of Contents
What is Meant by a Red Light Jump Challan?
A red light jump is issued by the traffic police or the surveillance cameras in the following three situations:
- Running your vehicle when the traffic light is red.
- Not stopping before the white line at a traffic signal at an intersection.
- Increasing the speed to cross the intersection when the light turns from yellow to red.
Therefore, a red light jump challan is a challan issued for violating traffic red lights, which requires the offender to pay a fine. It can be either a handwritten challan issued by the on-duty traffic police or an e-challan, which is dispatched to your residential address.
What Happens When You Jump a Red Light?
A red light jump is considered a serious offence that can lead to serious accidents. If you jump a traffic red light, either intentionally or by mistake, here are the consequences:
- Getting Asked to Pull Over: If you disregard the red lights at an intersection, you will most likely be called to pull over by the on-duty traffic police.
- Document Verification: The next step for the authority is to verify your crucial documents, such as vehicle registration papers, driver’s license, and insurance papers. These documents validate your compliance with the road rules and regulations.
- Issuance of Challan: After your documents have been checked thoroughly. The present traffic police authority will issue a challan for violating the red traffic light, which serves as a notice of your offence.
- CCTV Cameras: Surveillance cameras are installed at intersections to help traffic police catch offenders who may have been missed. In that case, an e-challan will be issued and sent to your residential address as per the documents.
- Additional Fines: Failure to provide any of the documents mentioned above will result in further fines. Therefore, drivers should update and apply for all necessary documents to operate a vehicle on the road.
What Should You Do When You Jump a Red Light?
Jumping a red traffic light results in a penalty if the traffic police catch you. Hence, go through the following section to understand the things that you should do if you jump a red light:
- Payment of Challan Fee: A red light jump challan must be settled within 60 days of issuance; failure to do so may result in additional consequences.
- Dual Payment Options: The challan fee can be paid via the online portal or by visiting the nearest police station in person.
What Happens Right after a Red Light Jump?
If a driver has violated a red light, the following steps are taken by the regional traffic police:
- Step 1: As soon as a driver jumps a red light, the nearby traffic police officer will ask them to pull over.
- Step 2: The traffic police officer will request all the documents and review them.
- Step 3: After checking the documents, a red light jump challan will be issued as a paper slip or online.
- Step 4: The traffic police officer will also verify that the documents are valid and up to date.
The challan can also be issued by a new system, the RLVD (Red Light Violation Detection) system. In this setup, high-quality cameras are installed at traffic signals to catch vehicles jumping a red light. The violation is recorded, and an E-Challan is automatically issued through email or text.
How to Pay the Red Light Jump Challan?
The payment for the red light jump challan can be made through both online and offline modes. The online as well as the offline payment process is described in the following section:
Offline Process
- Step 1: Locate the nearest Traffic Police Station.
- Step 2: Approach the on-duty officer and ask about the pending red light jump challan.
- Step 3: Be informed of the challan fee and proceed with the payment. Settle the amount and absolve yourself from the associated liabilities.
Online Process
- Step 1: Visit the official website of the State’s Transport Department.
- Step 2: Select your state, and locate the section that provides payment options for traffic rule violation challans.
- Step 3: Fill in the required spaces with your vehicle number or the challan number as per your convenience.
- Step 4: After completing the payment, save the provided receipt for documentation purposes.
What is the Challan Fee for Jumping a Red Light in Different Indian States?
Different states charge differently for jumping red light signals. The table below provides a detailed insight into the challan fee in different states of India:
| Name of the State | Challan Fee |
| West Bengal | ₹100 |
| Punjab | ₹500 to ₹1000 |
| Delhi | ₹1,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹1,000 |
| Maharashtra | ₹2,000 |
| Karnataka | ₹500 |
| Rajasthan | ₹1,000 |
| Kerala | ₹1,500 |
| Gujarat | ₹1,000 |
| Telengana | ₹500 |
| Haryana | ₹5,000 |
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹1,000 |
The challan fee varies from one state to another, ranging from ₹100 to ₹5000. Hence, drivers need to be aware of the traffic signal rules.
How to Avoid a Red Light Jump Challan?
Abiding by traffic rules, including obeying traffic lights, is essential for the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. The following section mentions some of the tips that will help you avoid a red light jump challan:
- Keep a Check on Your Speed: Avoid overspeeding and exercise caution at intersections. Driving at a safe speed helps you reduce the risk of accidents and avoid red light violations.
- Take Proper U-Turns: Ensure safety and a clear path when making a U-turn. Avoid taking a U-turn when there is traffic coming from the opposite direction on the road.
- Look Out for Traffic Signals: Be cautious of traffic lights while driving on the road. Adjust your speed by anticipating traffic signal changes to avoid running a red light.
- Schedule Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure smooth functioning of the vehicle by scheduling regular maintenance. Properly serviced brakes and other parts reduce the issues of last-minute speed control.
- Educate Drivers: Drivers should be educated on the importance of obeying traffic red lights to avoid violations.
Summary
Red light jumping in India is considered a serious offence, as violating it can lead to accidents and other disasters. It is an effort put on by the government to help drivers ride safely, ensuring the safety of pedestrians as well.
Strict vigilance by traffic police officers, along with the installation of surveillance cameras, leaves no scope for offenders to escape without facing consequences and paying penalties. Being sincere about road rules and regulations does not cost anything extra, while ensuring the safety of millions of lives.
FAQs about Jumping Red Light Challan
Q. What is the fine for jumping a red light?
There is no fixed challan fee for jumping a red light. The amount of challan fee varies according to the state, ranging from as low as ₹100 to as high as ₹5000.
Q. What is the fine for red light jumping in India?
As per the 2019 Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, the fine for a red light jump is ₹1,000. However, state rules can vary, leading to discrepancies in the fine amount.
Q. What is the minimum penalty for running a red light?
Violating a traffic red light results in a minimum of three penalty points, which remain on your record for up to four years. Accumulating 12 or more points within three years could result in the loss of a driving license.
Q. How many points are there for jumping a red light?
For jumping a red light, the offender gets three penalty points.
Q. Is the challan to be cancelled?
Although handwritten challans may be subject to cancellation, e-challans cannot be cancelled.
