Traffic Fines and Regulations in Assam: Helmet, Pollution & More

Assam is situated in the north-eastern part of India. A state which has seen a recent spurt in terms of development, Assam is investing in road infrastructure to cope with the influx of vehicles used for various purposes. As a state with a limited road network, it can be problematic for the state government to manage such a sudden rise in the number of vehicles. To deal with this, the Assam government implemented the amendments made in 2019 to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, which included major revisions made to the traffic fines section. Here’s more information about the changes made to the traffic rules in Assam.

Traffic rules in Assam: What’s new

The Indian government amended the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 in 2019. With changing times, they felt the bill also needed to keep up with modern times. As the fines and punishments in the older bill were less stringent, the government decided to change this. This also helped people stick more to the rules and follow them. The Assam government also followed the government’s example and implemented the changes accordingly. To provide you with information on the same, here is a list of the updated traffic rules in Assam which you are required to follow the next time you are in the state:

Type of offence	Vehicle	Fine in Rs.
Not having a license when driving	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000
Not wearing a seatbelt	Car	1000
Not wearing a helmet	Bike/Scooter	1000   (Your license could be suspended as well for repeated offences)
Driving despite being disqualified from driving	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000
Causing noise pollution	Four- and Two-wheeler	100
Allowing a minor to drive the vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	25,000   (with 3-year imprisonment along with 1 year cancellation of registration. License for the minor will not be issued before they turn 25 years of age)
Driving while having offences related to the driver’s license	Four- and Two-wheeler	25,000 to 1 Lakh
Driving a vehicle without insurance	Four- and Two-wheeler	2000
Not having the proper permit for your vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000 which might also include a 6-month prison sentence
Carrying more passengers than the permissible limit	Two-wheeler	2000 with the risk of the license being banned for 3 months
Driving under the influence of alcohol and banned substances	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000 for first offence   15,000 for repeated offences   (First offence also carries a prison sentence of 6 months, with the sentence increasing to 2 years for repeated offences)
Driving children below 4 years of age without any safety system for them	Four-wheeler	1000
Making illegal alterations to the vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000 for each such alteration made to the vehicle
Talking or texting on the phone	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000 for first offence 10,000 for repeated offences

Additional tips for your benefit

If you are living in or planning to visit Assam, keep these additional tips in mind to have a safe and smooth driving experience:

1. When you purchase vehicle insurance online, you get to customise the policy as per your requirements. You can enhance the coverage of the policy with the inclusion of add-ons, providing additional benefits.
2. If your car is damaged in a natural calamity such as flooding, you can claim compensation for the damages from your car insurance You are required to file a claim, following which the compensation will be given to you.
3. If you are purchasing a bike, purchase at least third-party bike insurance which is required by the law.
4. Purchase personal accident cover along with your policy to get additional financial coverage for treatment of injuries which may be inflicted during an accident.
5. If your vehicle is stopped for checking at district or border crossing, comply with the authorities. If you obstruct their duty, you could get fined or jailed.
6. If you are carrying liquor with you in your vehicle, do remember to carry the permit for it as well. If stopped by the authorities, you could either get fined or jailed as well.
7. Avoid using your phone when using your car or bike. Not only is it against the law, but it could distract you from focusing on the road and cause an accident.

Updated Traffic Rules in Guwahati, Assam

With a growing population of around 11 lakh people and increasing vehicle numbers, the responsibility of enforcing traffic laws and ensuring road safety lies with the RTO. Below is a breakdown of key traffic rules for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers in Guwahati.

Four-Wheeler Traffic Rules in Guwahati, Assam

1. Seatbelt Requirement: It’s mandatory for both the driver and passengers to wear seatbelts for safety. Failure to comply can result in a fine.
2. Lane Discipline: Abrupt lane changes disrupt traffic and can cause accidents. Always change lanes with caution.
3. Speed Limits: Adhere to the designated speed limits posted on road signs. Exceeding the limit can lead to fines.
4. Mobile Phone Use: Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited as it distracts the driver and increases accident risks.
5. Driving Under Influence: Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is strictly penalized.
6. Documents Check: Always carry essential vehicle documents (driver’s license, registration, insurance). Failure to present them during inspections can lead to fines.

Two-Wheeler Traffic Rules in Guwahati, Assam

1. No Overloading: Only two people are allowed on a two-wheeler at any time to maintain balance.
2. Helmet Requirement: Riders and pillion passengers must wear helmets for safety. A fine is imposed for non-compliance.
3. Intoxication: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a severe offense.
4. Road Safety Compliance: Follow all road safety laws, as violations result in penalties.
5. No Parking in Prohibited Areas: Parking in no-parking zones attracts fines.
6. Mobile Phone Use: Using a mobile phone while riding is banned and incurs a fine.
7. Document Verification: Carry essential documents such as your license and insurance while riding, as failure to do so results in fines.

E-Challan in Guwahati, Assam

The introduction of the e-challan system in Guwahati simplifies the process of paying traffic fines. Using Automatic Number-Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, traffic authorities can issue challans automatically for violations, sending details to the violator’s registered mobile number.

Steps to Pay E-Challan in Guwahati:

1. Open the Parivahan Sewa portal.
2. Select the "eChallan" option under "Online Services".
3. Enter your credentials or click "Get Challan Details".
4. Input the challan number and vehicle details.
5. Review the challan and click "Pay Now".
6. Pay using UPI or credit/debit card.
7. Receive a confirmation email after payment.

Paying Traffic Fines in Guwahati

Offline Method:

1. Visit the authority issuing the e-challan.
2. Provide vehicle and challan details for verification.
3. Pay using cash or UPI and collect the receipt.

Online Method:

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal.
2. Log in and access the "eChallan" option.
3. Enter the necessary details and proceed to pay using your preferred method.

Importance of Motor Insurance in Guwahati

In Guwahati, having basic third-party motor insurance is mandatory. Failing to carry insurance can lead to fines of ₹2,000 for the first offense and ₹4,000 for repeat offenses. To ensure complete protection, you can opt for comprehensive insurance plans like those offered by Bajaj Allianz general Insurance Company, which cover a wide range of damages, including both man-made and natural disasters.

Conclusion

By following these rules, you can ensure that you get to have a smooth driving experience in Assam. It is important that you remember to get your vehicle insured with the help of comprehensive vehicle insurance which provides all-round protection from damages and injuries caused due to an accident. Following traffic norms not only helps you but also your fellow passengers and other motorists on the road.

FAQs on E-Challan in Assam

1. What is the time limit to pay an e-challan in Assam?

The time limit to pay an e-challan in Assam is typically 60 days from the date of issuance. If the fine is not paid within this period, additional penalties or legal actions may be imposed.

2. What happens if I don't pay a challan in Assam?

If you fail to pay the challan in Assam within the specified time frame, a late fee may be imposed. Continued non-payment can lead to further legal consequences, including suspension of your driving license, vehicle impoundment, or additional fines.

3. How to pay an e-challan issued by the court in Assam?

To pay an e-challan issued by the court in Assam, you can visit the Assam Transport Department’s official website or the Parivahan portal. There, you can enter the challan details and pay the fine online via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.

4. Can I contest a traffic challan in Assam?

Yes, you can contest a traffic challan in Assam. If you believe the fine was wrongly issued, you can file a complaint with the traffic police or the court. The authorities will review your case, and if necessary, a hearing will be scheduled.

5. What are the consequences of repeated traffic violations in Assam?

Repeated traffic violations in Assam can result in escalating penalties, including higher fines for each subsequent offense. Additionally, repeated offenses may lead to the suspension of your driving license, vehicle impoundment, or legal action, depending on the severity of the violations. *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.