Fine for Driving Without Insurance

Road safety continues to be a pivotal developmental issue in our country. As per a report shared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2019, the accident-related deaths were 1,51,113. This figure is indeed a matter of concern. The Indian government has been continuously putting efforts into halving such fatalities. The year 2019, is significant as it saw the culmination of the efforts in regards to Road Safety. The enactment of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019. A stiff hike in the penalties for violating the traffics to bring in discipline and make the citizen more responsible. Motor insurance offers a financial cushion to compensate for any damages incurred to you, your vehicle or third-party in a mishap. Vehicle insurance in India is of prime importance. It becomes even more important considering the motor vehicle accidents that take place in our country.

What is the Motor Vehicles Act?

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, it is mandatory for all the vehicles that ply on the Indian roads to have vehicle insurance. The policyholder should atleast have the basic third party insurance cover without fail. To decrease fatal road accidents and driving rashly, the Indian government made certain amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019. Anyone who owns a vehicle needs to carry the motor insurance policy document. In case an individual is found without the policy document needs to pay the fine that can go up to Rs 2,000.

Is Driving a Vehicle Without Insurance Illegal?

Going by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1998 driving without a car insurance policy is against the law. In India, we are aware that third party liability insurance is a mandate. Post the amendment in the MV Act, 2019, it has become prudent to know about the same to avoid hefty traffic fines.

Fine For Driving Without Insurance

As the Amended Motor Vehicles Act of 2019, the fine for driving without insurance is Rs 2,000 for the first offence and Rs 4,000 for the subsequent offence. It could also lead to imprisonment for 3 months within the law's discretion. The above fine is applicable as per Section 196 for the offence “Driving without insurance”. Vehicle insurance is mandatory to ply on the Indian roads. Anyone not adhering to the law will end up paying a fine for driving without insurance followed by other consequences.

Other Repercussions of Driving Without Insurance

Wondering other repercussions/fine for driving without driving. Well, every country has a different penalty structure. Listed below are some of the common punishments:

• The penalty for driving without insurance can lead to a driving license suspension.
• The vehicle registration can be suspended as well in such cases.

Does the Same Penalty Apply to All Vehicles?

Irrespective of whether you have a two/four-wheeler or any other commercial vehicle. Having the right insurance is important. Ensure to have the bike insurance policy and so forth to avoid fines. Today buying vehicle insurance is easy and hassle-free. Paying a fine without insurance is surely not what you would want.

What Happens if the Police Catch You Driving Without Insurance?

• The vehicle can be stopped at the designated booths
• The vehicle registration certificate and driving license also need to be shown. Failure to present these documents could result in issuance of additional fines
• The penalty for driving without insurance involves the issuance of a challan immediately. The challan amount can be paid both online and offline

How to Pay the Fine?

As discussed above, paying the challan amount is simple and can be done in the following two ways.

Online

1. Visit the website of the state transport body.
2. Under the section of e-challan payment or payment for a traffic violation, enter all the details of the vehicle.
3. Enter the CAPTCHA code. Select the convenient payment option and get the dues cleared.
4. A payment confirmation receipt will be shared with you.

Offline

1. Visit the nearby traffic police station.
2. Contact the designated officer that will let you know the penalty amount that needs to be paid.
3. Pay the sum to clear the fines.

Anyone who fails to make the challan payment should remember that it will increase the fine that might be imposed when caught next time.

Tips to Avoid Fines

You would surely not want to pay a penalty for driving without insurance. Here is the rundown of some simple yet helpful tips to avoid fines generally:

• Keep handy all the important documents in regards to the vehicle. The important documents include a pollution certificate, registration certificate, etc.
• Ensure that vehicle insurance papers are renewed timely. Always check the insurance papers before taking the vehicle on the roads. Most importantly, a third-party liability cover should not be missed at any point in time.

Wrapping it Up

Being careful can make accidents rare. And if not at times it could indeed lead to serious repercussions. It's important to keep all the documents handy, up to date and safe. Paying a fine without insurance is not anyone something you look forward to. The traffic and road safety rules are meant to be followed for our safety. Speed might thrill but responsible driving is important. Also, a valid car / two wheeler insurance can be a boon to prevent you against any unexpected financial setbacks. Drive safely and responsibly. The best drivers are aware that they have to be beware. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.