Traffic Fines and Rules in Kerala: All You Need to Know

Kerala is an Indian state with unmatched beauty and mesmerising scenic locations. In recent years, many Indians have been preferring going to Kerala for vacations instead of going abroad. Even foreigners have been flocking to the state to explore and take in its beauty. Taking this sudden tourist boom into consideration, the Kerala state government refined the penalties related to road and traffic violations. This also includes violations related to vehicle insurance. Let’s see what the new fines are when you are driving in Kerala.

Updated fines: Why and When?

Recently, India has witnessed a meteoric rise in the number of vehicles being purchased. This includes both four-wheelers and two-wheelers. Due to the increase in the number of vehicles on-road, there has also been an increase in the number of on-road accidents taking place. These accidents cause damage to public and private property; they also lead to injuries and deaths. Keeping this in mind, in 2019, the Indian government added various changes to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. One of the amendments was to change the existing fines prescribed in the Act. Once the amendment was passed, the changes were ratified and implemented across the whole country, including Kerala. This meant drivers in Kerala had to abide by the new penalties declared by the government.

Have Traffic Fines Been Reduced in Kerala?

Yes, traffic fines in Kerala have been reduced as part of the revised Kerala Motor Vehicle Rules. The state government introduced these changes to make it more affordable for residents to comply with traffic rules while encouraging responsible driving. The new fines aim to ease the financial burden on violators while still maintaining strict law enforcement. However, serious violations like drunk driving, overspeeding, or driving without a license are still penalized heavily to ensure road safety and discipline. The reduction in fines applies mostly to minor offenses and aims to balance public convenience and road safety measures.

How to Check e-Challan in Kerala and Pay Online?

You can check and pay your e-challan in Kerala using the following steps:

1. Visit the Kerala Traffic Police official website or use the Parivahan Sewa portal.
2. Go to the e-challan section.
3. Enter your vehicle registration number or challan number.
4. Verify your details and check the pending fines.
5. Once verified, you can proceed to pay online via net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.
6. After payment, a receipt will be generated and sent to your email for future reference.

New Traffic Fines for Kerala

After the amendments had been introduced, the Kerala state government brought changes of its own on 24^th October 2019. They reduced some of the penalties to provide relief to the citizens. Here are some of the updated Kerala traffic fines:

1. Driving without license

If you are found driving or riding a vehicle without a valid license, you will be fined Rs.5000 as per the traffic rules in Kerala.

2. Driving without insurance

If you are driving a vehicle, such as a car, and are found to be driving without a car insurance policy, you will be fined Rs.2000. You might also face 3 months of imprisonment. If you are found repeating the offence, the fine will increase to Rs.4000 with the duration of imprisonment remaining the same.

3. Driving under the influence

If you are found to be driving your vehicle under the influence of alcohol or banned substances, the offence carries a fine of Rs.10,000. Additionally, you might face a prison sentence of 6 months. If you are found to be repeating the offence, the fine increases to Rs.15,000 and it carries a prison sentence of 2 years.

4. Using a phone while driving

If you use your phone, either to talk on a call, text or record a video while driving your vehicle, you could be fined Rs.2000.

5. Blocking free passage of emergency vehicles

If you are found to be blocking the free passage being given to emergency vehicles such as a fire brigade truck or an ambulance, you could get fined Rs.5000.

Some Additional Fines in Kerala

Here is a list of additional Kerala motor vehicle fines:

Type of offence	Vehicle	Fine in Rs
Not wearing a seatbelt	Car	500
Not wearing a helmet	Bike/Scooter	500
Driving beyond the legal speed limit	Car	1500
Speeding or racing while driving	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000
Using a vehicle while being physically or mentally unfit	Four- and Two-wheeler	1000 for first offence   2000 for repeat offences
Driving despite being disqualified from driving	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000
Driving with an expired license	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000
Blocking the road	Four- and Two-wheeler	500
Allowing a minor to drive the vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	25,000
Driving an unregistered vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	2000
Parking in a no-parking zone	Four- and Two-wheeler	500 for first offence   1500 for repeat offences
Driving a vehicle without a number plate	Four- and Two-wheeler	500 for first offence   1500 for repeat offences
Breaking the traffic signal	Four- and Two-wheeler	500 for first offence   1500 for repeat offences
Using the vehicle to transport combustible substances	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000
Not registering the vehicle in another state for more than 1 year	Four- and Two-wheeler	500 for first offence   1500 for repeat offences

Things to Remember

1. Always keep your insurance updated. If you have a bike, make sure your bike insurance has not lapsed and is valid.
2. Keep your license and vehicle registration papers with you when using the vehicle.
3. Drive within the speed limit to avoid the overspeed fine in Kerala.
4. Do not use your vehicle or lend your vehicle for illegal activities.
5. Make sure you always get your vehicle routinely serviced.

Important Traffic Rules for Four-Wheelers in Kerala

1. Seatbelts are mandatory for both drivers and front-seat passengers.
2. Speed limits must be adhered to; generally, it is 60 km/h in cities and 80 km/h on highways.
3. No mobile phone usage while driving unless hands-free.
4. No overtaking from the left; always overtake from the right.
5. Parking violations should be avoided; always park in designated spaces.
6. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited and penalized severely.

Important Traffic Rules for Two-Wheelers in Kerala

1. Helmet use is mandatory for both riders and pillion passengers.
2. No driving without a valid license for two-wheeler riders.
3. Lane discipline should be followed to avoid accidents and fines.
4. No use of mobile phones while riding, unless hands-free.
5. Overtaking from the left is prohibited for two-wheelers.
6. Traffic signal violations (e.g., jumping signals) are punishable by fine.

Conclusion

Keep these fines in mind and remember to follow all the rules and safety regulations when driving your vehicle on the road. Safeguard yourself and your vehicle from on-road mishaps in Kerala with the help of vehicle insurance. 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.

FAQs

How can I check vehicle fine details in Kerala?

You can check vehicle fine details in Kerala by visiting the Kerala Traffic Police website or the Parivahan Sewa portal. You can also use the e-challan website by entering the vehicle registration number or challan details.

How to check AI camera fines in Kerala?

To check AI camera fines in Kerala, you can visit the Kerala Traffic Police portal, enter your vehicle registration details, and check for any fines issued by AI cameras for traffic violations like jumping signals or overspeeding.

Why should I wear a seatbelt while driving in Kerala?

Wearing a seatbelt is a safety requirement as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It minimizes the risk of injury during accidents and is enforced by traffic police to promote road safety.

What happens if I drive a vehicle without a valid DL in Kerala?

Driving without a valid DL in Kerala results in fines and possible legal actions, including the impounding of the vehicle. You may also face prosecution under the Motor Vehicles Act.

How long is a traffic fine valid in Kerala?

Traffic fines in Kerala are valid until they are paid. If the fine is unpaid for an extended period, legal actions like court proceedings may be initiated against the violator.