If you are driving, you are automatically obligated to follow the traffic rules, and not doing so can lead to a traffic rules violation fine. But with so many rules, how can you ensure you follow them all? Indeed, there are many traffic rules, but the key to avoiding penalties is to follow at least the common driving etiquette for which drivers are mostly charged.
In this blog, we have listed five common reasons behind a traffic fine and ways to avoid them so that you can minimise the risk of a traffic fine with these traffic safety tips.
5 Common Traffic Violations and How to Avoid Them
- Red Light Jumping
Red light jumping is one of the common traffic violations for which the most traffic fines are issued. It can cost you up to ₹5000 fines if you don't follow the traffic light rules and are caught jumping. Moreover, new technologies like cameras installed on traffic lights have made it easier to fine for a red light violation.
But you should know that sometimes you may receive a traffic ticket even when standing before the red light. It is because there are some rules people are usually unaware of. So, here's how to avoid a red light violation:
- Stop when the signal is red, and prepare to stop if the signal is yellow.
- Stop your vehicle before the stop line.
- Don't keep your vehicle on the zebra crossing.
- Speed Limit Violation
Every road has a set limit, which is derived from various factors. You should follow these speed limits to avoid a traffic ticket. The vehicle owner is mostly charged with a ₹2000 fine, but a repeat offender may face serious consequences.
Now, to make sure that you are not getting a fine for a speed limit violation, you should be very attentive to the road and follow these tips:
- Keep looking for speed limit signs, especially when transitioning from a national highway to a city road.
- Don't overspeed on any road, even if the road is empty. It is one of the road safety tips and helps you avoid fines.
- Keep the high-speed warning in your car turned on.
- Not Putting on the Seatbelt
Putting on the seatbelt is one of the tips for safe driving, which is always taught as soon as people start learning to drive. But it is still a common violation for which people are charged.
Moreover, sometimes, you get charged for the violation due to the person sitting in the passenger seat. The driver and the passenger should remember to wear seat belts. Not wearing a seat belt can result in a fine of ₹1000. So, to save you ₹1000, here are the tips to avoid a seat belt violation:
- Make a habit of putting the seat belt on once you get it to the car.
- Check for the passengers' seats as well to see if they have put their seat belts on or not.
- Pay attention to the seat belt indicator if your car has one.
- Not Having an Active Car Insurance
To make driving your car legal, you should at least have third-party car insurance. Driving without vehicle insurance is not only illegal but can also be financially risky.
This is because third-party car insurance covers third-party liabilities in case of an accident involving a third person. If you don't have one, the expenses will come out of your pocket along with the punishment for violation. Here are the tips to avoid fines:
- Buy at least third-party car insurance when you buy the vehicle.
- Try to buy a multi-year plan to avoid missing renewal.
- Put a reminder for the renewal date on your smartphone so you don't forget to renew the insurance.
- For wider coverage, which includes own damage, buy comprehensive car insurance.
- Driving under Influence
This driving mistake will not only give you a traffic ticket but can also be a threat to your or others' lives. As a responsible person, you must follow this tip for safe driving, which is not to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or an intoxicated substance.
It is a violation where the fine reaches up to ₹10,000 and may also lead to arrest based on the situation. Some road safety tips to avoid this violation are:
- Don't drive if you think you have consumed alcohol more than the permissible limit for driving, which is 0.03% blood alcohol level.
- Avoid drinking when you know you are alone and need to drive.
- Always take the company of a non-drinker friend or family member who can drive in case you drink.
Make sure to follow all the above traffic safety tips and rules, which will keep you away from fines and make you safer on the road. Moreover, always settle the fine as soon as possible, as you can also pay traffic tickets online.
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