The rapid pace of urban development in this city has led to a major influx of migrant populations, increasing traffic volume. As per reports, the vehicle population in Ahmedabad is increasing yearly at a rate of 5-6% annually.

The city is witnessing a worrying rise in fatal accidents due to uncontrolled traffic volume. To uphold road safety standards, the traffic authorities in Ahmedabad have enforced traffic fines following the revised Motor Vehicles Act 1988, which was put into effect in the city on September 16, 2019.

The government amended the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 on September 1, 2019, and Ahmedabad accepted the updated traffic fines and rules on September 16, 2019.

As per the news, the traffic police department also launched a “Road Ease" application, which will update a citizen on the road regarding traffic-related information. For instance, it will inform drivers/riders about the jam-packed routes and suggest alternative routes to reach their destination. This application was introduced to help citizens avoid getting stuck in traffic and to facilitate traffic officers to regulate the traffic volume.

In 2022, Ahmedabad witnessed a significant decrease in traffic fines, the lowest in the past five years. This was not necessarily due to increased compliance with traffic rules by the citizens but rather a lenient approach by the police, particularly during an election year.

The city recorded 2.12 lakh traffic violation cases in 2022, a sharp decline of over 42% from the 3.67 lakh cases in 2021. Interestingly, the first half of 2022 saw an average of nearly 20,000 traffic violations per month, with fines of at least ₹1 Crore. However, the number of violations began to drop between July and October, with only 18,659 cases registered.

The reduction in violations was also influenced by the government’s decision to reduce certain fines significantly. For example, the fine for obstructing an ambulance was reduced from ₹10,000 to ₹1,000. However, the fines remained as proposed by the amendment for offences like speeding, racing, and driving without insurance.

From January to April of 2024, the Gujarat Traffic Police department booked approximately 7,92,772 challans.

These fines are typically issued for violations such as speeding, jumping red lights, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone while driving, and other traffic-related offenses.

Check your traffic challan in Ahmedabad and pay online in some easy ways mentioned below.

Process to Check e-Challan Online in Ahmedabad

• You can check your e-Challan on the Ahmedabad City Police portal or via the Parivahan website under “Check Online Services” tab. 

• Other than that, you can also check the Gujarat Traffic Police website to know more about your e-Challan status.

Process to Pay e-Challan Online in Ahmedabad

• You can easily pay your traffic fines online in Kerala via the Parivahan website.

• Conversely, you can pay your e-Challan through the Gujarat Traffic Police website.

• You can also pay via the Ahmedabad City Police portal.

In addition to the online methods, you can also visit any traffic police station in your city, along with the required documents, and submit your fine there. Alternatively, you have the option to pay your fine in cash to a traffic police officer using an e-challan machine. 

Here are the vital road regulations that an individual operating a four-wheeler must follow in Ahmedabad: 

• Carry Driving Licence: Avoid driving without a valid four-wheeler driving licence in Ahmedabad to avoid hefty fines and penalties.

• Use Seat Belt: Always fasten your seatbelts while driving a four-wheeler in Ahmedabad. 

• Keep Necessary Documents: Always have the required documents like the PUC certificate, vehicle insurance policy papers, etc. 

• Maintain Speed Limits: Avoid excessive speeds while driving to avoid collision and traffic fines.

• Follow Parking Guidelines: Parking your vehicle anywhere other than the specified parking zones is prohibited. Failure to abide by this rule may result in a substantial no-parking fine in Ahmedabad.

• Don’t Drink And Drive: Refrain from drinking and driving to ensure the safety of everyone on the road and avoid imprisonment. 

• Get Insurance: It is mandatory to have car insurance before you hit the car on the road to avoid hefty penalties.

Below are the important traffic rules that you have to follow while riding a two-wheeler in Ahmedabad: 

• Don’t Overload: In Ahmedabad, riding with three people on a two-wheeler is a grave violation of traffic rules. If you want to avoid hefty fines, be aware of riding with a single pillion.

• Wear Helmet: According to Ahmedabad’s updated traffic regulations, all two-wheeler operators must wear an appropriate helmet. Non-compliance can result in a substantial penalty, which is ₹1,000.

• Don’t Drink And Drive: Riding under the influence of alcohol or any other type of intoxicating substance is a significant violation of traffic laws and is punishable by up to six months of imprisonment and substantial fines.

• Avoid Excessive Honking: If you frequently use your vehicle’s horn without necessity, be informed that in Ahmedabad, such behaviour can lead to fines reaching up to ₹500.

• Refrain From Using Mobile Phone/Earphones: While Riding, using mobile phones or earphones is a frequent cause of accidents and can lead to heavy fines when found in violation in Ahmedabad.

• Get Insurance: Remember to get bike insurance before you hit the road with your two-wheeler to avoid traffic fines.

Follow the above mentioned traffic rules to avoid getting into a serious accident or paying hefty fines/penalties. Keep yourself and everyone safe on the road.

The amended Motor Vehicles Act 1988 main focus is to enhance security and discipline on the road.