Serving as Punjab and Haryana’s capital, Chandigarh is India’s first planned modern city. The city is world-renowned for its urban design and has a well-maintained road network connecting different cities. However, according to traffic police data, Chandigarh has recorded a 33% rise in road accidents in 2021.

Due to the alarming increase in road fatalities, the government amended the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 in 2019. With the new amendment, Chandigarh traffic fines were also updated.

To curb road accidents and traffic injuries, the government decided to implement new traffic fines in Chandigarh from 1st September 2019. The Chandigarh Traffic Police has installed several high-resolution CCTV cameras in and around the city.

Chandigarh Traffic Police have also introduced alcometers equipped with night vision cameras to reduce drunk driving cases. This was done to exercise strict vigilance and to provide legitimate proof of drunk drivers violating traffic provisions. For instance, if a drunk driver claims during the issue of challan that they were not driving, then the authority will have strong proof against that claim.

Moreover,  according to police data, in 2023, Chandigarh witnessed a 19% decline in accidents compared to 2022.

The Chandigarh administration has decided not to significantly change the list of new Chandigarh traffic fines as implemented by the amended act. Even though the public demanded a reduction of the hefty fines, the authority decided not to reduce these fines. Instead, the violators will have to pay a minimum fine in those cases that have specified a range of penalties.

For instance, a violator will be liable to pay the minimum fine of ₹1,000 instead of the maximum penalty of ₹5,000 for dangerous driving. On the other hand, violators will be subjected to a maximum fine of ₹2,000 for speeding.

During the first quarter of 2024, the Chandigarh traffic police department booked a total of 2,98,873 challans.

In Chandigarh, traffic fine collection is efficiently managed through several methods. These include on-the-spot fines payable to police officers or at designated locations, online payments through the Chandigarh Traffic Police website, etc.

To check and pay your traffic violation ticket in Chandigarh, go through the ways mentioned below. 

Process to Check e-Challan Online in Chandigarh

• Go to the official Chandigarh Traffic Police website to check your challan status.

• You can check the status of your e-Challan through the Parivahan website. For this, you will need your vehicle’s registration number and challan.

Process to Pay e-Challan Online in Chandigarh

• Pay your fines through the official Chandigarh Traffic Police website

• You can also easily pay your traffic fines via Parivahan.

You can also pay your fines offline. Pay in cash using an e-challan machine carried by traffic police officers or visit a local traffic police station to submit your fine.

Here are some of the significant traffic rules for four-wheeler drivers in Chandigarh:

• Wear Seatbelt: Every passenger in the vehicle must wear their seat belt irrespective of front and back seat passengers. Failing to do so might cause a fine of ₹1,000.

• No Smoking And Driving: Smoking while driving a vehicle poses a potential threat to the public and is an act of nuisance. Therefore, it may lead to disqualification or revoking of one's licence.

• Maintain Speed Limit: In Chandigarh, the maximum speed for four-wheelers is 60 kmph, which is maintained to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Crossing the speed limit might result in heavy penalties.

• Follow Parking Rules: Except for an accidental case, any vehicle disrupting normal traffic flow might be charged up to fifty rupees per hour. To learn more about where not to stop and where not to park your cars when on the road, visit the official website of Chandigarh traffic police.

• Use Indicators: All drivers are expected to use indicators while taking U-turns, changing lanes, merging in traffic, standing on the highway, etc. Not using or misusing indicators will cause other passengers to be ignorant; thus, heavy fines will be levied.

• Don’t Drink And Drive: Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited in Chandigarh. If caught driving while intoxicated, then massive fines and even imprisonment are imposed. 

• Get Insurance: It is mandatory to get car insurance before you hit the road to avoid hefty fines and penalties. Drivers must be able to hand over their insurance documents when traffic officials ask them to.

Here are some of the significant traffic rules for two-wheeler drivers in Chandigarh:

• Honking Meticulously: Chandigarh Traffic Police campaigned to ask the public not to blow unnecessary horns. A fine of ₹1,000 under the M V Act may be issued. One must visit the Chandigarh Traffic Police website to know when to sound the horns mandatorily.

• Follow Traffic Signals: In Chandigarh, obeying traffic signals is strictly followed to maintain the heavy traffic on city roads. Disobeying indications to stop and move may cause traffic fines.

• Wear Helmet: Under the Motor Vehicle (Amended) Act, the rider and the pillion rider on a two-wheeler must wear protective helmets while riding in Chandigarh. Otherwise, traffic police can issue a three-month licence cancellation with a ₹1,000 fine.

• No Tripling: Under section 128, any two-wheeler with more than two people (including the rider) will be charged penalties and have its licence period cancelled for up to three months.

• Don’t Use Mobile Phones: Using handheld mobile phones while riding might cause distractions and lead to accidents. Therefore, one is advised not to use any mobile phones or communicable devices while riding a two-wheeler.

• Get Insurance: Avoid riding a two-wheeler without its essential insurance papers. Get bike insurance before taking the bike on the road to avoid heavy penalties.

As citizens of India, it is critical to be aware of the traffic rules to avoid being liable to pay hefty fines. Chandigarh Traffic Police expects three basic requirements from the people driving/riding their vehicles- skill, knowledge and attitude - to cooperate to maintain the figured traffic rules. 

The government amended the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 to enhance traffic safety measures. Even so, active participation is required from every vehicle owner to ensure so.