Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is a port city in Andhra Pradesh. Traffic in Visakhapatnam has been increasing significantly, especially the number of four-wheelers. Approximately 8 Lakh vehicles of various types are operational in the city. Each year, at least 20,000 new vehicles are registered.

The roads here are filled with vehicles due to the rapid increase in its population. The road network in Visakhapatnam is notably dense and is subject to congestion due to its narrow lanes, high pedestrian traffic, and high concentration of slow-moving vehicles. 

This, in turn, leads to an increased risk of accidents. Therefore, the transport department is very strict with traffic fines in Visakhapatnam to keep road safety in check.

Under the updated Motor Vehicles (Amended) Act 1988, the new traffic fines in Visakhapatnam were implemented on 1st September 2019. There have been drastic changes in the penalty charges, subjecting offenders to hefty fines.

The transport department of Visakhapatnam is rigorous while dealing with traffic offenders. For instance, as per the news, the Regional Transport Department (RTO) of Visakhapatnam had suspended a total of 1,328 driving licences on account of drunken driving. 

Over the past two years, offenders have accumulated unpaid traffic fines of roughly 30 Crore. Daily, the city’s traffic police issue over 1,200 e-challans for serious violations. Moreover, several others were subject to imprisonment for the same.

The revision in the Motor Vehicles Act increased traffic penalties nationwide. No reductions were made in the fines in Visakhapatnam as well. It follows the charges according to the revised Motor Vehicles Act. And yet, in Visakhapatnam, efforts are underway to reduce road accidents. Traffic conditions are regularly reviewed in coordination meetings with various departments. Infrastructure improvements such as road stoppers, modern traffic signals, surveillance cameras, and traffic check posts have been implemented. 

The e-Challan and ARVLD systems have been launched to improve traffic regulation. Countermeasures like free left turns, central dividers, cautionary sign boards, and speed breakers have been introduced. Autos have been directed to be on service roads only.

During the first quarter of 2024, the Andhra Pradesh traffic police department booked over 5,20,000 challans.

Efforts to streamline traffic fine collection in Visakhapatnam include the deployment of e-challan systems for digital fine issuance, enhancing convenience for violators. Additionally, awareness programs and stringent enforcement aim to improve road safety and reduce traffic violations in the city.

To check and pay your traffic violation ticket in Visakhapatnam, check out the following ways. 

Process to Check e-Challan Online in Visakhapatnam

• You can check the status of your e-Challan through the Parivahan website.

• You can also check the status on the Visakhapatnam City Police website. 

Process to Pay e-Challan Online in Visakhapatnam

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

• You can also pay your e-Challan through the Visakhapatnam City Police website.

You also have the option to pay in cash using an e-challan machine carried by traffic police officers or to submit your fine at a nearby traffic police station.

Below are the rules that you should follow while driving a four-wheeler in Visakhapatnam:

• Carry Valid Driver’s Licence: You must always carry your valid driver’s licence when driving a four-wheeler in Visakhapatnam. 

• Don’t Use Mobile Phone: Using a mobile phone while driving can result in a fine, as it can be fatal to you or other people on the road.

• Keep Valid Documents: It is imperative to carry documents like a Pollution Under Control Certificate, vehicle registration and other necessary documents, as they will be checked wherever necessary. 

• Maintain Speed Regulations: Visakhapatnam four-wheelers should adhere to speed regulations to avoid overspeeding fines and penalties.

• Refrain From Using Tinted Glass: According to the Central Motor Vehicle Rule, the visibility should be 70% for the windscreen and rear windows and at least 50% for side windows.

• Don’t Drink And Drive: Refrain from drinking and driving as it can be dangerous for you and others on the road. It can also lead to paying hefty fines, imprisonment, and licence suspension.

• Get Insurance: You must have car insurance and remember to keep it before hitting the road in Visakhapatnam. 

The following rules are to be followed when riding a Two-Wheeler in Visakhapatnam

• Always Wear Helmet: Two-wheeler riders and pillions must wear helmets to prevent head injuries from sudden traffic movements.

• Carry Essential Documents: All riders in Visakhapatnam must have essential documents like a Driving Licence, insurance policy, vehicle RC, PUC, etc. Failure to do so can lead to severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and licence suspension.

• Adhere to Speed Limits: Always ride within speed limits. Traffic authorities strictly monitor violations and heavily fine violators.

• Don’t Drink And Drive: Driving under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance is strictly prohibited. You may have to face hefty fines and imprisonment as well.

• Avoid Overloading: Do not ride with more than one person. Tripling can result in road accidents due to imbalances and hefty fines.

• Get Insurance: You have bike insurance, so remember to keep it with you before riding to avoid traffic fines and penalties.

Abide by the government's traffic rules to help the city reduce accidents and complications on the road. That way, everybody is secure, and no fines or strict penalties are imposed. 

Stay alert on the road and be safe.