With its proximity to major states and national highways, the state of West Bengal has contributed to a noticeable surge in road traffic. According to 2022 traffic police records, Kolkata witnessed around 178 accidents, tragically resulting in the death of 185 individuals.

These mishaps, primarily caused by over-speeding, have been a significant cause of fatalities, injuries, and property damage annually. West Bengal’s accident figures played a substantial role in India, topping the list of 200 countries reported in the World Road Statistics for the number of road accident deaths that year.

This alarming rate of road accidents has encouraged the government to amend the provisions and rules of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. The amendments to this act in 2019 made some significant changes to West Bengal traffic fines.

Keep reading better to understand the new traffic fines in West Bengal.

While the central government introduced new traffic fines per the amendments made in the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019, the West Bengal government implemented these in February 2022. The sudden increase in traffic fines made settling their penalties challenging for average people.

The traffic fines have mostly increased, which is a mechanism to curb road accidents and unhealthy traffic management. This is evident as the accident rates reduced by 9.5% in 2023 compared to 2021.

The figures after the amendment of 2019 show a really significant hike. The offence of driving without a valid licence has penalties up to ₹5000, a sharp increase from the former fine of ₹500. This amendment underlines the necessity of all drivers' observance of traffic laws to ensure they comply with the applicable traffic laws.

To address the difficulties and interests of West Bengal residents, the State government has maintained traffic fines unchanged from 2019 to 2022. However, the new regulation introduced by the government is a way of lowering the number of traffic rule violations.

In 2023, the West Bengal Traffic Police Department booked approximately 22,18,839 challans.

In West Bengal, traffic fines are collected by the state police using different methods, including on-the-spot fines to police officers, making online payments, and submitting fines at traffic police stations with the required documents.

You can check your traffic challan in West Bengal and pay online in some easy ways mentioned below.

Process to Check e-Challan Online in West Bengal

• Those who prefer the online method can check your e-Challan status in West Bengal through the Parivahan website's "Check Online Services" tab. 

• Additionally, you can verify the status using the West Bengal Traffic Police website.

Process to Pay e-Challan Online in West Bengal

• You can easily pay your traffic fines through Parivahan website.

• You can also pay it through the West Bengal Traffic Police website.

In West Bengal, you have the option to pay your fine in cash to a traffic police officer who has an e-challan machine. Alternatively, you can visit any traffic police station in your city, bringing the required documents, to submit your fine.

Here are the essential traffic rules that a person driving a Four-Wheeler should follow:

• Carry Driving Licence: You must have a valid four-wheeler driving licence while driving a Four-Wheeler car in West Bengal.

• Don’t Drink And Drive: Please refrain from driving when intoxicated. It would keep everyone on the road safe and away from hefty drinking and driving fines. 

• Carry Valid Documents: Always carry the mandatory documents such as pollution under certificates, car insurance policy papers, vehicle registration certificate, etc.

• Wear Seat Belt: Always fasten the seatbelt when driving your car.  In West Bengal, fines are imposed when a violation is found. 

• Refrain From Mobile Phone Usage: Never talk or text on a mobile phone while driving a vehicle. 

• Avoid Random Driving Patterns: Do not drive in a zig-zag pattern or change lanes abruptly while driving a four-wheeler. Violation of this rule can lead to a fine in West Bengal state.

• Maintain Speed Limit: Never overspeed while driving your car or any four-wheeler. It is one of the most common reasons for road accidents.

• Get Car Insurance: You must have car insurance if you wish to drive a car in West Bengal. 

Get to know the important rules for the ones riding a Two-Wheeler in West Bengal.

• Limit Passengers: Riding with more than two people on a two-wheeler is not allowed in West Bengal to ensure they are seated securely and are safe for others as well. 

• Wear Helmets: Both rider and pillion must always wear helmets while riding.

• Follow Traffic Signals: Obey the traffic signals and the traffic rules diligently while riding in West Bengal.

• Check Speed Limit: Never overspeed while riding a two-wheeler. Always maintain the desired Speed limit while riding for your safety.

• Maintain Lane Discipline: Stay within your lane and avoid weaving in and out of traffic recklessly.

• Don’t Use Headphones: In West Bengal, Strict Fines are imposed when someone is found using headphones while riding a Two-Wheeler.

• Get Bike Insurance: You are required to carry a two-wheeler insurance plan for your vehicle. If not, a fine of ₹1000 can be imposed in the state of West Bengal.  

The mission statement of the West Bengal Police, “SAFE DRIVE SAVE LIFE,” encapsulates their commitment to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free road journey for all. Their objectives are multifaceted, focusing on reducing the number of road accidents, accidental deaths, and injuries through effective enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. 

For your own safety, abide by all traffic rules and regulations and take essential precautions while driving in West Bengal.