It is against the law to drive in India without vehicle insurance. But the truth is that thousands of people are caught doing just that. Due to the dire circumstances, traffic fines have developed into a reliable source of income for state governments. Every year, lawbreakers nationwide pay thousands of rupees in traffic fines. Besides the legal consequences, you will not be able to file a motor insurance claim if you have expired insurance.
Third-Party Insurance
The Motor Vehicle Act made third-party insurance a requirement to address the rising number of accident-related fatalities in India. Protection against harm caused to a third party by an insured vehicle is provided by third-party insurance, also known as motor third-party liability insurance (MTPL). It covers physical injuries, car damage, property damage, and passing away.
Pay Fine Or Risk Being Imprisoned
The amended Motor Vehicle Act increased the fine for operating a vehicle without insurance to Rs 2,000 for a first offence and Rs 4,000 for a subsequent offence. You have a specific amount of time to pay a fine for having expired vehicle insurance.
The Process After Someone Is Caught Without Car Insurance
When stopped for inspection, a traffic officer typically requests your car insurance policy document or card, driver’s license, and registration certificate. In some states, a pollution under control certificate might also be required. If you fail to produce these documents, traffic officers may issue a challan as a penalty for driving without insurance. You can pay this fine in cash at the nearest traffic police station or online as directed by the officers. In such cases, they may instruct you to leave your car parked nearby on the roadside or at the nearest police station while you settle the fine. Payment may be immediate if the officer has higher authority. Otherwise, you must pay online or at the local police station.
Pay Challan In Time
In most cases, you have 15 days to pay the challan. You might be charged a late fee if you don’t pay within this time frame. Traffic police or representatives from the transport department may take legal or punitive action if payments are not made on time. Therefore, it always helps if you do not put off such things.
How Can Such Circumstances Be Avoided?
To avoid the stress of being pulled over by the police, follow these steps:
- Always Carry Hard Copies Of Essential Documents: your driver’s license, pollution under certificate (PUC), vehicle registration certificate, and car insurance certificate. You can also keep digital copies on your smartphone.
- Never Drive Without Valid Insurance: Ensure your insurance policy is active by renewing it on time or purchasing a new one.
- Always Carry A Valid Driving Licence: Do not drive with a suspended license, as it is a severe legal offence with consequences.
Safe driving is both a moral and legal responsibility, benefiting you, your vehicle, and fellow road users. Driving without insurance or with an expired insurance policy can leave you financially vulnerable in case of an accident, so having comprehensive insurance is crucial to protect yourself and your vehicle.*
* Standard T&C Apply
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