For truck drivers, “challan” is a dreaded word. And why wouldn’t it be? These fines can put a serious dent in their earnings. According to a report, truck drivers in India pay an average of Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 per year in challans. But hitting the road in a truck is a vital part of keeping our economy moving. Navigating traffic regulations and avoiding those dreaded truck challans can feel like an extra challenge. Worry not, fellow fleet owners! This blog will equip you with the knowledge needed to stay compliant and keep your deliveries running smoothly.
Understanding Truck Challans
A truck challan is a penalty issued by traffic authorities for violations committed by truck drivers. These fines can put a dent in your profits and slow your deliveries, so let’s explore the common culprits and how to steer clear of them.
Overloading
Problem:
Exceeding the weight limit for your truck is a safety hazard for vehicles and leads to excessive consumption of fuel and hefty fines. If we talk about the fines involved, the Motor Vehicles Act (2019 amendment) increased the penalty for overloading from Rs 2,000 to Rs 20,000. Extra weight charges were also doubled by this amendment from Rs 1,000 per tonne to Rs 2,000 per tonne. In 2020, a truck driver in East Delhi was slapped with a Rs 2,05,000 fine, making it the most expensive fine under the new MV act. In addition, a study shows trucks carrying 30% excess load at 20-50 km/hr speeds increase fuel consumption by 24.6%. As per another research 48% trucks face tyre wear due to overloading issues.
Solution:
Know your weight limit! It’s specified in your vehicle’s registration certificate. Use weighbridges on highways to ensure your load is within the legal limit before proceeding. Before purchasing a truck, learn about its specifications and the axle load limits. In addition to being vigilant, you can use Telematics with integrated load sensors to provide real-time weight data. This automation allows truck owners to have real-time information of their trucks, allowing them to stay safe of overloading fines.
* Note: Trucks and trailers with air suspension systems are allowed to carry an additional ton of weight on each axle.
Speeding
Problem:
Trucks, like all vehicles, have designated speed limits. Exceeding these limits is dangerous and can lead to a vehicle challan ranging from Rs 2000 to Rs 4000 under section 183 of the Motor Vehicle Act. In addition to hefty challans, trucks suffer major damage due to accidents caused by speeding. According to statistics published by MoRTH in 2022, 72.4% of accidents are caused by speeding. This data is substantially higher than the second-placed reason—driving on the wrong side (4.8%). Even though truck repair costs vary in India, an accident that requires a complete overhaul of the vehicle can cost several lakhs.
Solution:
Different states have different road rules and speed limits, knowing them can assist truck owners to stay out of trouble. Providing essential training to the drivers including teaching them how to read road signs is another way to stay compliant to the speeding rule. Remember, many highways have cameras that catch speeders! The telematics solution has an option for you. Its solution, like a Vehicle Tracking System, keeps an eye on the driver’s speed. Further, the alert pops if the driver’s speed increases beyond the set limit. Real-time alerts and driver behaviour monitoring can help identify speeding tendencies. It allows you to address the issue and prevent costly speeding challans.
Documentation
Problem:
Failing to carry the required paperwork can be an expensive mistake for truck drivers as these challans are considered costliest fines in India. In 2022, a truck driver in Odisha was fined Rs 85,600 for lack of documentation. The case was eventually settled at Rs 70,000, after the driver produced some documents. Consequently, it is crucial to check and update documents including driver’s licence, registration certificate, fitness certificate, PUC (pollution under control) certificate, or permits for specific cargo. In India, general fines for lacking proper documentation can be substantial, ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000, depending on the severity of the violation. These challan fines can put a significant dent in the driver’s pocket and the company’s bottom line.
Solution:
Make sure all documents are valid, up-to-date, and available in your truck. Regular checks and proper organisation will save you time and money at roadside vehicle challan checks. Leveraging digital solutions like DigiLocker can be a good option for managing important documents. It provides a secure cloud-based platform to store and access essential documents. You can upload documents like driving licences, registration certificates, and permits. This not only ensures that documents are readily available but also reduces the risk of loss or damage. By adopting a proactive approach to document management, logistics companies can maintain compliance. Further, it minimises disruptions and enhances operational efficiency while avoiding hefty truck challans during inspection.
Challan Payment Methods
There are two ways to pay your traffic challan: online and offline.
Online Payment:
- Visit the official Parivahan website (echallan.parivahan.gov.in).
- Enter your challan number, vehicle number, or driving license number along with a security code.
- Click “Get Details” to see your challan information.
- Choose your preferred payment method and proceed to pay.
Offline Payment:
- Visit the police station mentioned on your challan or find one nearby. Bring your driving license, ID proof, and the challan itself.
- Pay the fine with cash or card and get a receipt.
Alternatively:
- Find a traffic police officer with an e-challan machine.
- Show them your driving license, ID, and challan.
- Pay the fine with cash or card and collect your receipt.
Now let’s check how you can outsmart the truck challan! Invention of telematics solutions is turning out to be the key player here. See how telematics can save Truck Drivers Money!
What are Telematics Solutions?
Imagine a system that monitors your truck, tracks your drivers, and helps you avoid costly truck challans. That’s the magic of telematics! These intelligent systems use GPS, sensors, and software to provide real-time data and insights into your fleet operations.
How Telematics Saves You From Truck Challans:
Traffic congestion, surprise weighbridges, and potential challans can lead to significant delays and financial losses for logistics operations. Telematics solutions offer a proactive approach by suggesting efficient routes. Additionally, help drivers avoid unnecessary delays and challan traps. Telematics goes beyond just reacting to challans. It provides valuable data and insights. Receive real-time alerts for speeding or any violation detected by the system. Generate reports to identify recurring issues and implement targeted driver training to address them. This proactive approach can significantly reduce future challans.
We know Truck challans can drain your profits. By following these tips and embracing telematics solutions like real-time weight monitoring and driver behaviour tracking, you can reduce vehicle challan risks and keep your deliveries running smoothly.