No parking fines in India: Compliance guide

In India, it is difficult to find suitable parking spaces anywhere, be it when you go shopping, dining out, or to the movies. Parking your car in the wrong way may attract hefty amounts on account of a no-parking fine under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. You need to be aware of the restrictions on parking locally and all over India to avoid attracting challans and paying fines for parking against the rules in the same way that you adhere to other norms, such as those relating to car insurance.

Parking rules in India you need to follow

1. You are not allowed to leave your vehicle in a situation that is deemed to be unsafe or is obstructing, inconveniencing or dangerous to other people.

2. You should park your vehicle in compliance with road signs or markings indicating whether you are allowed to park there and how you may park.

3. You may not park your vehicle in a manner blocking or being too close to any of the following:

• Traffic lights

• Traffic symbols

• Zebra crossing

• Road corner

• Road crossing

4. As per the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, you may not park your vehicle in the following places:

• In an area which is marked as a “No Parking” zone

• Anywhere where vehicle parking is prohibited

• On a sidewalk, or footpath or pavement

• Leaving too big a gap from a sidewalk, footpath or pavement

• In private property without securing permission from the owner of the property

• On a main road or on any other road where there is a heavy flow of traffic

• In a manner that obstructs the flow of traffic on the road, on the opposite side of an already parked vehicle or in a second line to a vehicle already parked

• On the side of the road, which is incorrect with respect to the flow of traffic

• On a road which has been marked in the centre with a continuous white line

• Obstructing the entrance to any building or in front of a gate

• In close vicinity to the entrance of a hospital, school or a demarcated bus stop

• In any place where your vehicle is hindering the view of a road sign or stop sign

• Near or on a bridge

• On an incline on a road

• For 10 hours in a public place in an unattended manner

• In a dark and unlit area at night without your parking light turned on

Citations, challans, fines and other punitive measures

Parking in contravention of the rules mentioned above may lead to the following measures being adopted against you:

1. Citations or challans may be issued against your vehicle number. Additional penalties may be imposed for late payment of such challans.

2. You may be fined. The fine amount depends on the traffic authority and differs in various cities. The minimum amount is usually Rs 500.

3. Your vehicle may be clamped, and you must pay the fine and remove the clamp.

4. Your vehicle may be towed, and you will need to pay the towing charge in addition to the fine imposed.

Conclusion

It is best to follow the prevalent parking rules while parking your vehicle. These rules have been framed for the safety and convenience of the general public and the vehicle owner alike.