Parking irregularities continue to trouble Guwahati, with motorists increasingly being fined for no-parking violations amid confusing signage and limited on-the-spot intimation, particularly for two-wheelers.
Residents say that while no-parking boards are visible across the city, the way restrictions are communicated often leaves room for misinterpretation, resulting in fines that motorists only learn about later.
What is causing the confusion?
Across several parts of Guwahati, no-parking boards mention restrictions such as “No Parking for 500 metres ahead.” However, in the absence of clear road markings or reference points, motorists often estimate the distance from where they are standing rather than from the exact start point of the restriction.
This miscalculation, commuters say, frequently results in vehicles being parked within prohibited zones without the driver realising it.
Two-wheelers face ‘silent’ challans
While four-wheelers are often alerted to violations through visible measures like windscreen wipers being lifted, two-wheeler riders usually receive no such indication.
In many cases, riders are informed only later through an SMS challan notification, sometimes days after the alleged violation, leaving them unaware at the time of parking.
A commuter’s experience
Ranjit Bharali, a resident of Wireless, said a brief stop turned into a prolonged hassle.
“Due to an emergency, I parked my bike near a no-parking area for hardly two minutes. The next day, I received a text message stating that a challan had been issued on my registration number,” he told GPlus.
He added that his inability to pay the fine immediately later affected the updating of his pollution certificate.
“At least two-wheelers should be notified on the spot, or some indication should be introduced,” he said.
Why motorists feel vulnerable
Commuters say the combination of unclear distance indicators, lack of real-time alerts, and post-facto digital challans makes two-wheeler riders particularly vulnerable to fines.
Many also point out that emergency stops or short halts often attract penalties, even when drivers believe they are outside restricted zones.
What authorities say
Traffic authorities have repeatedly urged motorists to strictly follow signage and remain cautious in no-parking areas. However, no official clarification has yet been issued on introducing visual indicators for two-wheelers or improving clarity around distance-based restrictions.
What happens next?
Motorists are calling for:
- Clearer road markings linked to no-parking signs
- On-the-spot alerts for two-wheelers
- Better communication on where restrictions actually begin
With Guwahati’s traffic enforcement increasingly relying on digital challans, residents say greater transparency and clarity are essential to avoid unintentional violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many signs mention distance-based restrictions, but the lack of clear markings causes drivers to misjudge where the no-parking zone begins.
Unlike cars, two-wheelers usually have no visible indicator when fined and are informed later via SMS.
