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Traffic Rules and Traffic Violation Fines in India (As per MV Act 2019)

Team AckoMar 8, 2024

The government brought in some drastic changes to the traffic violation fines as per the latest amendment to The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019.

The relatively new traffic rules are more stringent, with a significant increase in penalties for traffic violations (like driving/riding without valid car/bike insurance, disregarding traffic lights, etc.).

The following table denotes the traffic challan list along with the respective traffic fines.

Contents

Updated list of Traffic Rules, Fines, and Penalties in India
Highlights of New Traffic Fines for Violations (From September 2019)
Important road safety rules
- Road safety rules for pedestrians
- Road safety rules for drivers (cyclists, riders and drivers)
Importance of Traffic Rules in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Updated list of Traffic Rules, Fines, and Penalties in India

The government brought in some drastic changes to the traffic violation fines as per the latest amendment to The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019.

The following table denotes the traffic challan list along with the respective traffic fines.

Traffic violation	Updated penalty for offences (Applicable from September 2019)	Old penalty
General offence (For example, improper number plate, illegal parking, etc.)	First time: Rs. 500 ; Second time: Rs. 1,500	First time: Rs. 100 ; Second time: Rs. 300
Not obeying the orders from the Authorities/Not sharing information	Rs. 2,000	Rs. 500
Not adhering to road rules	Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000	Nil
Driving/riding without a valid Driving Licence	Rs. 5,000	Rs. 500
Driving an unauthorised vehicle without valid licence	Rs. 5,000	Rs. 1,000
Driving/riding a vehicle after disqualification	Rs. 10,000	Rs. 500
Overspeeding	Light Motor Vehicle: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 ; Medium passenger/goods vehicle: Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000 ; Second-time/repeat offence: Impounding of Driving Licence	Rs. 400
Rash/dangerous driving	First time: Imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year and/or Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 penalty. ; Second time: Imprisonment of up to 2 years and/or up to Rs. 10,000 penalty.	Nil
Driving/riding under the influence of intoxicating substances/alcohol	First time: Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months. ; Second time: Rs. 15,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years.	Rs. 2,000
Driving/riding in a mentally/physically unfit state	First time: Rs. 1,000 ; Second time: 2,000	First time: Rs. 200 ; Second time: Rs. 500
Driving/riding a vehicle without valid motor insurance	First time: Rs. 2,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months. ; Second time: Rs. 4,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months.	Rs. 1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months.
Illegal racing and overspeeding	First time: Rs. 5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months. ; Second time: Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year.	Rs. 500
Driving an oversized vehicle	Rs. 5,000	Nil
Accident-related offences	First time: Rs. 5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months. ; Second time: Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year.	Nil
Driving/riding a vehicle without a valid Registration Certificate	First time: Rs. 5,000 ; Second time: Rs. 10,000	Nil
Driving a vehicle without permit	Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months.	Up to Rs. 5,000
Driving/riding a vehicle while using a mobile phone	Rs. 5,000	Rs. 1,000
Overloading the vehicle	Rs. 20,000 (Rs. 2,000 per extra tonne)	Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 1,000 per extra tonne)
Overloading passengers	Rs. 1,000 per extra passenger	Nil
Overloading a two-wheeler	Disqualification of DL for 3 months and a penalty of Rs. 2,000	Rs. 100
Not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler	Disqualification of DL for 3 months and a penalty of Rs. 1,000	Rs. 100
Not wearing seatbelt while driving	Rs. 1,000	Rs. 100
Not giving way for emergency vehicles	Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of 6 months.	Nil
Offences committed by juveniles	Imprisonment of 3 years and a penalty of Rs. 25,000 (Vehicle owner/guardian to be deemed guilty)	Nil
Offence related to enforcing officers (Example: Offering bribe)	Twice the penalty under the relevant section.	Nil
Aggregator offences (Licence-related)	Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 1 lakh	Nil
Usage of horn in Silent Zone	First time: Rs. 2,000 ; Second time: Rs. 4,000	Nil
Travelling without a ticket in public transport vehicles	Rs. 500	Rs. 200

Highlights of New Traffic Fines for Violations (From September 2019)

Here are some of the highlights of the updated traffic violation fines as per the New Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The penalty for driving/riding a vehicle without a valid Driving Licence is now 10 times more than the old penalty (increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000).
The latest amendment to The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 has increased the penalty for driving/riding a vehicle without valid motor insurance. The new penalty stands at Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 4,000 for a second-time offence) compared to the old penalty of Rs. 1,000.
The penalty for driving/riding under the influence of alcohol/intoxicating substances has increased significantly. The new fine stands at Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months for the first-time offence. The penalty goes up to Rs. 15,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years for second-time/repeat offences.
The penalty for illegal racing and speeding stands at Rs. 5,000 and /or imprisonment of up to 3 months as compared to the old Rs. 500 penalty. For second-time or repeat offences, the penalty inflates to Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year.
The amendment to the New MV Act, 2019 brought in a penalty for offences committed by juveniles. The fine stands at Rs. 25,000 and imprisonment of 3 years. The vehicle owner or guardian will be deemed guilty of this offence.

Also, read: Clean Driving Record: How Your Driving Record Affects Car Insurance?

Important road safety rules

Safety should be the priority regardless of whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist or riding/driving a vehicle. In this section, let’s discuss some of the important road safety rules in India.

Road safety rules for pedestrians

Here are the important road safety rules for pedestrians.

1. Follow traffic signal rules

As a pedestrian, always watch out for the traffic lights and only cross the road when the pedestrian light is green. Never cross the road when the light is green for vehicular traffic.

2. Do not use mobile phones on the road

Talking or texting on your mobile while walking on the road can be dangerous. For instance, if you are busy on your phone while crossing the road, it can lead to an accident. So avoid it at all costs.

3. Look before crossing the road

Make sure that you look in both directions (left and right) when crossing the road. That way, you will be safe from the oncoming traffic and the vehicles coming from the wrong direction (if any).

4. Use Zebra crossings

As a pedestrian, always use zebra crossings to cross the road at busy intersections and crossroads. Along with the Zebra crossing, follow the pedestrian traffic light rules.

Road safety rules for drivers (cyclists, riders and drivers)

Here are the traffic safety rules for cyclists and vehicle drivers/riders in India.

1. Do not ignore traffic light rules

Traffic lights are designed to enable smooth traffic flow at intersections, crossroads and zebra crossings. Following traffic signal rules ensures that there are no or minimal road mishaps. As a vehicle driver, always stop at red lights. Failing to do so can attract a red light jump fine. Also, give way for pedestrians at the zebra crossing. Cross the intersection only when the light is green. The same rules apply to cyclists as well.

2. Never drink and drive

Drinking-and-driving is one of the major causes of accidents on roads. Never drive your vehicle in an inebriated state. It not only causes harm to you but also to other road users.

Alcohol can hamper your decision-making abilities. Hence, the chances of you losing control of the vehicle is high. So, avoid driving at all costs if you have consumed alcohol.

3. Do not use the mobile phone while driving

Mobile phones can be one of the biggest distractions while driving. It makes you take your eyes off the road and doing that while driving can be dangerous. Never talk or text on the phone while you are behind the wheel of a vehicle or riding a two-wheeler.

4. Follow speed limits

Whether you are driving a car or riding a two-wheeler, always adhere to the speed limits of that particular road. Never overspeed as it can result in you losing control of the vehicle and causing an accident. Always watch out for speed limit sign boards, especially on highways.

5. Follow “No Entry” zone rules

Never enter a “No Entry” zone as it may lead to serious accidents. Such zones are created for the one-way movement of traffic. If you enter that zone, you may end up colliding with oncoming traffic. Hence, never drive your vehicle in a “No Entry” zone.

6. Use turn signals

It is extremely important to use turn signals (indicator lights) to indicate your next manoeuvre on the road. For instance, if you wish to turn right at the next intersection, use a turn signal in advance and then slow down the vehicle. It helps avoid unnecessary confusion and collisions.

Turn signals are crucial for two-wheeler riders as they are more vulnerable to collisions. Hence, always use turn signal indicators to be safe on the road.

7. Slow down at intersections

Do not drive at high speeds when you are about to approach an intersection. Slow down the vehicle, look in both directions and then cross the intersection.

8. Give way for emergency vehicles

Always give way for emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigade trucks or Police vehicles.

9. Follow lane rules

Following lane discipline is crucial, especially on traffic-congested roads. Whether you drive a car or ride a bike, do not make abrupt lane changes. If you wish to change lanes, use turn signals and complete the manoeuvre when it's safe. Also, avoid overtaking vehicles from the left side and stick to the right-side lane if you need to overtake a vehicle.

10. Wear proper safety gears

Wearing proper safety gear can protect you in case of an accident. Four-wheeler drivers and front co-passengers must always wear a seat belt while the vehicle is on the move. Two-wheeler riders and pillion riders must wear a helmet while riding to avoid serious injuries in case of a fall.

Also, read: Important Bike Riding Tips for Teenagers

Importance of Traffic Rules in India

India is a country with millions of vehicles on the road, and traffic rules and regulations take centre stage for the smooth movement of traffic. The significance of traffic rules increases in India due to the sheer number of vehicles on the road. Here are the reasons why traffic rules and regulations are so important in India.

Traffic and road safety rules aid in a smooth flow of traffic.
Traffic rules and regulations make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Traffic rules help to reduce road accidents and fatalities caused due to collisions on the road.
It encourages road users to be disciplined while driving or walking on the road.
Traffic rules curb illegal activities (such as racing) on the road.
Traffic rules aid in checking and mitigating unauthorised use or misuse of vehicles on the road.
They help to stop practices such as dangerous driving and overspeeding on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a few common queries and their answers related to traffic rules in India.

Which are the three types of traffic signs in India?

The three types of traffic signs in India are as follows.

Mandatory traffic signs
Cautionary traffic signs
Informative traffic signs

What are the traffic rules for overtaking on Indian roads?

One should always overtake another vehicle from the right-hand side and warn the vehicle ahead that you are going to overtake by honking or flashing the headlights.

Who can collect traffic violation fines on the road?

A Traffic Police officer of or above the rank of Sub-inspector can collect the traffic violation fines on the road. Also, make sure that you collect the receipt generated by the challan collection machine.

Can the passenger in a car use a mobile phone while the vehicle is on the move?

Yes, the passenger can use a mobile phone. But the driver/rider is not allowed to use the mobile phone as per the traffic rules and regulations.

What are the traffic rules for seatbelts in India?

The driver and the front passenger should wear seatbelts while the car is on the move.

What are the mandatory documents to carry while driving a vehicle?

The mandatory documents required to drive a vehicle in India are a Driving Licence, Registration Certificate, valid insurance certificate and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. If you drive a transport vehicle, you must also carry the Fitness Certificate (FC) and applicable permits.

Can the traffic police tow my car?

Yes, the traffic police can tow your vehicle if it’s parked in a No-parking zone or parked in such a way that it causes inconvenience to other road users.

Can I obtain two Driving Licences (DL) in India?

No, you cannot possess two Driving Licences in India. According to the latest amendment to The Motor Vehicle Act, 2019, you will attract penalties if found to have more than one DL.

Can I drive my vehicle without insurance?

No, you cannot drive a vehicle without insurance. You need to purchase at least Third-party insurance to legally drive your vehicle in India. Failing to do so will attract penalties.

What is the fine for ‘drink-and-drive’ traffic offences?

The fine for ‘drink-and-drive’ traffic offences stands at Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months. In case of a second-time or repeat offence, one needs to pay a fine of Rs. 15,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years.

Can the traffic police impound my Driving Licence?

Yes, the traffic police can impound your DL if you violate the traffic rules or drive dangerously on the road.

Can I check traffic fines against my vehicle online?

You can check traffic fine online by visiting RTO’s official website. You can also check RTO fine online via the Parivahan portal.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned on this page is compiled from different websites and government sources. The information may be updated from time to time. Hence, please refer to the respective government websites and verify before making any traffic fine-related decisions.

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