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The Pillion Penalty: Fines a Pillion Rider Can Get

Saumya SrivastavaNov 28, 2025

Pillion riders generally overlook the fact that they play a crucial role in ensuring safety on the road. Different traffic violations in India are linked directly to a pillion rider, due to which it is important to understand everything that can lead to a pillion rider fine through e challan and its implications. A careless pillion can put the bike rider at risk, along with leading to penalties for both.

So, keep reading this guide as we break down the fines of a pillion rider and why following the road safety rules is crucial for a smooth and safe ride on the road.

Contents

Types of Violation and Fines for a Pillion Rider
How Pillion Rider Fines Differs Across Different Indian States
Final Words
Frequently Asked Questions

Types of Violation and Fines for a Pillion Rider

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, there are several situations for which a pillion can be fined. Moreover, if the driver does not follow the basic pillion rules, they also face strict fines and charges. So, let us look at the details below:

1. Not Wearing a Helmet
One of the most common punishments from traffic authorities is when the pillion rider does not wear a BIS-certified helmet. Section 194D of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 says that not wearing a helmet will cost you a fine of ₹1,000. Some areas may also offer counselling or safety awareness sessions for people who repeatedly break the pillion helmet rule.

2. Distracting the Rider/ Driver
It is against the law to drive with more passengers than the allowed number. According to section 194A each extra passenger in your vehicle, whether bike or car, will cost ₹200.

3. Riding with 2 Pillions on a Bike
You can only have one pillion rider on a motorbike at a time. In states like Delhi and Maharashtra, and others, both the rider and the pillion riders can be fined ₹1,000. In the worst-case scenario, the bike may also be seized by the authorities for a specific time.

4. Carrying Excess Passengers
If a pillion rider uses a phone, moves around too much, or blocks mirrors, the rider may be fined for careless driving. The rider is technically responsible for the fine, but the pillion is responsible for what caused the violation. The government fines people ₹500 in case of the first offence and ₹1,500 for subsequent offences.

How Pillion Rider Fines Differs Across Different Indian States

Although the pillion rider fine rules under the Motor Vehicles Act are nationwide, certain state-specific regulations are also in effect. Riders in Uttar Pradesh may receive an e challan UP for certain pillion-related rule violations, and these penalties may differ from those issued in Maharashtra for the same offence.
Here is a closer look at how major states handle fines for pillion-related offences.

1. Delhi
The road safety rules are quite strict in Delhi, mainly because a large number of accidents occur each year. If a pillion rider rides without a helmet, they have to pay ₹1,000. Both the rider and the pillion must wear helmets that are properly strapped and certified by ISI.
In some cases, the rider may even lose their licence for 3 months or have to do community service.

2. Tamil Nadu
If you ride a motorbike in Tamil Nadu without a helmet, you could get a ₹1,000 fine. The state also actively punishes unsafe ways of sitting, like riding side-saddle, which is still common in some areas. The fine used to be ₹500 previously but it has now doubled because there have been more accidents and the state wants people to be more careful on the road.

3. Maharashtra
Maharashtra is known for being very strict about the safety of people riding on the back of a motorbike. A fine of ₹1,000 is usually given if a pillion rider is found without a helmet or if three people are riding on a two-wheeler.
Traffic police often do random checks at busy intersections, and cities like Mumbai and Pune often run road safety campaigns.

4. Karnataka
Traffic officials in Bengaluru, Karnataka, put a lot of stress on both penalties and awareness for road violations. The fine for a pillion rider not wearing a helmet generally starts at ₹500. The same punishment applies to triple-riding. Colleges and places where young people hang out often have targeted safety campaigns that remind people that riding safely is just as important as pillion safety.

5. Telangana
In Telangana, anyone over four years old who rides pillion must wear a helmet. If they do not, they could be fined ₹200. People who engage in activities such as triple-riding can be fined up to ₹1,000. The state recently increased the fines for breaking road rules to encourage more people to follow them.

Final Words

Just as it is important for vehicle riders to ride safely on the road, pillion riders need to maintain safety in every aspect. When it comes to pillion rider fines, they are imposed for reasons such as not wearing a helmet or exceeding the permissible number of riders. Such violations can impact them as well as others on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is triple riding on a bike punishable for the pillion rider?

Yes, authorities fine both the rider and pillion riders for triple-riding, with penalties typically starting at ₹1,000 depending on the state.

2. If a pillion rider does not wear a helmet, will he be fined?

Yes. Under Section 194D of the Motor Vehicles Act, authorities can fine a pillion rider without a BIS-certified helmet ₹1,000. Some states may impose additional fines for pillion riders or require counselling.

3. Can you get an e-challan for breaking the law while riding as a passenger?

AI-based CCTVs often catch pillion riders violating rules, which can lead to e-challans for not wearing helmets or riding with more than two people. You must pay these online fines right away to avoid more fines.