Driving Without License Fine: What You’ll Pay In Every Indian State

Driving on Indian roads without a valid license is like playing a very expensive game of chance. Not only are you putting yourself and others at risk, but you're also staring down the barrel of a steep driving without license fine. In 2025, the law is clear, the rules are tighter, and most importantly—there’s no mercy for violators.

Whether you’re borrowing your cousin’s scooter or learning to drive your dad’s car before applying for a learner’s license, the penalties are the same. Driving without license fine in India is treated as a serious traffic violation, and the consequences are now harsher than ever. From e-challans to impoundment and even jail time, here’s everything you need to know if you think a license is “optional.”

State-wise Driving Without License Fine in India

The driving without license fine is fairly uniform across most states, thanks to updates to the Motor Vehicles Act. A first-time offense generally attracts a ₹5,000 penalty. Some states, however, slap additional consequences on repeat violators, including court appearances, driving bans, and higher fines.

Driving Without a License Fine in Delhi

In Delhi, ₹5,000 is charged for a first offense, and that doubles to ₹10,000 for repeat violations. What sets Delhi apart is the possibility of a jail term of up to three months. Enforcement is serious—especially with CCTV surveillance and automated systems that can flag unlicensed drivers during routine checks. You can easily pay your challan in Delhi via the CARS24 portal.

Driving Without a License Fine in Maharashtra

Maharashtra fines you ₹5,000 the first time you’re caught driving without a valid license, and ₹10,000 for doing it again. A jail term may also be imposed, depending on the circumstances. Major cities like Mumbai and Nagpur see tight enforcement, especially during night patrols and festival seasons. You can easily check your challan status in Maharashtra online.

Driving Without a License Fine in Karnataka

In Karnataka, the penalty starts at ₹5,000 for first-time offenders and increases to ₹7,500 if you’re caught again. You also risk a jail sentence, which depends on the discretion of the court. Bengaluru traffic police use checkpoints and mobile patrols to regularly spot unlicensed drivers, especially in tech hubs and college zones. Don’t forget to check your challan status in Karnataka if you’ve been fined.

Driving Without a License Fine in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu follows a ₹5,000 first-time fine, and ₹10,000 for repeat offenses, along with the threat of a jail term. In Chennai and other cities, traffic authorities rely on license-scanning tools and regular road checks to flag offenders. Court summons are issued for repeat violations, making it harder to escape penalties. Check your challan status in Tamil Nadu for updates.

Driving Without a License Fine in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh issues a ₹5,000 fine initially, and ₹10,000 if you do it again, with jail time as a possible consequence. Enforcement has grown stronger in Lucknow, Agra, and Noida, where digital challans and live footage are used to confirm violations and push for stricter penalties in court. You can check your challan status in Uttar Pradesh anytime online.

Driving Without a License Fine in Gujarat

In Gujarat, fines are ₹5,000 for the first offense, rising to ₹10,000 for subsequent violations, and jail time is also possible. Authorities in cities like Ahmedabad are cracking down using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems that flag unregistered or unlicensed vehicles on the move. If you've been fined, pay your challan in Gujarat easily online.

Driving Without a License Fine in Rajasthan

Rajasthan enforces the standard ₹5,000 first offense fine, followed by ₹10,000 if you’re caught again, with the added risk of a jail sentence. Jaipur’s traffic department often holds special drives targeting minors and unlicensed drivers, especially near school zones and event venues. You can check your challan status online in Rajasthan.

Driving Without a License Fine in Telangana

Telangana issues a ₹5,000 fine to first-time violators, and ₹7,500 if you repeat the offense. Offenders are also eligible for jail time, and the Hyderabad police have stepped up vigilance with mobile verification units to catch those driving without valid documents. Pay your challan in Telangana online to avoid late fees.

Driving Without a License Fine in Kerala

Kerala fines unlicensed drivers ₹5,000 for the first offense, and ₹10,000 for repeat violations, with a jail term possible. Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram traffic units are known for digital enforcement and random documentation checks, especially on busy stretches and near railway stations. Check your challan status in Kerala if you’ve received a fine.

Driving Without a License Fine in West Bengal

In West Bengal, the penalty is ₹5,000 the first time, and ₹10,000 the next, and a jail term may also be handed out. Kolkata Traffic Police often carry out license checks at major intersections, and use body cams and CCTVs to back up any court proceedings that may follow. To stay updated, check your challan status in West Bengal.

The driving without license fine applies to two-wheelers, cars, autos, trucks, and even e-rickshaws. If you're not carrying a valid learner’s or permanent license, you're liable for this penalty.

Driving Without License Fine Section of the Motor Vehicles Act

The updated Section 181 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, clearly states that no person shall drive a vehicle unless they hold a valid license issued under the act. If found guilty, they’re liable for a ₹5,000 driving without license fine, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.

Previously, the penalty for this offense was just ₹500—more a slap on the wrist than a real deterrent. But since the 2019 amendments, the government has taken a tougher stance to reduce the number of unlicensed and underage drivers on the road.

The driving without license fine also applies to owners who allow others to drive their vehicle without a license. So if you're handing over the keys to someone who isn’t legally allowed to drive, you're equally liable under Section 180, with the same fine and possible jail time.

How to Pay the Challan for Driving Without License

You can settle your fine for driving without a license through the same channels used for any e-challan. Most of India’s traffic systems are now digitised, which makes paying easier—but also makes ignoring your penalty much harder.

To pay online:

• Step 1: Visit https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in
• Step 2: Enter your challan number or vehicle number
• Step 3: View your violation details and click on “Pay Now”
• Step 4: Use UPI, net banking, or card to make the payment
• Step 5: Download and save the receipt for your records

You can also check and pay this fine via the CARS24 challan tool. Just enter your vehicle number, and the system instantly pulls up any pending challans linked to your registration. Whether the fine was issued manually or digitally, CARS24 lets you settle it in a few clicks without needing to visit the RTO.

Can You be Jailed for Driving Without a License?

Yes, and it's happening more frequently than you'd think. While the driving without license fine is the most common punishment, many cases—especially repeat offenses or underage drivers—lead to jail time.

Under Section 181, imprisonment of up to three months is allowed for a first-time offense. But that term can increase if you’re involved in an accident, damage public property, or pose a threat to public safety. Courts take a tougher stance on drivers who’ve ignored previous fines or failed to appear when summoned.

Underage drivers (below 18) caught driving without license in India can even land their parents in legal trouble. In such cases, the court can fine the parents, bar the minor from holding a license until they turn 25, or seize the family vehicle.

Conclusion

Driving without a valid license is not just illegal—it’s irresponsible. The driving without license fine in 2025 is designed to remind everyone that road safety starts with accountability. Whether you’re a first-time violator or someone who just “forgot” the card at home, the law treats it seriously.

If you’ve been delaying your license application or renewal, now’s the time to get it done. Avoiding the fine is easy: just follow the rules. Because in today’s India, every traffic signal, speed camera, and patrol car is watching—and the fines are only getting stricter.