New Traffic Rules and Fines in India : 2023
Updated on: 19th July, 2023 IST
Love getting behind the wheels of your car? Buckle up, and make your drive safer! Besides the usual traffic rules in India, there are several new rules and traffic fines that have been rolled out to ensure that people taking the streets are safe and the traffic seamlessly managed.
These rules are designed to instil a sense of discipline and keep the roads secure for pedestrians and motorists alike. So, if you’re ready to hit the road, let’s take a good look at the traffic rules that are a must for you to follow. Read on!
Table of Contents
Traffic Offences and Penalties in India
We’ve compiled a list of all existing traffic offences and penalties in India. Here’s what you need to know:
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General Offences
Traffic rules violated | Fine amount |
Drunk driving or driving under influence of intoxicated items | ₹10,000 and/or 6 months in prison, ₹15,000 and/or 2 years in prison in case of repetition of violation |
Overloading pillion riders | ₹2,000 plus disqualification of licence and/or community service for three months |
Over speeding | ₹1,000 for LMV, ₹2,000 for MMV |
Dangerous driving | First Offence: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, licence seizure, and/or 6 months to 1 year in prison Second Offence: ₹10,000, licence seizure, and up to 2 yeaRs in prison |
Driving without licence | ₹5,000 |
Driving without insurance | ₹2,000 and/or 3 months in prison, community service, ₹4,000 in case of repetition of violation |
Signal jumping | ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, licence seizure, and/or 6 months to 1 year in prison |
Riding without helmet | ₹1,000 plus licence scrapping for three months |
Riding without permit | Up to ₹10,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment |
Juvenile driving | ₹25,000 with three years of imprisonment, cancellation of registration of vehicle for 1 year, and ineligibility to avail a driving licence until 25 years of age |
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Offences Related to Documents
Offence | Penalty |
Driving without carrying a valid driving licence | ₹5,000 |
Unauthorised driving of a vehicle without carrying a valid driving licence | ₹5,000 |
General Offense | First Time: ₹500 Second Time: ₹1,500 |
Not carrying the required documents as specified in Motor Vehicle Act while driving | ₹500 |
Driving without a valid auto insurance. | ₹2,000 and/or 3 months in prison, community service, ₹4,000 in case of repetition of violation |
Driving without a valid permit | ₹10,000* and/or up to 6 months of prison and community service |
Travelling without ticket | ₹500 |
Driving after being disqualified | ₹10,000 |
Power of Officers towards impounding documents | Suspension of driving licence under Section 183, 184, 185, 189, 190, 194C, 194D, and 194E* |
Violating licensing conditions (Aggregators) | ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh |
Driving without Valid Vehicle Fitness Certificate. | Up to ₹5,000 and no less than ₹2,000 |
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Offences Related to Driving
Violation of rules of road regulation | ₹500* |
Offences made by juveniles (aged below 18 years) | ₹25,000 with three years of imprisonment, cancellation of registration of vehicle for 1 year, and ineligibility to avail a driving licence until 25 years of age |
Not obeying the orders of the authorities | ₹2,000 |
Over speeding of vehicle | ₹1,000 for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs); ₹2,000 for Medium Passenger Vehicles (MPVs) |
Oversize vehicles | ₹5,000 |
Letting an unlicensed individual to drive | ₹1,000 |
Driving two wheelers without wearing a helmet | ₹1,000 and disqualification of driving licence for 3 months |
Driving without fastening the seat belts | ₹1,000 |
Rough/ Reckless/ Negligent Driving | ₹1,000 |
Dangerous driving | ₹5,000 |
Racing or speeding on public roads | ₹5,000 |
Not making way for emergency vehicles | ₹10,000 |
Not driving in the proper lane. | Court Challan |
Driving in the centre and not keeping to the left side of the road. | ₹100 |
Driving against One Way. | ₹100 |
Reversing without due caution and care. | ₹100 |
Taking the "U" turn during forbidden hours | ₹100 |
Not taking adequate care while taking a "Turn". | ₹100 |
Failing to slow down at intersection/ junction. | ₹100 |
Not carrying on the left of the traffic island. | ₹100 |
Carrying people on Footboard. | ₹100 |
Carrying people to the point that it causes inconvenience (be it for rear-view visibility or gear shifting) to the driver. | ₹100 |
Tripling on bikes/ two wheelers | ₹100 |
Driving on a Footpath. | ₹100 |
Stopping pedestrians from crossing or crossing a Stop Line (Zebra Cross). | ₹100 |
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Offences Related to Road Marking
Offences | Penalty |
Violating the Yellow Line. | ₹100 |
Violating the Stop Line. | ₹100 |
Violating the Mandatory Signs. | ₹100 |
Offences | Penalty |
Use of Offensive Number Plates for vehicles used in driving. | ₹100 |
Displaying 'Applied For'. | ₹ 4,500 |
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Offences Related to Vehicle Lights
Offences | Penalty |
Improper use of headlights and/ or taillight for your vehicle used in driving. | ₹100 |
Using a High Beam when it is not needed. | ₹100 |
Offences Related to Horn
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Driving without a Horn. | ₹100 |
Improper usage of horn when you drive. | ₹100 |
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Offences Related to Traffic Police
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Disobeying a Traffic Police Officer in uniform. | ₹100 |
Driving against Police Signal. | ₹100 |
Not complying with the manual Traffic Signal. | ₹100 |
Offences Related to Traffic Signal
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Not complying with the Traffic signal / Sign Board. | ₹100 |
Failing to give the appropriate Signal. | ₹100 |
Signal Jumping. | ₹100 |
Offences Related to Speed & Overtaking
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Driving above the permitted Speed Limits by the Traffic Police. | Up to ₹1,000 |
Abetment for Going over the Speed Limit. | ₹300 |
Overtaking hazardously. | ₹100 |
Failing to deliberate ways to sanction Overtaking. | ₹100 |
Overtaking from the Wrong Side. | ₹100 |
Other Offences Related to Driving
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Purposely disobeying Lawful Directions. | ₹500 |
Driving under influence of Alcohol and/ or Drugs. | ₹10,000 |
Using a Mobile Phone while Driving. | Up to ₹1,000 |
Leaving a vehicle in an untenanted engine. | ₹100 |
Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position. | ₹100 |
In case of an accident involving a minor. | ₹1,000 |
Playing music while Driving. | ₹100 |
Driving without a fixed Silencer. | ₹100 |
Driving when emotionally, mentally and/ or physically unfit. | Court Challan |
Offences Related to Towing of Automobiles
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Two-Wheeler. | ₹100 |
Car, Jeep, Cab, Auto Rickshaw. | ₹200 |
Truck, Tanker, Trailer. | ₹600 |
Offences Related to Pollution
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Smoking in Public Transport is strictly prohibited. | ₹100 |
Pollution Not Under Control. | ₹100 |
Using multi-toned and/ or shrill horns. | ₹500 |
Blowing Pressure Horn. | ₹100 |
Silencer and/ or muffler making a huge noise. | ₹500 |
Smoky Exhaust (against specifications). | ₹500 |
Use of horn in the Silence Zone. | ₹100 |
Offences Related to Motor Vehicles:
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Using the vehicle in hazardous conditions. | Court Challan |
When a motor vehicle is out of state for more than 12 months. | ₹100 |
Particulars to be printed on transport vehicles. | ₹100 |
Without Wiper | ₹100 |
Without Side Mirror. | ₹100 |
Tyres with some kind of defection. | ₹100 |
No indication board on the left hand drive vehicle. | ₹100 |
Selling motor vehicle/ modifying motor vehicle in contravention of Act. | ₹300 |
Vehicles that are fitted with tint/ dark glasses or sun films. | ₹100 |
Driving without a proper or valid number plate or illuminating the number plate at the back. | ₹100 |
Not displaying a public carrier board. | ₹100 |
Use of private automobiles for business purposes. | Up to ₹5,000 but no less than ₹2,000 |
Any kind of misbehaviour with commuters, not wearing the uniform or not showing the badge. | ₹100 |
Loading the goods vehicle with more than the permitted weight. | ₹2,000 plus ₹1000 for every other ton. |
Transporting goods in a treacherous or hazardous way. | Imprisonment and/ or penalty of ₹3,000. |
Breach of permit terms and conditions. | Imprisonment and/ or penalty of up to ₹5,000, not less than ₹2,000 |
Usage of coloured/ Tinted light on the vehicle | ₹100 |
Offences Related to Commercial Vehicles:
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Working in 'NO ENTRY' Time | Up to ₹2,000 |
Violating the timetable | Court Challan |
High and Long / Load in Vehicles | ₹100 |
Carrying animals in goods vehicles in contravention of rules. | ₹100 |
Transporting people hazardously or carrying people in goods carrier vehicles. | ₹100 |
Perilous projection of goods. | ₹100 |
Carrying goods is unsafe. | ₹100 |
Carrying possessions more than 11 feet high. | ₹100 |
Going over the limit of weight and limitation on Use. | Court Challan |
Driver refused to weigh his vehicle. | Court Challan |
Loading on the Tail Board. | ₹100 |
Misconduct by Taxi or TSR Driver. | ₹100 |
Over Charging by Taxi or TSR Driver. | ₹100 |
Charging without having a Metre. | ₹100 |
Refusal by Taxi or TSR Driver. | ₹100 |
Driving without a Khaki Uniform. | ₹100 |
Driver without wearing a Badge. | ₹100 |
Conductor without the specified Uniform. | ₹100 |
Conductor without Badge. | ₹100 |
Stopping without a Bus stop. | Court Challan |
Power to detain Vehicles driven in infringement of section 3.4,39 or 66(1) MV Act. | Court Challan |
Offences Related to Parking:
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Parking in the same direction of the flow of traffic. | ₹100 |
Parking away from the walkway towards the road. | ₹100 |
Parking against flow of traffic. | ₹100 |
Parking causes Obstruction to other vehicles and people. | ₹100 |
Parking on any Taxi Stand. | ₹100 |
Parking in not any specific way. | ₹100 |
Parking at any Corner/ Edge. | ₹100 |
Parking within 15 metres on either side of a Bus Stop, causing inconvenience to those waiting for bus as well as bus drive₹ | ₹100 |
Parking on a Bridge. | ₹100 |
Parking at any Traffic Island. | ₹100 |
Parking in 'No Parking' Zone. | ₹100 |
Parking on any Pedestrian Crossing. | ₹100 |
Parking the vehicle on Walkways. | ₹100 |
Parking in front of any gate. | ₹100 |
Any kind of obstruction caused due to the way you have parked your vehicle. | ₹100 |
Offences committed by the authorities
Offences | Penalty/Sentence |
Offences by any law enforcement official | Two times of the penalty which is relevant to the respective section |
Tips to Avoid Traffic Violations and Fines: For Car Owners & Drivers
Here are some pointers to help you avoid traffic violations and fines as a car owner and driver:
- Know the Updated Traffic Rules: Stay informed about the latest traffic rules, regulations, and fines implemented by the authorities.
- Adhere to Speed Limits: Always observe and obey the speed limits, especially in residential areas, school zones, and construction zones.
- Use Seatbelts and Child Restraints: Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears their seatbelts, and if you have children on board, use appropriate child safety seats according to their age and size.
- Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving is dangerous and against the law in many places. Keep your focus on the road, and avoid using your phone or engaging in other activities that divert your attention.
- Respect Traffic Signals: Stop at red lights, yield at yield signs, and obey stop signs. Don't run red lights even if the road seems clear.
- Maintain Lane Discipline: Stick to your lane and avoid frequent lane changes. Signal your intention clearly if you need to switch lanes.
- Use Mirrors and Signals: Always use your rear-view and side mirrors to be aware of your surroundings. Signal your turns and lane changes to inform other drivers.
- Keep Distance: Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. This distance gives you ample time to react to sudden stops.
- Avoid Drunk Driving: Never drink and drive.
- Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your car undergoes regular maintenance checks.
- Respect Pedestrians: Always allow pedestrians to cross safely at crosswalks and intersections.
Tips to Avoid Traffic Violations and Fines: For Two-Wheeler Owners & Riders
Here are some pointers to help you avoid traffic violations and fines as a two-wheeler owner:
- Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet and if possible, other appropriate safety gear, such as gloves, jackets, and boots.
- Observe Speed Limits: Follow the prescribed speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions.
- Stay in Designated Lanes: Stick to your designated lane and avoid weaving through traffic or riding on sidewalks.
- Use Indicators and Hand Signals: Signal your movements using indicators and hand signals to communicate with other drivers.
- Avoid Using Mobile Phones: Keep your focus on the road and refrain from using your phone.
- Follow Traffic Signals and Signs: Obey traffic signals, stop signs, and other road signs.
- Beware of Pedestrians: Be mindful of pedestrians and give them the right of way when necessary.
- Regular Maintenance Checks: Keep your two-wheeler in good condition by regularly inspecting and maintaining it.
- Avoid Riding Under the Influence: Never ride a two-wheeler under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It impairs your judgement, reflexes, and coordination, making it extremely dangerous and subject to severe penalties.
- Stay Updated on Traffic Rules: Stay informed about the latest traffic rules and regulations in your area. Regularly check for any updates or changes to ensure you are aware of the current laws.
List of States that Have Implemented New Traffic Fines
The States and Union Territories that have implemented new traffic fines in their entirety post the 2019 amendment are:
- Andaman and Nicobar
- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Chandigarh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Manipur
- Daman and Diu
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Dadar and Nagar Haveli
- Bihar
- Mizoram
- Delhi
- Goa
- Nagaland
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Haryana
- Sikkim
- Ladakh
- Himachal Pradesh
- Tamil Nadu
- Lakshadweep
- Jharkhand
- Tripura
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
Bottom Line
The new traffic rules and fines in India serve as an important step towards improving road safety and reducing traffic violations. These rules are aimed at protecting drivers and pedestrians, improving traffic discipline, and creating an efficient transportation system.
It is essential for all motorists to familiarise themselves with these new regulations and abide by them conscientiously. By doing so, we not only avoid the burden of hefty fines but also contribute to a safer and more responsible driving culture.
FAQs
Q. Can I have two driving licences in India?
No, you cannot have two driving licences in India. As per the new Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019, one can be fined heavily if he or she is found to possess two or more driving licences.
Q. When is a vehicle towed away?
In case a vehicle is left unattended or abandoned in a way that it causes inconvenience to others or if it is parked in an unauthorised parking zone, it can be towed away.
Q. What is the new Motor Vehicle Act?
Passed by the Indian Parliament in the year 1988, the Motor Vehicles Act regulates and controls all road transport vehicles. This includes managing all traffic regulations, motor insurance, vehicle registrations, permits, penalties and fines. The Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2019 ("Act") came into force on 1st September 2019.
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