Traffic challan - List of traffic violation & fines in India 2024

Authorities and traffic police in India use traffic fines to enforce traffic rules on the road. Violation of any of the law of the road can result in a hefty penalty, whether it is a small fine, or a serious offence which can even land you in court. In India, traffic fines and penalties are based on the severity of the offence and also vary from state to state. It is imperative to be aware of the traffic laws, rules and the penalties associated with breaking, or flouting any of them. We help break down the different kinds of traffic violations and fines in India.

Traffic fines list in India 2024

Disobeying traffic rules while driving, riding a two-wheeler, or even as a pedestrian can have severe consequences, and affect road safety. Additionally, operating a vehicle without the correct and necessary paperwork is also against the law.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, in India, establishes the maximum penalty for a traffic violation. However, the enforcement and regulation of traffic fines in India are carried out by the state traffic departments. Because India does not have a unified traffic regulation and enforcement system, frequent road travelers must be aware of traffic laws pertaining to the state they are driving through. In the following list, we explore the most common traffic violations and the fines that apply in some states. 

Traffic challan & violation related to documents

Traffic violations like driving without a driving licence, pollution certificates, and road permits would fit this category. Please keep in mind that the initial and subsequent fine amounts vary across most of the categories. However, repeat violations may result in higher fines. See details below: 

Traffic challan & violation related to driving

Driving dangerously, drunken driving, and overspeeding are some of the examples of traffic violations that could lead to hefty fines, or even summon you to court.. See details below:

Traffic Challan & violation related to road signs and markings

Traffic violations, such as ignoring road signs and lines, can lead to minor fines, but can have severe consequences if not followed.. See details below:

Traffic challan & violation related to traffic signal

Jumping red lights, not using indicators, or driving on the wrong side of the road are severe offences which attract severe penalties. See details below:

Traffic challan & violation related to vehicle lights

Traffic violations, such as needlessly using high beams and not properly using reflectors and tail lights, can affect visibility and impact road safety.. See details below: 

Traffic challan & violation related to horn

Traffic violations like improper or excessive usage of horn or driving without horn are fined for causing noise pollution. See details below:

Traffic challan & violation related to pollution

Traffic violations, such as driving without pollution and fitness certificates, can impact the environment, which is why it is illegal to violate these rules.. See details below: 

Traffic challan & violation related to parking

Traffic violations, such as parking in no-parking zones or obstructive or dangerous parking, affect traffic flow and create congestion. Violating this rule can also lead to accidents, which is why it is important to follow parking rules.. See details below:

*Towing charges are additional at the rate of 1) ₹100 for bikes and two-wheelers, 2) ₹200 for cars, 3) ₹400 for buses, 4) ₹300 for empty trucks and 5) ₹400 for loaded trucks.

General traffic violations

Traffic violations like underage driving, using tinted glasses, using mobile phones while driving, and not using seat belts while driving are some of the most common general traffic violations. . See details below: 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, it is important for every driver and road user to understand the list of traffic rules, laws and fines for violating them. Awareness about the list of traffic fines not only ensures compliance with the traffic laws, but also promotes a culture of responsible driving and safer roads for everyone. To play one’s part well, it’s a good practice to regularly check and be updated with the latest traffic rules and adhere to traffic rules. In addition to a safer driving environment, this simple habit can also help in avoiding hefty traffic fines. So, stay informed, drive responsibly, and always prioritize safety on the road.

FAQs

Q. How can I pay my traffic fine in India?

Traffic Challans can be paid both offline and online in India. The processes are as follows:

• Online - 
  • Visit the echallan.parivahan.gov
  • Click on “Check Challan Status” from the menu
  • Enter personal details like challan number, vehicle number and any other information requested
  • Review the information on the type of violation, the amount of fine to be paid and the due date
  • Once verified, select “Pay Now”, choose the suitable mode of payment, and complete the transaction 
  • Once the payment is made, a transaction ID will be displayed. This should be noted down for further processing or references 
  • Alternatively, online payments can also be made via the state transport website or mobile payment apps like PayTM. 
• Offline - 
  • Check the fine amount and the type of violation on the Parivahan website, or directly visit the designated office of the traffic police or an authorised bank branch 
  • Documents like ID proof and challan need to be carried along
  • Pay the fine through cash or any other acceptable mode of payment at the counter
  • Collect the payment receipt and keep it safe for future reference

Q. How do traffic authorities determine the amount of fine for a violation?

Each state's traffic department sets the traffic fines according to the type of violation of traffic rules. There is an upper limit for each kind of traffic violation, as prescribed by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. However, the state traffic authorities determine and enforce the Challan amount.

Q. Can I contest a traffic challan in India?

Yes. You can contest a traffic challan in case you feel that it has been wrongly issued to you. For this, you’d need to gather evidence to prove that it was indeed a wrongfully issued challan. Evidence could include photos or videos. In these cases, a dash cam on your vehicle comes in handy. Even witness statements can be considered as valid evidence. The next step is to file a complaint on the traffic police’s website. Follow the website to register your complaint, and mention the reasons clearly to show why you think the challan is wrongfully issued. Include all evidence you have gathered. Finally, wait for a response as the traffic authorities review your complaint. In case the review goes against you and you are still not satisfied with the decision, you can appeal against the verdict in court. For this, you may need the help of legal counsel and present your evidence clearly and strongly. 

Q. What happens if I don't pay my traffic fine on time?

Unpaid traffic challans can have stringent consequences, even going to the extent of the driving licence getting revoked. When the traffic challan is issued, it must be paid within 60 days. In case this isn’t paid within the stipulated time, you will receive court summons mandating your appearance in court and payment of fine. In case, this is also ignored, or the fine still remains unpaid for any reason, the driver’s licence may be suspended. Unpaid fines also affect the vehicles' resale, necessitating their clearance of all outstanding fines before resale.

Q. Are there any provisions for checking of pending traffic fines online in India?

Yes. One can check the status of traffic fines online by visiting the echallan.parivahan.gov website. Alternatively, one can also visit the website of the respective state traffic department where the challan was issued. 

Q. Can the traffic police fine you two times in a day for the same reason?

No. The traffic police cannot fine you for the same offence more than once in a day. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. First is, overspeeding can be fined more than once in a day. Secondly, you can be fined more than once in a day if the offences are different. Further, if the traffic challan receipt is lost and the offence is repeated in a different state, the second state’s police can fine you again. 

Q. How many challans are allowed in India?

Generally, there isn’t a specific rule on the max number of challans that can be generated on a driver’s licence, but some local transport departments have issued local notifications to tackle traffic related issues and ensure better compliance. However, in certain cases like Noida, more than three traffic violations can lead to cancellation of the driving licence.

Q. How long does it take to generate a challan?

If a vehicle has violated traffic regulations, then an e-challan is issued against it within 15 days of the violation. 

Q. What is the challan for breaking a traffic signal in India?

The act of jumping a signal or red light may incur varied fines depending on the state in which the offence is committed. For instance, the fine amount is ₹500 for a signal jump in Maharashtra. But the act of jumping a red light in Delhi will end up with a court challan on your DL, which will be determined as per the court’s discretion. 

Q. What are the documents that traffic police can ask for?

If your vehicle is stopped by the traffic police, they may ask for the following documents, and it is best to ensure that these documents are always carried in the vehicle when on road:

• Driver’s licence
• Car’s Insurance policy documents
• RC, i.e. Registration Certificate of the car
• PUCC, i.e. Pollution Under Control Certificate of the car

In addition to the above documents, it is also important that your vehicle has a valid and active Fitness Certificate deeming it fit to be driven on the road from a safety, pollution and emissions perspective.