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Traffic Fines - Penalties for Traffic Rule Violations in India

Posted On:27th Jan 2020
Updated On:13th Jan 2025
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Key Highlights

  • Get an overview of traffic challan in India.
  • Learn the importance of traffic fines to ensure road safety and lawful driving.
  • Find an extensive list of traffic fines in India categorised by offences.
  • Know the potential legal outcomes for non-compliance with safety rules.

Traffic rules help to keep things in order and protect everyone on their journey. The Indian Road Rules, known as the 'Rules of the Road Regulation,' have been around since July 1989. These rules lay down the law for every driver on the road. Following these rules isn’t just a suggestion, it’s the law; and breaking them can land you in some serious trouble and of course, issuing of traffic challan.We will further read about differenttraffic fines in India and their importance.

The Importance of Traffic Rules

While traffic rules may seem too much at times, they are there to save lives. When drivers decide to ignore these rules, the consequences can be dire.To keep everyone in check, the authorities issue a traffic challan that serves as a reminder for you to follow the rules. These challans come with hefty traffic fines, and in severe cases, even jail time. So, you should always strive to follow traffic rules. Also Read - Know why a motor insurance policy is a must in India

Common Traffic Violations and List of Traffic Challans

Breaking the law on the road can cost you—literally. Here’s a rundown of some common traffic violations and list of traffic challans that you should know.

Traffic Violation Traffic Challan Amount in
Drunk driving or driving under the influence ₹10,000 and/or 6 months in prison; ₹15,000 and/or 2 years in prison for repeat offences
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; ₹4,000 for repeat offences
Signal jumping ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, licence seizure, and/or 6 months to 1 year in prison
Riding without permit Up to ₹10,000 or 6 months imprisonment
Riding without a helmet ₹1,000 plus licence suspension for three months
Juvenile driving ₹25,000 with three years of imprisonment, vehicle registration cancellation, and ineligibility to obtain a licence until 25 years of age

Note : To avoid penalties for driving without insurance, you must get a bike or car insurance and drive safely on roads.

Offences Related to Documentation

Here's a look at some document-related violations and their traffic challan.

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Driving without a valid driving licence ₹5,000 fine
Unauthorised driving without a valid driving licence ₹5,000 fine
Driving without carrying required documents ₹500 fine
Driving without valid vehicle insurance First offence: ₹2,000 fine and/or 3 months imprisonment; Repeat offence: ₹4,000 fine and/or 3 months imprisonment
Driving without a valid permit ₹10,000 fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment
Travelling without a ticket (public transport) ₹500 fine
Driving after being disqualified ₹10,000 fine
Not carrying valid vehicle fitness certificate ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 fine
Not carrying a valid RC book ₹2,000 fine
Displaying ‘Applied For’ in place of a number plate ₹4,500 fine

Offences Related to Speed & Overtaking

Speeding and improper overtaking can endanger lives and are penalised. Here’s the traffic challan you must pay incase of over-speeding and overtaking.

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Over speeding ₹1,000 fine for LMV; ₹2,000 fine for MPV
Racing on public roads ₹5,000 fine
Overtaking hazardously ₹100 fine
Overtaking from the wrong side ₹100 fine

Offences Related to Traffic Signals and Lights

Obeying traffic signals is crucial for road safety. Violations lead to the following penalties or traffic challan:

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Signal jumping ₹1,000 - ₹5,000 fine, licence seizure, and/or 6 months - 1 year imprisonment
Not complying with traffic signals/sign boards ₹100 fine
Failing to give appropriate signal ₹100 fine
Driving against a police signal ₹100 fine
Improper use of headlights or taillights ₹100 fine
Using high beam unnecessarily ₹100 fine

Offences Related to Parking

Parking violations can disrupt traffic flow and cause accidents. We have outlined traffic challan amount you must pay incase of improper parking:

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Parking in a no-parking zone ₹100 fine
Parking causing obstruction ₹100 fine
Parking on a pedestrian crossing ₹100 fine
Parking within 15 metres of a bus stop ₹100 fine
Parking on a bridge ₹100 fine
Parking at a traffic island ₹100 fine
Parking in front of a gate ₹100 fine
Parking against the flow of traffic ₹100 fine
Parking away from walkway towards road ₹100 fine
Parking on a footpath ₹100 fine

Offences Related to Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles have specific regulations, and violating them can lead to significant fines. The following table specifies the traffic challan amount you must pay in case of offences related to Commercial Vehicles:

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Working during 'No Entry' time Up to ₹2,000 fine
Violating the timetable Court Challan
Carrying animals in goods vehicles against rules ₹100 fine
Transporting people hazardously or in goods carrier vehicles ₹100 fine
Perilous projection of goods ₹100 fine
Exceeding the weight limit Court Challan
Refusal by driver to weigh vehicle Court Challan
Loading goods on the tailboard ₹100 fine
Misconduct by Taxi or TSR driver ₹100 fine
Overcharging by Taxi or TSR driver ₹100 fine
Driving without a Khaki uniform ₹100 fine
Driver without wearing a badge ₹100 fine
Conductor without specified uniform ₹100 fine
Stopping without a bus stop Court Challan

Offences Related to Motor Vehicles

Motor vehicles must adhere to regulations to ensure safety on the road. Violating these rules and regulations can lead to the following penalties:

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Using a vehicle in hazardous conditions Court Challan
Motor vehicle out of state for more than 12 months ₹100 fine
Selling/modifying motor vehicles against regulations ₹300 fine
Using vehicles with tinted windows/sun films ₹100 fine
Driving without a proper or valid number plate ₹100 fine
Not displaying a public carrier board ₹100 fine
Loading goods beyond the permitted weight ₹2,000 fine plus ₹1,000 for every additional ton
Transporting goods in a hazardous manner Imprisonment and/or ₹3,000 fine

Offences Related to Towing of Automobiles

Vehicles can be towed under certain conditions, often due to parking violations or safety concerns. These are thetraffic challan amounts you must pay in case of offences related to towing of automobiles:

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Towing a two-wheeler ₹100 fine
Towing a car, jeep, cab, auto-rickshaw ₹200 fine
Towing a truck, tanker, or trailer ₹600 fine

Offences Related to Horn Usage

Improper use of a vehicle’s horn can disrupt traffic and lead to issue of traffic challan. You must always follow all the rules related to honking in a public place:

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Driving without a horn ₹100 fine
Improper usage of horn ₹100 fine
Use of multi-tone or pressure horn ₹500 fine
Use of horn in a silence zone ₹100 fine

Offences Related to Traffic Police

Respect for traffic police officers and their instructions is essential. Disobedience can result in atraffic challan:

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Disobeying a traffic police officer in uniform ₹100 fine
Driving against a police signal ₹100 fine
Not complying with a manual traffic signal ₹100 fine

Offences Related to Road Marking

Road markings are vital for guiding traffic safely. Ignoring them attracts penalties like:

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Violating the yellow line ₹100 fine
Violating the stop line ₹100 fine
Failing to comply with mandatory signs ₹100 fine

Other Offences Related to Driving

Various other driving-related offences that can lead to issuance of a traffic challan include the following:

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Purposely disobeying lawful directions ₹500 fine
Using a mobile phone while driving Up to ₹1,000 fine
Leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running ₹100 fine
Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position ₹100 fine
Playing music while driving ₹100 fine
Driving without a fixed silencer ₹100 fine

Offences Related to Environmental Concerns

Environmental regulations are strictly enforced, with penalties for pollution and noise-related violations, such as:

Offence Traffic Challan Amount in
Pollution not under control ₹100 fine
Smoking in public transport ₹100 fine
Using multi-tone or pressure horn ₹500 fine
Silencer or muffler making excessive noise ₹500 fine
Using a vehicle with a smoky exhaust ₹500 fine

Maintaining Road Safety is Important

Adhering to traffic rules and regulations is essential for maintaining road safety. Overlooking these road safety rules can lead to the issue of a traffic challan. Penalties for various traffic offences in India are levied to keep the people on the road safe. Drivers must stay informed and compliant with the law to avoid the issue of traffic challan.You should also get your vehicle insured for financial security against unforeseen situations and follow all traffic rules.

FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can the police seize my driving licence and RC (Registration Certificate)?

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Are the police allowed to take my vehicle's keys

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What conditions must be met for a police officer to issue a challan?

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Can I pay my traffic challan online?

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What documents must I carry when driving?

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Is it mandatory for the front seat occupant to wear a seatbelt?

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Can I have more than one driving licence in India?

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What should I do if I disagree with the offence mentioned in the challan?

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Can the police seize my vehicle during a traffic violation?

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What happens if I lose my challan receipt?

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Disclaimer

The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.



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