Common Traffic Violations and Fines in India 2026
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 significantly increased traffic violation penalties in India. Understanding these fines can help you drive safely and avoid costly challans. Here's a comprehensive guide to traffic violations and their penalties.
Note: Fine amounts may vary by state. Some states have reduced penalties. The amounts listed here are based on the central Motor Vehicles Act.
Major Traffic Violations
These violations carry the heaviest penalties:
| Violation | Fine (First Offense) | Fine (Repeat) |
|---|---|---|
| Drunk Driving | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 15,000 + Imprisonment |
| Dangerous Driving | Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 10,000 + Imprisonment |
| Driving Without License | Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 10,000 |
| Driving Without Insurance | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 4,000 |
| Causing Death by Negligence | Rs. 1,00,000 - 5,00,000 + Imprisonment | - |
Common Violations and Fines
| Violation | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| Red Light/Signal Jumping | Rs. 1,000 - 5,000 |
| Speeding | Rs. 1,000 - 2,000 (LMV) Rs. 2,000 - 4,000 (HMV) |
| Riding Without Helmet | Rs. 1,000 + 3-month DL suspension |
| Driving Without Seatbelt | Rs. 1,000 |
| Using Mobile Phone While Driving | Rs. 1,500 - 5,000 |
| Wrong Side Driving | Rs. 1,500 - 5,000 |
| No Parking Violation | Rs. 500 - 1,500 |
| Overloading (Passengers) | Rs. 1,000 per extra passenger |
| Without Permit (Commercial) | Rs. 5,000 - 10,000 |
Document-Related Violations
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Driving without Registration Certificate (RC) | Rs. 2,000 - 5,000 |
| Driving without Pollution Certificate (PUC) | Rs. 500 (First), Rs. 1,000 (Repeat) |
| Expired Driving License | Rs. 1,000 - 5,000 |
| Not Carrying Documents | Rs. 500 - 1,000 |
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Check Challan StatusTwo-Wheeler Specific Violations
- No Helmet (Rider): Rs. 1,000 + 3-month license suspension
- No Helmet (Pillion): Rs. 1,000
- Triple Riding: Rs. 1,000 - 2,000
- Modified Silencer: Rs. 1,000 - 5,000
- Racing on Public Roads: Rs. 5,000 + License seizure
Juvenile Offenses
If a minor (under 18) is caught driving:
- Vehicle registration may be cancelled
- Guardian/owner fined Rs. 25,000
- Minor treated as per Juvenile Justice Act
- Potential 3-year imprisonment for guardian in serious cases
Commercial Vehicle Violations
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Overloading (Goods) | Rs. 2,000 + Rs. 1,000 per extra tonne |
| Without Permit | Rs. 10,000 |
| Overcharging Passengers | Rs. 1,000 (First), Rs. 2,000 (Repeat) |
| No Fitness Certificate | Rs. 2,000 - 5,000 |
Impact of Repeat Offenses
Repeat offenders face stricter penalties:
- Fines may double or triple
- Driving license suspension for 3 months to 1 year
- Permanent license cancellation for severe violations
- Imprisonment for serious offenses like drunk driving
License Suspension Rules
Certain violations lead to automatic license suspension:
- Drunk Driving: 6 months suspension
- Over-speeding: 1-3 months suspension (repeat offenses)
- No Helmet: 3 months suspension
- Dangerous Driving: 3-6 months suspension
How to Avoid These Fines
The best way to avoid traffic challans:
- Always follow traffic rules and signals
- Keep all vehicle documents updated and with you
- Wear seatbelt (cars) and helmet (two-wheelers) always
- Never drink and drive
- Maintain safe speed limits
- Don't use mobile phones while driving
Already have pending challans? Check your challan status now to know the exact amount you owe.