List of traffic rules violations and fines in India 2024

The article outlines key traffic violations and fines in India under the 2019 Motor Vehicles Act, offering tips to avoid fines

Let’s face it- no one enjoys discovering a traffic ticket under the windshield wiper or by an unexpected traffic stop, traffic violations can ruin your day and drain your wallet. In India, traffic fines and penalties play a crucial role for keeping the roads safe. The seriousness of the offence decides the severity of the penalty, including monetary fines and/or imprisonment. Drunk driving, underage driving, and driving without a valid licence are few of the examples which are considered very serious offences.

To curb these offences and many others, the government had introduced ‘The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019’ which mentions a range of fines and penalties for the Indian drivers. Let's explore the key traffic violations under the updated regulations and understand the associated fines to be aware of what to avoid.

List of Traffic Violations & Fines in India 2024

We all must have got fined for overspeeding once in our lives. But here we are going to share a list of traffic challans that you thought never existed! 

Traffic Offences Related To Driving

Traffic Offences To Documents

Traffic Offences Related To Vehicle Number Plates

Traffic Offences Related To Vehicle’s Lights

Traffic Offences Related To Horn

Traffic Offences Related To Traffic Police

Did you know?

The fines as provided in the Motor Vehicle Act shall be increased by 10 percent in value of existing fines, on an annual basis on 1st day of April of each year from the date of commencement of this act.

Traffic Offences Related To Pollution

Other Traffic Offences Related To Vehicles

Tips to avoid the Traffic Violations and Fines

Here are some easy ways that you can follow to avoid traffic violations and hefty fines: 

• Always wear seatbelts: Ensure that the driver and co-passengers are always wearing a seatbelt. 

• Carry all the important documents: It is recommended to have a driver’s licence, the registration certificate and proof of insurance with you always. If you have a learner’s driver, you have to get behind the wheel under the supervision of a fully licensed driver. 

You can also store your documents uploaded in the ‘Digi locker’, which is the app legalised by the government. Also make sure to renew your insurance before it expires.

• Stick to the allowed speed limits: Always drive in the speed limit as specified by the traffic signs on the roads.  

• Give way to emergency vehicles: Vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks and police cars should be given way every time. 

• Avoid drunk driving: Drunk driving is one of the common causes of road accidents and fatalities. Even a small level of alcohol in your blood can harm your ability to drive safely. It is better to hop into a taxi or have your friend drop you at home if you happen to drink somewhere. Remember, it is not about the hefty fines but the lives of people.

How To Pay Your Traffic Fines in India

In India, paying traffic fines or challans is a straightforward process and could be done either online or offline. 

1. Online Payment Process for Traffic Fines

India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has created several platforms for citizens to pay fines from the comfort of their homes or offices.

1. On the official website

• Visit the Official Website: Visit ‘eChallan Parivahan,’ to check the status of your traffic challan. 

• Check Your Challan Status: Once you login to the website, look for the ‘Challan Details’ on the website’s homepage. You will be prompted to enter details to locate your challan, including challan number/vehicle number/DL number, and captcha details.

• Review the Violation Details: The portal will display information related to the type of traffic violation committed, the fine amount due, and the last date to submit it.

• Proceed to Payment: After reviewing, click on ‘Pay Now’ to proceed to the payment gateway. You can pay via debit/credit cards, internet banking, or popular digital wallets (e.g., PayTM, Google Pay, etc.)

• Complete the Payment: After selecting the payment method, complete the transaction by following the instructions provided by your payment gateway. Make sure the payment is successful and the transaction is completed.

• Receive Payment Confirmation: Once the payment is made, you’ll receive a transaction ID or a receipt. Mind saving this ID for future reference. 

2. Alternate Online Payment Methods:

• PayTM: You can pay through PayTM too. Open the app, go to the "Challan" section, and enter your vehicle number to check and pay the fine directly. Kindly note that this service is only available for the people who need to make the payment to the following traffic authorities: Andra Pradesh, Avadi, Chennai, Tambaram, Telangana, and Haryana Traffic Police. 

• State Transport Websites: Some state transport departments have their portals for paying fines. 

2. Offline Payment Process for Traffic Fines

If you prefer paying your traffic fine in person, you can pay your fine offline at the designated traffic police office or an authorised bank branch.

• Visit the Police Station or Authorised Bank: Find your nearest traffic police station or bank that handles traffic violations. You can directly call up the place to confirm if they accept challan payments.

• Carry the Required Documents: Don’t forget to carry your challan slip, your valid ID proof (Aadhar card, voter ID, passport), and your car’s registration certificate.

• Check the Fine and Violation Type: The staff at bank or police station will check the challan in their system and may also need to confirm the fine amount and type of violations.

• Make the Payment: You can either pay in cash, cheque/DD or via bank transfer.

• Get a Receipt: After you make the payment, ask for an official receipt from the traffic police office or bank and keep it safe for future reference.

Notes: 

• Always try to pay your fines as soon as possible. If the fine is not paid within the given time (usually 60 days from the date of issue), it may lead to further penalties, such as increased fines, court summons, and even seizure of your vehicle.

• In case you are unsure about the status of your fine (whether it’s been issued or not), you can check it online using the vehicle number and challan number. This helps you avoid missing fines or forgetting to pay.

• If you believe a challan has been wrongly issued to you, you have the right to contest it (refer to the "Contesting a Challan" section in the relevant traffic laws). You may need to gather evidence, such as photographs or witness statements, and file a complaint on the official traffic police website or on eChallan Parivahan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Traffic Fines in India

1. Who is authorised to collect on-spot penalties for traffic violations?

Traffic fines can be collected on the spot by traffic police officers who hold the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) or above. Their uniform has one star along with red and blue stripes. 

2. Are there any exceptions for using mobile phones while driving?

No, there are no exceptions for using mobile phones while driving, even if the driver is a doctor and talking to the patient or his family. The use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited under all circumstances.

3. What documents must I carry when driving a vehicle?

Always carry the following documents:

• Driving License

• Insurance Certificate

• Registration Certificate (RC)

• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

• Tax Paid Receipt

4. Why might a vehicle be towed away?

Vehicles may be towed for various reasons, such as:

• Being abandoned or left unattended.

• Parked in a no-parking zone or on the wrong-side of the road.

• Blocking traffic or causing an obstruction to other vehicles or pedestrians.

5. What happens if I miss the court date for a traffic violation?

A warrant may be issued against you, if you fail to appear in court on the specified date for a traffic violation. This could lead to your arrest, along with more stricter penalties for failure to comply.

6. How do traffic authorities determine the fine for a violation?

Traffic fines are determined by each state’s traffic department based on the type of violation. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides a maximum limit for fines, but the exact fine amount is set by local authorities according to the nature and severity of the offence.

7. Can I challenge a traffic challan in India?

Yes, you can contest a traffic challan if you believe it was issued wrongly. To do so:

• Collect photos, videos, or witness statements to support your case.

• Visit the traffic police’s official website to lodge a complaint, providing all necessary details and evidence.

• If your case is rejected, you can appeal in court with the help of legal counsel.

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

If you fail to pay a traffic fine within the given time (usually 60 days), it can lead to severe consequences:

• A court summons may be issued, requiring you to appear in court and pay the fine.

• Ignoring the summons can result in the suspension of your driving licence.

• Unpaid fines can also affect the resale value of your vehicle, as the outstanding fines must be cleared before selling.

9. Can I check my pending traffic fines online in India?

Yes! Visit the official website eChallan Parivahan, or check with the state traffic department’s official website for challan status updates.

10. Can the police issue multiple fines for the same offence in one day?

Generally, you cannot be fined multiple times for the same violation in a single day. However, there are some exceptions:

• Overspeeding may result in multiple fines if it happens on different occasions throughout the day.

• If a challan receipt is lost, and the offence is repeated in another state, a new fine can be issued in that state.

11. Is there a limit to the number of challans issued on my licence?

While there is no specific limit on the total number of challans that can be issued against a driver’s licence, some local transport authorities may impose restrictions. 

12. How soon is a challan generated after a violation?

Typically, an e-challan is generated within 15 days after a traffic violation is recorded. 

13. What documents can the traffic police request during a stop?

When you are stopped by traffic police, they may ask to see the following documents:

• Driving Licence

• Insurance Certificate

• RC (Registration Certificate

• PUCC (Pollution Under Control Certificate)