New Traffic Rules in India: Complete Guide to Updated Fines & Penalties

Updated Fines and Penalties for Traffic Rule Violations

The purpose of updating fines and penalties is to take stricter action against serious offenders, especially those who commit multiple offences. Here are the new challan rules in India:

Driving Without a Valid Licence

To legally drive on Indian roads, you must have a driving license. For personal vehicles, individuals aged 18 or older can apply for a driving license test. Once passed, the license is issued. If anyone is caught driving without a valid driving license, the fine is ₹5,000. Earlier it was lower. You don't always need to carry a hard copy of the license. Government apps such as DigiLocker and mParivahan also have these details.

Drunken Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol is dealt with very severely nowadays. A first offence will be charged with a fine of ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. If an offender repeats the same offence, the fine will be raised to ₹15,000, and the jail term may be extended up to 2 years. These increased fines are meant to discourage drinking and driving and thereby improve road safety.

Riding Without a Helmet

The act of riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, which was considered minor before, is now punishable by a ₹1,000 fine and a three-month driving license suspension. The main goal of stricter implementation is to reduce the number of head injuries resulting from accidents and the death of the youth who are both riding the two-wheeler and the co-riders, especially those sitting on the back of a two-wheeler.

Seat Belt Violations

Not wearing a seat belt while driving is penalised with a ₹1,000 fine under the newly introduced punishments. The law is binding on all those sitting in the front seats of the vehicle, and it serves to remind the people of the necessity of the use of seat belts, a very basic yet life-saving safety measure. This new traffic fine is quite higher than the previous ones, and this is done so as to encourage the observance of the rule by both the drivers and the passengers.

Overspeeding

It is crucial to drive safely and responsibly on the road to avoid unnecessary accidents and mishaps. Most of the roads in India have speed limits, and the government is also aiming to install speed meters in important areas. If drivers exceed the upper speed limit, as per the new traffic rules, a fine of ₹5,000 is charged against the bike. Overspeeding often leads to crashes and ruthless accidents. So, it is best to always follow traffic rules while on the road.

Triple Riding on Two-Wheelers

The punishment for carrying three persons on a two-wheeler has been increased to ₹1,000. The rule aims at the situation of the overcrowding of a motorcycle, which not only makes the riders more vulnerable to accidents but also makes the vehicle less stable. By levelling the fine at a much higher amount, the police want safer behaviour to be more strictly observed, especially in cities and places with lots of traffic.

Driving Without Valid Insurance

If a vehicle is driven without valid insurance, a fine of ₹2,000 will be imposed, along with a possible jail term of 3 months and community service. If the offence is committed again, the fine will be doubled to &₹4,000. This regulation is a step towards the habit of drivers always keeping insurance in force. It also assures that in case of a mishap, the victims get a financial solution, and thus the roads become safer overall.

No Pollution Certificate

When someone is found driving without a valid pollution (PUC) certificate, a fine of ₹10,000 is charged. In addition, one may also face six months' imprisonment and community service. These measures aim to fulfil dual objectives: improve air quality and respect environmental rules, as well as those concerning road safety.

Blocking Emergency Vehicles

Not giving way to emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire tenders, or police vehicles is now punishable by a fine of ₹10,000. This regulation emphasises that priority should be given to life-saving and urgent services on the roads, and that those who delay access to these services are penalised.

Overloading of Vehicles

Drivers of trucks and commercial vehicles are now subject to much higher fines for overloading. The new challan rules are intended to raise the level of compliance, protect the road surface, and increase the safety of all road users.

Jumping Traffic Signals

Traffic signal violations now come with a fine of ₹5,000, which is ten times the previous amount. The measure is intended to address the main cause of accidents in the city. By putting heavy financial consequences in place, the authorities are expecting the number of violations at intersections to go down and thus, drivers to be more disciplined in this regard.

Juvenile Offences (Under 18 Years)

For traffic violations committed by juveniles under the age of 18, the penalties have significantly increased as per the new traffic rules: a fine of ₹25,000. It may also lead to imprisonment for up to three years, vehicle registration cancellation for one year, and one may not apply for a driving licence until the age of 25.

To Conclude

Roads can be unpredictable even when everything is done right. So, it is very important that people follow all the traffic rules to maintain maximum safety on the road. A slight carelessness can lead to not just hefty fines and legalities, but can also be a threat to life. At Jio Insurance Broking, we encourage having maximum bike insurance coverage to fight against the unforeseen odds of the roads. Connect with us today to get your preferred bike insurance plan.

FAQs