By Driving on Indian roads is often a test of patience and alertness. However, it’s no longer just about navigating the chaos; it’s about adhering to stricter traffic rules aimed at reducing the alarming number of road accidents–over 150,000 annually. The government has implemented stricter traffic laws to promote compliance and safety for everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a beginner, understanding these updated rules is crucial–not only for your safety but also to avoid hefty fines.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the latest traffic rules, penalties, and tips for staying compliant.
Key Updates to Traffic Rules in India for 2024
The Motor Vehicles Act governs traffic fines in India, and the 2024 updates focus on curbing reckless driving, reducing accidents, and fostering responsible road use. Here are the key changes:
1. Hefty Penalties for Common Offences
- Overspeeding: Fines for overspeeding range between ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 depending on the vehicle type.
- Drunk Driving: The penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol has been increased to ₹10,000 and includes a possible six-month jail term.
- No Helmets or Seatbelts: Failing to wear helmets or seatbelts now incurs fines of ₹1,000.
- Mobile Usage While Driving: Using a mobile phone while driving will result in a fine of ₹5,000.
2. Stricter Pollution Norms
- Driving without a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate now attracts a ₹1,000 fine. Regular emission checks are essential, especially in metropolitan cities grappling with severe pollution issues.
3. Reinforced Parking Rules
- Illegal parking, such as in no-parking zones or obstructing public pathways, now incurs fines starting at ₹1,000.
4. Rules Specific to Two-Wheelers
- Both riders and pillion passengers must wear ISI-marked helmets. Non-compliance may also result in the invalidation of your bike insurance policy. Tools like a bike insurance app can help keep your coverage updated.
5. Compulsory Vehicle Documentation
- Drivers must always carry the following essential documents:
○ Registration Certificate (RC)
○ Driving License (DL)
○ Insurance Certificate
○ Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Digital formats of these documents stored in apps like DigiLocker are accepted.
- Failure to produce these documents can lead to penalties starting at ₹500.
6. Revised Fines for Reckless Behaviour
- Dangerous practices such as wrong-way driving or improper overtaking attract fines of up to ₹5,000.
7. Overloading on Two-Wheelers
- Carrying more than two passengers on a two-wheeler results in fines ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, depending on the jurisdiction.
- Repeated offences may lead to the suspension of the driver’s licence for up to three months.
List of new traffic rules and challan rates
Below is a comprehensive table summarising the major fines and penalties under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and associated traffic rules in India:
| Offence | Fine (First offence) | Subsequent offence | Additional Details |
| Driving without a license | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 | Vehicle impounded if driver unlicenced. |
| Driving without insurance | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 | Vehicle seizure is possible in case of repeat offences. |
| Drunken driving | ₹10,000 or imprisonment (6 months) | ₹15,000 or imprisonment (2 years) | Court may suspend or revoke the licence. |
| Speeding | ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 (two-wheelers) | ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 | Penalties double for repeated violations.
Penalty increases if over-speeding in a construction zone or school zone. |
| Rash driving | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 or imprisonment | Licence suspension for extreme cases. |
| Overloading of vehicles | ₹20,000 + ₹2,000 per extra ton | ₹40,000 + ₹4,000 per extra ton | Applicable to commercial vehicles. |
| Over-speeding of transport vehicles | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 | Heavy fines for school transport vehicles. |
| Not wearing a helmet | ₹1,000 + suspension of licence (3 months) | ₹2,000 | Applicable for riders and pillion passengers. |
| Seat belt not worn | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 | Applies to all passengers in the vehicle. |
| Juvenile offences | ₹25,000 + imprisonment for vehicle owner | NA | Vehicle’s registration cancelled. |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 | Licence suspension for repeat violations. |
| Red-light jumping | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 | Traffic light cameras may automatically impose penalties. |
| Obstructing emergency services | ₹10,000 | ₹20,000 | Includes blocking ambulances, fire trucks, or police vehicles. |
| Unauthorised use of vehicles without a permit | ₹10,000 | ₹20,000 | Vehicle impounded in severe cases. |
| Vehicle emissions violation | ₹10,000 | ₹20,000 | Includes failure to renew Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. |
| Driving without registration | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 | Mandatory registration under the Motor Vehicles Act. |
| Driving with defective headlights | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 | Ensures better visibility for safety. |
Tips to Avoid Fines and Stay Safe
- Keep Your Documents Handy
○ Always carry updated documents like RC, DL, insurance, and PUC. If you’re tech-savvy, upload these to a government-recognised app like DigiLocker for easy access.
- Use a Bike Insurance App
○ Bike insurance apps help you track your policy’s status, renew coverage on time, and stay informed about how your insurance may cover traffic violations or accidents.
- Abide by Speed Limits
○ Always stick to prescribed speed limits for different roads and refer to local signage for guidance.
- Follow Traffic Signals
○ Ignoring traffic signals can lead to hefty fines and increase accident risks.
- Ensure Vehicle Maintenance
○Regular servicing ensures your vehicle meets safety and pollution norms, reducing the likelihood of penalties.
- Avoid Distractions
○ Using a mobile phone while driving not only attracts fines but also puts you and others at risk.
- Stay Updated on the Rules
○ Traffic laws change frequently. Stay informed through announcements from local transport authorities.
Conclusion
Road safety is a shared responsibility, and the updated traffic rules emphasise the need for accountability. While the fines might seem steep, they are necessary to ensure safer roads for everyone.
Stay informed, drive responsibly, and let’s make Indian roads safer for all.
