In a major move to curb reckless driving and ensure road safety, India has rolled out stringent motor vehicle fines effective from March 1.

These new penalties not only impose hefty fines but also introduce stricter punishments, including jail time and community service, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward traffic violations.

Key Penalty Updates

Drunken Driving

• First-time offenders: ₹10,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail.

• Repeat offenders: ₹15,000 fine and up to 2 years in jail. (Previously, fines ranged from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.)

No Helmet, No Seat Belt

• Riding without a helmet now incurs a ₹1,000 fine, with a possible three-month license suspension (earlier ₹100).

• Not wearing a seat belt will also result in a ₹1,000 fine.

Using Mobile Phones While Driving

• The penalty for distracted driving due to mobile phone use has surged from ₹500 to ₹5,000.

Missing Documents

• Driving without a valid license: ₹5,000 fine, with possible three-month imprisonment and community service.

• No insurance: ₹2,000 fine; repeat violations attract ₹4,000.

• No pollution certificate: ₹10,000 fine and/or six months in jail with community service.

Triple Riding, Dangerous Driving & Racing

• Triple riding on a two-wheeler: ₹1,000 fine.

• Dangerous driving or racing: ₹5,000 fine.

• Not yielding to emergency vehicles: ₹10,000 fine.

Signal Jumping & Overloading

• Jumping a traffic signal now carries a ₹5,000 penalty.

• Overloading vehicles: ₹20,000 fine (up from ₹2,000).

Juvenile Offenders

• If a minor is caught driving, the penalty includes a ₹25,000 fine, three years of imprisonment, vehicle registration cancellation, and a ban on obtaining a driving license until the age of 25.

With these new rules in place, authorities aim to enhance road discipline and reduce accidents, urging motorists to drive responsibly.