Penalty For Traffic Offences Increased By 10X: 3 Years Jail, 25K Fine For Underage Stunts
The Indian government is actively working towards curbing traffic violations in the country. Over 4.80 lakh road accidents were reported in 2023, causing deaths of over 1.72 lakh people. The road transport and highways authorities have announced higher traffic penalties for improving road safety. These have come into effect on March 1, 2025. States like Tripura are yet to implement the new fines.
The prime focus of this revision is on curbing incidents of juvenile driving and incidents caused by underage driving. In India, the minimum legal age to drive a vehicle (in other words, to have a driving license) is 18.
Besides this, offences such as drunk driving, riding without helmet, and reckless driving are all addressed in the new announcement. The revised fine structure is expected to deter risky driving/riding practices and ensure better adherence to traffic laws.
Revised Fines And Penalties For Traffic Rules Violations- March 2025
According to the new fine structure, a juvenile operating a vehicle will be considered a serious offence. In such a case, the vehicle owner or guardian will be held responsible. He/she will face a fine of Rs 25,000 and imprisonment of up to three years. Plus, the vehicle's registration will be cancelled. He/she will then stand ineligible to get a driving license until the age of 25.
Previously, juvenile violators could make do with a fine of Rs 2500. The new move comes in the wake of recent accidents, crashes and casualties caused by irresponsible juvenile drivers. Remember the Porsche crash in Pune? A juvenile crashed a Porsche Taycan into a motorcycle killing two, under intoxication.
Drunken driving is now considered a more serious offence than before. Previously the fine was Rs 1000. Now, if an individual is found driving or riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs ( or any form of intoxication), he/she will have to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 and/or face up to six months of imprisonment. Repeated offences will incur fines of up to Rs 15,000 and up to two years in jail.
Driving or riding without a valid driving license will now attract a fine of Rs 5,000. Previously the sum was just Rs 500. If found riding without a helmet, the fine used to be Rs 100 previously. This has now been increased to Rs 1000. The rider's license will be scrapped for three months. Similar fines apply to those driving without using seat belts. The license will not, however, be scrapped in this case.
Triple-riding on two wheelers will now attract a penalty of Rs 1000. Previously, this used to be just Rs 100. Overloading commercial vehicles can get you a fine of Rs 20,000- a significant jump from the previous sum of Rs 2000. In addition to this, you will also have to pay Rs 2000 for every extra ton of load.
If you are found operating a vehicle without a valid insurance, you will have to pay a fine of Rs 2000 and could also end up in jail for up to 3 months. Repetitive violations will push the fine to Rs 4,000.
Driving without a valid pollution certificate (PUCC) used to attract a fine of Rs 1000 previously. Post revision, this has been hiked to Rs 10,000. You can also end up in prison for up to six months. Not making way for emergency vehicles will also earn you similar fines. Dangerous driving, signal jumping, racing or speeding on public roads will now make you pay Rs 5,000 in penalty. Previously the fine for these used to be Rs 500.
Implementation and Enforcement
The new penalty structure is part of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. Law enforcement agencies across the country will actively work towards enforcing these strictly. Special campaigns will be rolled out in various regions for this, and the compliance will be monitored. Unsafe vehicle modifications will also be penalised.