Traffic Fines in 2024: New Rules, Applicable Penalties in India For Traffic Offenders

In order to maintain sanity on Indian roads and avoid any mishappenings, the government of India has created some rules and regulations to minimise accidents and ensure zero traffic violations. Therefore, the existing traffic rules are continuously being revised and new traffic rules are being updated from time to time. Continue reading the article to know more about the penalties that are imposed for violating traffic rules.

Penalty Structure For Violation of Traffic Rules

Below mentioned are the circumstances that can result in paying a huge penalty for violating traffic rules. 

• Driving Without Licence:

Whether you are travelling with your car or a two wheeler, it is mandatory by the law to carry a legitimate driving licence with you. If you don’t have a valid driving licence, then you can visit the respective state’s government website, fill out the form, and complete all the necessary formalities to get your license. Moreover, you can either keep a hard copy of your driving license safely in your vehicle or you can store it in a Digi locker account. 

• Rash Driving:

Noticing the increase in the number of accidental deaths due to rash driving, the government of India has taken strict action. Therefore, rash driving on Indian roads will not only leave a huge impact on your money but may also lead to imprisonment. 

• Speed Limit:

In India, the average speed limit for vehicles is 70km/h to 120km/h which may vary from state to state. If you are found to be overlapping the maximum speed limit then you will be charged for violating the traffic rules. 

• No Active Insurance Plan:

As per the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 it is mandatory by law to insure your vehicle. In case you are being caught by the traffic police for driving a vehicle without an active insurance plan then you can face imprisonment for up to 3 months or fine up to Rs. 2,000.  So, it is a must to have two-wheeler insurance. 

• Drunk Driving: 

Driving after drinking any alcoholic beverages or toxic substances may bring huge trouble for you. Considering the fact that drunk driving will not only harmful for you but may also lead to the loss of many lives. Hence, to overcome the issue of drunk driving the government of India has imposed an increased challan amount of Rs 10,000. 

• Overloading Vehicles: 

In India, only two people are allowed to travel on one motorbike. Therefore, if you are found to be tripling on a two wheeler then you will be liable to pay a penalty for violating the traffic rules. 

• Violation By Teenagers:

In this case, the laws broken by the young children would have to be born by their parents. They may end up paying a huge penalty along with imprisonment. Besides this, after reaching the age of 18, the young will be restrained from obtaining a driving licence. 

List Of Penalties And New Traffic Rules 2024

Consider the below table to find out the detailed list of fines and penalties that are imposed on violating the traffic rules. 

How to Check e-Challan and How to Pay for Traffic Fines? 

Checking e-challan is now a straightforward process. The digital jump has provided important facilities at our fingertips. There are several ways to check your e-Challan, given below are online ways to check your challan:  

1. Online Portal

   - Visit the e-challan website: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/

   - Enter vehicle number or challan number

   - Click on "Get Details" and you will be shown the details of the existing challan.

2. SMS

   - Write an SMS in the given format: ECHALLAN <space> <Vehicle Number>. (Example: ECHALLAN DL1PC1234)

• Send it to 7738299899
• In reply, you will receive details of the challan associated with the vehicle number. 

3. Mobile Apps

   - Download the "mParivahan" or "e-Challan" app from the Play Store or App Store. 

   - Register and enter vehicle details.

   - After logging in, you will get a dashboard with the details of the challans against your vehicle.

4. Parivahan Sewa Portal

   - Visit the government website:  https://parivahan.gov.in/

   - Now click on the "Online Services" tab and then select "Challan Services" from the drop-down list.

   -  Enter the details of your vehicle and verify.

  - Details of your challan will be displayed on the screen.  

Different Ways to Pay Traffic Fines in India

You need to pay for challans to avoid penalties and imprisonment. If you get caught and the police officer finds pending challans then you can face serious problems and your licence can get confiscated. There are a few different ways to pay for the challans. 

1. Online Payment

• Please go to the e-Challan portal or the Parivahan Sewa website. 
• Log in by entering your vehicle's registration number.
• You will get a list of challans on the screen, select the challan you want to pay for and proceed.
• Select the payment option and pay using Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, and UPI.

2. Mobile App Payment

• Download the mParivahan or e-Challan app.
• Log in using your vehicle's registration number.
• Select the challan and pay using the desired online payment method. 

3. Offline Payment at Traffic Police Station

• To pay offline, you can visit the local traffic police station.
• Present your challan details and make a cash payment.

Note that it is recommended to keep the receipt of payment regardless of the payment method.

Important Traffic Rules To Follow in 2024 

The table below gives an idea of the important traffic rules to be followed by cars and bikes respectively. These rules are applied all over India but note that different states would have different penalties for violations. 

Conclusion 

It is important to stay updated with the latest updates in traffic rules and regulations and the fines associated with violation of the same. Penalties for violations have increased massively recently and the e-challan system has enhanced the challan tracking system and given a new framework for citizens' interaction with traffic rules and regulations. With the digital approach, viewing and paying for your challans is more accessible and hassle-free. You can do so using the government-provided online portal, mobile application, SMS services, and third-party applications. These changes have enhanced the on-road traffic conditions and have made drivers and riders more cautious about the rules and regulations. Integration with technology and digitalised approach indicates India's advancement in traffic management. As citizens, we must respect and follow these rules to ensure the safety of everyone travelling on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I carry soft copies of the documents of my vehicles? 

It is not compulsory to carry hard copies of the documents with you. You can keep soft copies of your documents in the Digi locker. They are also acceptable. 

Q2. Is a driving license needed if I am learning to drive? 

Yes, you must get yourself a valid driving license issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Failure of obeying the law will result in paying a huge penalty. 

Q3. How to check whether my vehicle is under interrogation or not? 

You can check the status of your vehicle on the online portal. Moreover, in case of violation of traffic laws e-challans would also be issued through an online portal. 

Q4. What documents are required to apply for a driving licence in India? 

A driving licence is a mandatory requirement. You can apply online to create it. Some of the documents that you would need to arrange include 3 passport-size photographs, residential address documents, and valid age-proof documents. 

Q5. What documents should I need to carry with me while driving? 

Some of the documents that you should carry while driving on Indian roads are a registration certificate, pollution under control certificate, insurance documents, and driving license. 

Also Read: 

Easy Guide On How To Renew A Expired Two-Wheeler Insurance Policy

Hacks For Getting Affordable Two Wheeler Insurance