Traffic Fine Amounts India 2026 - Complete List Under the MV Act

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 sharply increased traffic fines across India, in many cases by five to ten times over the old 1988 rates. This page lists the central fine amounts for common violations, the serious offences that carry criminal liability, and how state governments can notify amounts above the central minimums.

Loading interactive experience…

Fines for the Most Common Violations

These are the central government minimums under the MV Amendment Act 2019. States can notify higher amounts for several categories, so the figure printed on your issued e-challan is the authoritative state-applicable amount.

ViolationFine (central minimum)
Driving without a valid licenceRs 5,000 (first offence)
Driving without valid insuranceRs 2,000 or 3 months imprisonment (first); Rs 4,000 (repeat)
No helmet (two-wheeler)Rs 1,000 plus 3-month DL suspension
No seatbeltRs 1,000
Mobile phone while drivingRs 1,000 (first); Rs 10,000 (repeat)
Jumping a red lightRs 1,000 (first); Rs 5,000 (repeat)
OverspeedingRs 1,000-2,000 for LMV; Rs 2,000-4,000 for medium/heavy vehicles
No PUC certificateRs 10,000 or 6 months imprisonment

Serious Offences with Criminal Liability

The 2019 Act treats certain acts as criminal offences, not mere violations: drunk driving carries Rs 10,000 or 6 months imprisonment for a first offence and Rs 15,000 or 2 years on repeat; racing on public roads carries Rs 5,000 or 3 months; dangerous driving carries Rs 1,000-5,000 or imprisonment. Juvenile driving is the harshest - Rs 25,000 with the owner or guardian facing up to 3 years imprisonment.

Document and Vehicle Condition Fines

Driving without an RC, or with an expired one, attracts Rs 5,000. Wrong or non-standard number plates carry Rs 5,000 plus DL suspension, and goods vehicle overloading starts at Rs 20,000 plus Rs 2,000 per excess tonne. These are the checks most commonly enforced at police checkpoints.

State Variations and What Happens If You Don't Pay

The MV Act 2019 sets floors, not ceilings - Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi have notified different amounts for some categories, so always treat the amount on your issued challan as final. Unpaid challans do not expire: they accumulate against your vehicle and licence, can block RTO services, and can lead to vehicle impounding at checkpoints - the details are covered in unpaid challan consequences.

To see what is currently pending against your vehicle or licence, run the challan search. If a challan exists, you can pay it online in minutes, or contest it if it was issued in error.

Frequently asked questions

Are traffic fines the same across all Indian states?

No. The MV Amendment Act 2019 sets central minimums, and states can notify higher amounts - Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi have done so for certain violations. The fine printed on your issued e-challan is the correct state-applicable amount.

What is the fine for not wearing a helmet in India?

Rs 1,000 plus a 3-month driving licence suspension under the MV Amendment Act 2019. The rule applies to both the rider and the pillion passenger, and the challan is issued to the vehicle owner if the rider cannot be identified.

What is the fine for using a mobile phone while driving?

Rs 1,000 for the first offence and Rs 10,000 for repeat offences. Hands-free calling is permitted, but visibly distracted driving can still attract the dangerous driving provision with heavier penalties.

Can I negotiate or reduce a traffic fine?

No. Fines are fixed by law and cannot be negotiated with an officer or on the payment portal. The only legitimate way to remove a fine is to contest the challan and win. Offering a bribe is itself a criminal offence.

How do I check if I have a pending challan?

Use the challan search on GaadiInfo with your vehicle registration number or driving licence number. All challans recorded in the national eChallan system against your number will appear, along with the violation, amount, and issuing authority.

Can a traffic challan be cancelled?

Only if it was issued in error. Raise a grievance on the eChallan portal or contest before the adjudicating officer with evidence. For camera challans, the photo of the alleged violation is available on the portal - if the plate was misread, that is usually enough to get it cancelled.