Traffic Challan 2024: Traffic Violations & Fines in India

A comprehensive guide to traffic challans and fines in India helps you stay informed about traffic violations and their associated fines.

3 min

04-October-2024

In India, traffic challans and fines are integral to maintaining road discipline and safety. These penalties are imposed for violations such as overspeeding, jumping red lights, improper parking, and driving without valid documents. Each state's traffic police department enforces these regulations.

You can check pending traffic challans online through the Parivahan portal or state-specific portals using your vehicle registration number or driving licence details. Understanding traffic fines helps promote responsible driving and adherence to traffic rules, contributing to safer roads.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to traffic challans and fines in India, highlighting the various violations and associated fines. Check the common traffic violations, penalty amounts, and methods to check and pay traffic challans efficiently.

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List of traffic challan fines and violations in India 2024

Traffic challans, violations and traffic fines in India are categorised into several sections. Here is a table denoting a list of common traffic violations and respective penalties in India.

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Overspeeding	1,000 - 2,000
Driving without a valid licence	5,000
Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs	10,000
Using mobile phone while driving	1,000
Dangerous driving	5,000
Disregarding lane discipline	500
Violating one-way rule	1,000
Illegal U-turn	500
Disobeying traffic signs	1,000
Driving on footpath	2,000
Improper display of number plate	2,000
Using fancy or unapproved number plates	5,000
Obscured number plates	2,000
Vehicle with no number plate	5,000
Driving with defective lights	500
Improper use of high beam	1,000
No taillights or indicators	2,000
Honking unnecessarily	500
Using multi-tone horns	1,000
Continuous honking in no-honking zones	2,000
Jumping red light	1,000
Disregarding traffic signals	1,000
Dangerous overtaking	2,000
Polluting the environment with vehicle exhaust	10,000
Vehicle not meeting emission norms	5,000
Illegal parking	500
Parking in no-parking zones	1,000
Obstructive parking	2,000

Offences related to documents

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Driving without a valid motor insurance	First offence - 2,000 Repeat offence – 4,000
Driving without registration certificate	First offence – 5,000 Repeat offence – 10,000
Not carrying required documents (RC/DL/PUC)	500 - 5,000
Permit violation	10,000 and/or up to 6-months prison, community service

Offences related to driving

Driving-related offences can range from minor violations like parking in no-parking zones to more serious infractions such as overspeeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and reckless driving. These offences may result in fines, penalty points on the driving license, or even the suspension of the license, depending on the severity.

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Overspeeding	1,000 - 2,000
Driving without a valid license	5,000
Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs	10,000
Using mobile phone while driving	1,000
Dangerous driving	5,000

Offences related to road marking

Driving across, disregarding, or parking on road markings, such as pedestrian crossings or lane dividers, is a violation. These offences ensure safe and organised traffic flow, and violations may lead to fines.

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Disregarding lane discipline	500
Violating one-way rule	1,000
Illegal U-turn	500
Disobeying traffic signs	1,000
Driving on footpath	2,000

Offences related to vehicle number plates

Using improper, damaged, or obscured vehicle number plates is a common traffic offence. Proper display of number plates or a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) ensures vehicle identification and compliance with road safety laws.

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Improper display of number plate	2,000
Using fancy or unapproved number plates	5,000
Obscured number plates	2,000
Vehicle with no number plate	5,000

Offences related to vehicle lights

Faulty or non-functional vehicle lights, or improper usage of high beams, can lead to fines. These offences may compromise road safety, especially during night driving or bad weather conditions.

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Driving with defective lights	500
Improper use of high beam	1,000
No tail lights or indicators	2,000

Offences related to horn

Using a horn in prohibited areas, such as near hospitals or schools, or excessive use of it is considered an offence. This helps reduce noise pollution and maintains a peaceful environment. Here are the fines related to the usage of horns in vehicles.

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Honking unnecessarily	500
Using multi-tone horns	1,000
Continuous honking in no-honking zones	2,000

Offences related to traffic signal

Jumping traffic signals is a serious offence that risks road safety. Ignoring signals can lead to accidents and hefty fines, along with penalty points on the driver’s license.

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Jumping red light	1,000
Disregarding traffic signals	1,000

Offences related to speed and overtaking

Overspeeding or unsafe overtaking can lead to accidents. These offences attract fines, penalty points, and sometimes even license suspension, depending on the severity.

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Over-speeding	1,000 - 2,000
Dangerous overtaking	2,000

Offences related to pollution

Vehicles emitting smoke beyond permissible limits can be fined under pollution control regulations. Ensuring regular vehicle maintenance helps to reduce pollution and avoid penalties.

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Polluting the environment with vehicle exhaust	10,000
Vehicle not meeting emission norms	5,000

Offences related to parking

Parking in unauthorised areas or blocking traffic is a common offence. Violations lead to fines, vehicle towing, or further legal action, especially in heavily congested areas.

Violations	Penalty (in Rs.)
Illegal parking	500
Parking in no-parking zones	1,000
Obstructive parking	2,000

Motor vehicle offences and penalties

Penalties for motor vehicle offences range from minor fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation. Here are some common offences:

Offences	Penalty/Sentence
Using the vehicle in hazardous conditions	Court Challan
Out-of-state vehicle for more than 12 months	Rs. 100
No wiper or side mirror	Rs. 100
Loading goods vehicle beyond permitted weight	Rs. 2000 + Rs. 1000 per extra ton
Driving without proper number plate	Rs. 100
Usage of dark/tinted glasses	Rs. 100
Breach of permit terms	Imprisonment/penalty up to Rs. 5000

Please note that fines can vary based on the severity of the offence and specific state or regional regulations. A complete list of traffic violations and fines in India can be found on the official website of the Indian government.

Important road safety rules

To avoid traffic challan and ensure road safety, it is crucial to follow important road safety rules. Here are some key road safety rules everyone should abide by:

Always wear a seat belt or helmet, depending on the mode of transportation.
Obey traffic signals and traffic police instructions.
Do not use a mobile phone while driving.
Always use indicators while turning or changing lanes.
Do not drink and drive.

Road safety rules for pedestrians

Pedestrians also play a crucial role in ensuring road safety in India. Here are some important road safety rules that should be followed by pedestrians:

Always use zebra crossings or footpaths while crossing the road.
Keep an eye out for vehicles while crossing the road.
Do not jaywalk or cross the road in a hurry.

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Know your challan: Steps to check traffic violations

Visit the respective state traffic police website

Access the official website of the state's traffic police where the vehicle is registered.

Navigate to the challan/ fine section

Look for the option related to "Challan" or "Fine" on the website.

Enter vehicle details

Provide the necessary details such as the vehicle number to check your challan.

Check challan status

The website will display the challan status along with details of the violation and the fine amount.

Online payment

If there are pending fines, most websites offer a convenient online payment option.

Importance of traffic rules in India

Given below are the key points of significance of traffic rules in India:

Prevention of accidents

Adhering to traffic rules is the primary step in preventing accidents and ensuring road safety.

Efficient traffic management

Traffic rules facilitate the smooth flow of vehicles, reducing congestion and delays.

Protection of lives

Following rules such as wearing seat belts and helmets protect individuals from severe injuries during accidents.

Legal consequences

Violating traffic rules can lead to legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and imprisonment.

In conclusion, traffic challans and fines in India are essential mechanisms to enforce road safety and discipline. Checking and understanding traffic challans online, knowing the fines for different violations, and adhering to road safety rules contribute to creating a safer and more organised traffic environment in the country.

It is the responsibility of every road user to stay informed, follow traffic rules, and contribute to building a culture of safe and responsible driving.

Read more: E-challan Status

Frequently asked questions

Traffic rules and regulations in India refer to the guidelines and laws set by the Indian government to ensure the safety of road users. These rules cover a wide range of topics such as speed limits, traffic signals, drunk driving, and driving without proper documentation.

Violating traffic rules in India can result in serious consequences, including hefty fines, revocation of driving licenses, and imprisonment in some cases. It can also lead to road accidents, endangering the driver and other road users.

Following traffic rules in India is crucial for promoting road safety. By following these rules, we can prevent road accidents, promote discipline, and create a safe environment for all road users.

Traffic police are responsible for ensuring that road users follow traffic rules and regulations. They have the authority to penalize individuals for violating traffic rules and take necessary actions in case of accidents or emergencies.

You can check your traffic fines in India online through the official website of the respective State Traffic Police or Transport Department. Visit the website, enter your vehicle details or driving license number, and view the outstanding fines associated with your vehicle or licence.

To check traffic violations in India, you can use online platforms provided by State Traffic Police or Transport Departments. Visit the official website, navigate to the "Traffic Violations" or "Traffic Challan" section, and enter your vehicle registration number or driving licence details to view a list of traffic violations committed by you.

You can pay for traffic violations online through the official website of the State Traffic Police or Transport Department. Navigate to the "Traffic Violation Payment" or "Online Challan Payment" section, enter your details and the challan number, and proceed with the payment using online banking or payment methods provided on the website.

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