Traffic Challans & Fines in India

What is Traffic challans in India

The ‘Rules of the Road Regulation,’ also referred to as the Indian Road Rules, came into force in July 1989 and have persisted until this day. To maintain safe driving conditions and orderly traffic, these rules and guidelines are applicable to all Indian drivers operating two-, three- and four-wheelers, including buses and lorries. 

Everyone shudders at the thought of traffic violation fines. These are likely the main reason why such things were invented in the first place. Government has imposed drastically high penalties for moving violations, which has made the relatively new rules stricter with fines. Improving road safety by introducing additional traffic fines and penalties for violations is the latest Motor Vehicles Amendment that came to effect on September 01, 2019. You should be aware that most have raised extremely.

especially for traffic cases such as driving while intoxicated, failing to yield for emergency vehicles like fire engines and ambulances, driving without a license, talking over the phone and driving without an active insurance policy among many others. Let’s go through the infractions and charges that have now changed for each.

If you’re concerned about traffic fines in India, knowing how to handle them efficiently is key. Start by checking our step-by-step guide to e-challan payments for detailed instructions on how to pay online.

Some Basic Traffic e-Challan Fines and Penalties

This category would include traffic infractions such as driving without a license, pollution certificates and road permits. Please note that most of the categories have different starting and subsequent fine amounts. Higher fines, however, can be imposed for repeated infractions. Details are provided below: 

Traffic Violation	Challan Amount (Rs)
Driving Under Intoxication	First Offense: Rs. 10,000 and/or 6 months in prison Second Offense: Rs. 15,000 and/or 2 years in prison
Overloading Pillion Riders	Rs. 2,000 fine + disqualification of license and/or community service for 3 months
Over Speeding Vehicle	Rs. 1,000 for LMV, Rs. 2,000 for MMV
Driving Dangerously	Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 5,000, seizure of license and/or 6 months – 1 year in prison
Driving Without License	Rs. 5,000 and/or community service
Driving Without Valid Insurance	First Offense: Rs. 2,000 and/or 3 months in prison, community service Second Offense: Rs. 4,000
Signal Jumping	Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 5,000, license seizure and/or 6 months – 1 year in prison
Two-Wheeler Rider Without Helmet	Rs. 1,000 + license scrapping for 3 months
Riding Without Permit	Up to Rs. 10,000
Driving Without A Valid Driving License	Rs. 5,000 and/or community service
Unauthorized Driving Of A Vehicle	Rs. 5,000 and/or community service
Not Carrying Necessary Documents While Driving	Rs. 500
Traveling Without Ticket	Rs. 500
Driving Despite Disqualification	Rs. 10,000
Violating Licensing Conditions	Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 1 lakh
Driving Without a Valid Vehicle Fitness Certificate	Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 5,000
Driving Vehicle Without Registration Certificate	Rs. 2,000
Rules Of Road Regulation Violation	Rs. 500
Driving Below 18 Years Of Age	Rs. 25,000 with 3 years of imprisonment of guardian or owner
Not Obeying Orders Of The Authorities	Rs. 2,000
Oversized Vehicles	Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 10,000 and/or community service
Driving Without Fastening The Seat Belts	Rs. 1,000
Negligent Driving	Rs. 1,000
Racing Vehicle On Public Roads	Rs. 5,000
Not Making Way For Emergency Vehicles	Rs. 10,000
Stopping At Pedestrian From Crossing Or Zebra Cross	Rs. 100
Violating The Yellow Line	Rs. 100
Displaying ‘Applied For’ In Driving License Plate	Rs. 4,500
Improper Use Of Headlights And/Or Tail Lights While Driving	Rs. 100
Signal Jumping	Rs. 100
Over Speeding	Up to Rs. 1,000
Driving Under the Influence Of Alcohol And/Or Drugs	Rs. 10,000
Use Of Mobile Phone While Driving	Rs. 1,000
Use Of Horn In Silence Zone	Rs. 100
Driving Without a Valid Number Plate	Rs. 100
Using Obstruction To Other Vehicles And People	Rs. 100
Parking In ‘No Parking’ Zone	Rs. 100
Parking On Any Pedestrian Crossing	Rs. 100
Parking The Vehicle On Walkways	Rs. 100

When and how are these Traffic Fines paid out?

You currently have to go to the court to pay for your challan because these fines were recently implemented. But once every state is informed of all the standards. Some infractions would demand an in-person court appearance, while others would necessitate immediate payment. Here is a brief table to assist you in determining it.

Pay Fine On-Spot	Visit Court and Pay Fine
Driving/Riding without licence	Jumping Traffic Light
Driving/Riding without insurance	Driving against flow of traffic
Over speeding	Drunk Driving
Driving without seatbelt	Juvenile Driving
Violating road regulations
Using horn in silent zone
Driving without registration
Overloading
Oversized Vehicles
Vehicles without permit
Disobedience of orders of authorities
Unauthorized use of vehicles without licence
Riding without helmet
Not giving way to emergency vehicles
Speeding/Racing
Driving while talking on the phone (handheld)

Traffic challan & violation related to driving

Traffic Violations	Fine in Delhi	Fine in Maharashtra	Fine in Tamil Nadu	Fine in Uttar Pradesh
Driving under the influence/ Drunken Driving	Challan in court (amount subject to court discretion)	₹10,000 (and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months)	₹10,000 (and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months)	₹10,000 (and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months)
Driving Dangerously	Challan in court (amount subject to court discretion)	₹5,000 on first offence (non-compoundable second time onwards)	₹1,000	₹5,000
Driving against the authorized flow of traffic/Wrong side driving	Challan in court (amount subject to court discretion)	₹500-1,000	₹500	₹500-1,000
Wrong Passing or Overtaking other Vehicles	Challan in court (amount subject to court discretion)	₹500-1,000	₹500	₹1000
Driving without Helmet (Rider/Pillion Rider)	₹1,000	₹500, plus disqualification for holding of driving licence for 3 months	₹1,000	₹1,000
Disobeying police order or directions	₹2,000	₹750	₹2,000	₹2,000
Helmet without strap or strap not tied	₹1,000	–	–	up to ₹1,000
Defective helmet (not confirming BIS)	₹1,000	₹500, plus disqualification for holding of driving licence for 3 months	₹1,000	up to ₹1,000
Driving without horn	₹500	–	–	₹1,000
Not giving way to an emergency vehicle	₹10,000	₹10,000	₹10,000	₹10,000
Driving in NMV lanes/No entry/One-way roads	₹20,000	₹200	₹2000-₹5000	₹2000-₹5000
Driving/Parking on Footpath/Cycle Track	Challan in court (amount subject to court discretion)	up to ₹2,000	₹300-₹600	up to ₹500

Traffic infractions, such disregarding traffic signs and lines, can result in small fines, but if ignored, they can have serious repercussions. Details are provided below:

Traffic Violations	Fine in Delhi	Fine in Maharashtra	Fine in Tamil Nadu	Fine in Uttar Pradesh
Violation of Stop Sign	Challan in court (amount subject to court discretion)	₹500	₹1000	₹300-₹600
Violation of Stop Line	₹500	₹500	–	₹300-₹600
Violation of Mandatory Signs (One Way, No Right Turn)	₹500	₹500	₹500	₹100
Violation of Yellow Line	₹500	–	–	₹100

Traffic Violations and Penalties in India

Common Traffic Offenses and Their Penalties

India has stringent traffic restrictions to maintain safety and lower the number of traffic accidents, just like any other big state metropolis. A list of some frequent traffic infractions and the associated penalties is provided below:

1. Driving Without a Helmet or Seatbelt
   • Penalty: Rs. 500
   • Wearing a helmet and seatbelt is mandatory whether operating a motor vehicle or riding a two-wheeler. You run the danger of being fined Rs. 500 for not wearing them. 
2. Over-Speeding
   • Penalty: Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 (depending on the vehicle)
   • In Bangalore, speeding is a major infraction, particularly on major thoroughfares. Penalties can range from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000, depending on the type of vehicle.
3. Drunk Driving
   • Penalty: Rs. 10,000
   • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Drunk driving carries a severe penalty of Rs. 10,000 and, depending on the seriousness of the offense, can result in jail time.
4. Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
   • Penalty: Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000
   • Mobile phone distraction has the potential to be fatal. Depending on the type of infraction, the fine for using a phone while driving might range from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000. This includes browsing, texting or conversing while operating a motor vehicle.

Types of Traffic Challans in India

There are a few different ways traffic challans can be issued in Delhi:

1. E-Challans
   E-challans are now the most often used way to issue traffic penalties due to the development of digital technologies. When a violation takes place, these are automatically produced by traffic cameras, road sensors or internet monitoring systems. E-challans are directly sent to your vehicle’s registered address or can be accessed through online portals like Delhi Police Online Services.
2. Manual Challans
   If a traffic cop sees you breaking the law, they may issue a manual challan. In certain situations, the officer will issue a challan, which you can pay right away or within a predetermined window of time.
3. Challans via CCTV Surveillance
   CCTV cameras are frequently used to record traffic infractions and Delhi is quickly implementing surveillance systems. For example, when a car runs a red light, the camera captures the infraction and sends the challan to the owner’s address.

How to Check E-Challan Status in India

1. Parivahan Website: Check E-Challan Status by Vehicle or Challan Number

The Parivahan website is a reliable tool for checking your e-Challan status in India. Follow these simple steps to stay updated on your traffic fines:

1. Visit the official Parivahan website: https://parivahan.gov.in.
2. Click on the “Check Challan Status” option under the “Online Services” tab.
3. You’ll be prompted to enter your Vehicle Number, Challan Number or Driver License Number.
4. Choose the preferred option and enter the required details.
5. Hit the “Get Details” button to view the status of your e-Challan. The page will display the violation details, fine amount and payment status.

This website provides a clear, user-friendly layout that makes tracking your fines hassle-free.

How to Pay E-Challan in India Online

1. Parivahan Website: Pay Your E-Challan Fines on the Government Portal

The Parivahan website offers a straightforward and secure method for paying your e-Challan fines online. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit the official Parivahan website: https://parivahan.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, click on Online Services and then select E-Challan Payment.
3. You’ll be redirected to a page where you can enter your Vehicle Number, Challan Number or Driver License Number.
4. Once you’ve entered the details, click on Get Details.
5. Review the fine details that appear on the screen, ensuring the information is correct.
6. Proceed to make the payment using any of the available payment options (credit card, debit card, net banking, etc.).
7. After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation receipt. You can download and save it for future reference.

Paying using the Parivahan site is a safe and simple choice, particularly for people who would rather work directly with government platforms.

How to Pay E-Challan Offline

1. Traffic Police Station: Pay Your Fine at the Counter

You can prefer visiting a local Traffic Police Station for offline payment of your e-Challan as one of the many options. Here’s how you can do this: 

1. Locate Your Nearest Traffic Police Station: You can find the nearest traffic police station through online maps or by asking locals. Major stations usually handle a high volume of e-Challan payments.
2. Go to the Payment Counter: Once at the station, head to the counter dedicated to e-Challan fines. There are usually separate counters for payment processing.
3. Provide Necessary Details: To make the payment, you’ll need to provide your vehicle registration number, challan number or driver’s license number. Make sure to have any relevant documents with you for verification.
4. Make the Payment: After the details are verified, you can pay your fine either in cash or by using available digital payment methods, such as debit/credit cards.
5. Get a Receipt: Once the payment is processed, ask for a receipt as proof of payment. It’s essential to keep this document in case of any future disputes.

For people who are uncomfortable with digital platforms or who require help with the payment procedure, this alternative may be more time-consuming than online solutions.

Documents needed in India to prevent challan

• Driving license
• Registration Certification (RC)
• Valid insurance
• Pollution under Control (PUC) certificate

What is the Validity For e-Challan

What is more important than the above is the period that has been given for the E-Challan, which again counts in the traffic fines applicable in India. So, if a billing e-challan from any Indian state is not paid within 60 days from its issuance date, then that e-challan would attract penalties.

Therefore, it can be inferred that in case you have an e-challan for breaking any traffic rules in the country, you need to pay the bill before the due date. Failure to follow timely payment might subject you to severe penalties or even worse, your driving privileges might be suspended.

Fortunately, if you are in India, worry no more because a cop would just visit your registered address after all these have been neglected for 60 days to collect.

Traffic Rules and Regulations in India

• Stay to the left

When there are no separators or lanes, drive on the left side of the road and let the vehicles on your right pass safely.

• Take over from the right

Utilize your indicator and pass from the right side while overtaking. To protect other people, don’t overtake in narrow lanes.

• Pay attention to traffic signals

Respecting traffic signals and not running red lights is very important. Before moving forward, wait for pedestrians to cross.

• Parking is not allowed in designated areas

Steer clear of parking in the middle of the road, on busy corners or in areas that are marked “No Parking.” Vehicles parked illegally have the potential to cause collisions and impede traffic.

• Make room for emergency vehicles.

Give emergency vehicles the right of way when they need to pass, such as fire engines, police cars or ambulances. Blocking their route is a crime that carries consequences. 

New Traffic Fines for Violations (From September 2019)

• A fine of Rs. 5,000 has been imposed for the offence of operating a vehicle without valid Driving Licence, which is 10 times greater than the previous penalty of Rs. 500.
• The amendment in The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 raised the punishment for unlawful driving/riding of a vehicle without having valid motor insurance to Rs. 2000 (Rs. 4000 for second time) which was earlier of an amount of Rs. 1000.
• Driving/riding while under the influence of intoxicating substances has resulted in a very hefty penalty now; that is, a fine of Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 6 months for first-time offenders. In case of the second or repeated offences, the fine increases to Rs. 15,000 and/or imprisonment of more than 2 years.
• Illegal racing and speeding, it is assumed will have to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000 and/or go to jail for a maximum of 3 months, as compared to the old penalty of Rs. 500. For second-time or repeat offences, this penalty inflates to Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year.
• The amendment made for the new MV Act, 2019, however, brought under the offences committed by juveniles with the penalty amount at Rs. 25,000 and 3 years of imprisonment. The owner of the vehicle or its guardian will bear the brunt of this offence.

Importance of Traffic Rules in India

• A smooth traffic flow is facilitated by traffic and road safety regulations.
• Roads are safer for drivers, bikers and pedestrians when there are traffic laws and regulations in place.
• Traffic laws contribute to a decrease in traffic accidents and the number of people killed in these incidents.
• It urges people to drive or walk on the road with discipline.
• Traffic laws prevent unlawful actions on the road, such racing.
• Traffic laws help prevent and control the unauthorized use and abuse of automobiles on the road.
• They aid in the prevention of behaviors like reckless driving and excessive speeding. 

Some more Guidelines to Follow

• Overdosing: A motor vehicle with its maximum carrying capacity will adhere to the weight specifications allowed under the law. Such vehicles become unstable during accidents experienced on highways, resulting in loss of lives. 
• No Alcohol-Influenced Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol constitutes the significant risk factor causing fatal road accidents; the alcoholic driver shares as much culpability in the accident as any other motorist. Alcohol, when consumed, inhibits the functioning of the mind in alertness and coordination, hence driving under its influence is assumed unsafe for self and others.
• Traffic signals and stop signs are mandatory rules: As responsible citizens, we should heed traffic signals and signs-such as speed limits, stopping at red light and other requirements within traffic rules. 
• Upspeed: Most of the accidents are caused by over speeding. Speeding gets so high that controlling a vehicle becomes compromised indicating high probability of collision as well as an increasing level of injury severity.
• Use a Seat Belt While Driving: The main rule of any responsible driver is to buckle up while using a vehicle because seat belts acts as protection from possible hurts or damage if something goes wrong at some point during the driving process. 
• To ensure Lane Discipline: Lane discipline must be strictly followed when driving, whether on the highways or strictly within city limits. Overtaking from the left, lane-changing suddenly, etc are prohibited. The 3-lane system in India has the left lane designated for slow-moving traffic; the middle is for moderate speeds and the right for fast-moving automobiles. 
• Wear a Helmet on Two Wheels: It is necessary to wear a helmet when riding a two-wheeler such as motorcycle or scooter. The riders on two-wheeler are much more 

Frequently Asked Questions on Traffic Challan & Fines in India

Q1. How can I check my traffic fines in India?

Ans1. Get the fine by going to the Parivahan website and choosing ‘Check Online Services.’ Next, enter your challan number and click ‘Check Challan Status’. Your challan’s status will be visible to you.

Q2. What happens if you don’t pay traffic fines in India?

Ans2. In India, failing to pay an e-Challan fine within 60 days after the date of issuance is a criminal offense. To attempt to collect the penalty from the offender’s address, a traffic police officer will pay them a visit. They will be called to court if the fine is not paid.

Q3. मैं भारत में अपने यातायात जुर्माना की जांच कैसे कर सकता हूं?

Ans3. जुर्माना चेक करने के लिए परिवहन वेबसाइट पर जाएं और ‘चेक ऑनलाइन सर्विसेज’ चुनें। इसके बाद ‘चेक चालान स्टेटस’ पर क्लिक करें और अपना चालान नंबर सबमिट करें। आप अपने चालान का स्टेटस देख पाएंगे।

Q4. यदि आप भारत में यातायात जुर्माना का भुगतान नहीं करते तो क्या होता है?

Ans4. अगर हम भारत में ई-चालान जारी होने की तारीख से 60 दिनों के भीतर जुर्माना अदा करने में विफल रहते हैं तो यह एक गंभीर अपराध है। एक ट्रैफ़िक पुलिस अधिकारी अपराधी के पते पर जाकर जुर्माना वसूलने की कोशिश करेगा। अगर जुर्माना अदा नहीं किया जाता है, तो उन्हें अदालत में बुलाया जाएगा।

Q5. What is India’s challan law?

Ans5. In India, enforcing traffic laws and penalties is essential to preserving road safety and discipline. These fines are applied for infractions like speeding, running red lights, parking improperly and driving without the required documentation. These rules are enforced by the traffic police department in each state.

Q6. How much does it cost to drive while intoxicated in India?

Ans6. A fine of up to Rs. 10,000 and up to six months in jail are possible punishments for the first offense. A fine of up to Rs. 15,000 and a maximum two-year jail sentence may be imposed if the offense is committed again within a year.

Q7. How can I pay traffic fine in India?

Ans7. Process to Make Online Traffic Fine Payment on e-challan Website

1. Step1: Visit the echallan.parivahan.gov.
2. Step2: Choose ‘Check Challan Status’ from the drop-down menu under ‘Check Online Service.’
3. Step3: Enter the required details and captcha code.
4. Step4: Click on ‘Get Details.’
5. Step5: Click on the ‘Pay Now’ option.

Q8. How can I cancel my Parivahan e-challan?

Ans8. To report an inaccurate eChallan, go to the Parivahan eChallan website (https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/).

Q9. What is the expiration date of the challan?

Ans9. It is valid for 15 days following the date of production of the Challan (CRN). The status of unused CRNs is changed to Expired after the expiry of this validity period. Taxpayer may initiate payment against the CRN within this validity period.

Q10. What occurs in India if you fail to pay court fines?

Ans10. You risk going to jail for nonpayment if you receive further fines or penalties in a criminal prosecution. Contempt of court or noncompliance.