RTO Rules and Penalties in India

Stay updated with India's latest traffic regulations to ensure safer roads and avoid penalties.

Over Speeding

Traffic Violation

Driving beyond the legal speed limits on roads or expressways is a punishable offense.

Penalty: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 based on speed range

No Helmet

Traffic Violation

Riding a two-wheeler without a helmet compromises safety and violates traffic laws.

Penalty: ₹1,000 + Possible License Suspension

Driving Without a Valid License

Traffic Violation

Operating a vehicle without a valid or current driving license.

Penalty: ₹5,000 Vehicle may be seized in certain cases.

Not Wearing a Seatbelt

Traffic Violation

Drivers and front-seat passengers in four-wheelers.

Penalty: ₹1,000

Using a Mobile Phone While Driving

Traffic Violation

Holding or using a phone while the vehicle is in motion.

Penalty: ₹5,000 May be charged under dangerous driving laws.

Drunk Driving

Traffic Violation

Driving under the influence of alcohol (BAC limit: 30 mg/100 ml of blood).

Penalty: ₹10,000 Up to 6 months imprisonment | Repeat offense: ₹15,000 + jail

Driving Without Insurance

Traffic Violation

No valid third-party insurance at the time of checking.

Penalty: ₹2,000 (first offense), ₹4,000 (repeat)

Jumping Red Light / Traffic Signal Violation

Traffic Violation

Not stopping at red lights or disobeying signal rules.

Penalty: ₹1,000–₹5,000 May attract license disqualification

Unauthorized Parking

Traffic Violation

Parking in no-parking zones or blocking public pathways.

Penalty: ₹500 – ₹2,000 depending on city rules

Driving Without a Valid License

Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate

No valid registration certificate.

Penalty: ₹5,000 for first offense; ₹10,000 for repeated offenses.

Pollution-Related RTO Rules and Penalties in India

Pollution control is a key part of India’s traffic and environmental enforcement system. The RTO and other authorities strictly monitor vehicles that fail to meet emission standards or contribute to environmental hazards. Below is a breakdown of all relevant pollution-related offenses, their meaning, and penalties.

Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate

Traffic Violation

A PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate is mandatory for all motor vehicles in India to confirm emissions are within permissible limits.

Penalty: ₹10,000 fine under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 | May also lead to suspension of registration if continued violation occurs.

Excess Emission from Vehicle (Visible Smoke)

Traffic Violation

Vehicles emitting visible black or white smoke (especially diesel vehicles) are liable for pollution-related violations even if they hold a valid PUC.

Penalty:₹1,000 for first offense | ₹2,000 or more for repeated offenses | Vehicle may be stopped and re-tested on the spot

Tampering with Emission Control Equipment

Traffic Violation

Removing or altering emission control devices (like catalytic converters or EGR systems) in a vehicle.

Penalty:₹5,000 or more | Vehicle may be deregistered in serious cases | May also invite fines under environmental protection laws

Selling or Using Non-Compliant Fuel

Traffic Violation

Fuel stations, transport operators, and vehicle owners.

Penalty: Heavy fines by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) | Vehicle fitness certificate may be cancelled | Legal action under the Environment Protection Act, 1986

Operating in “No Entry” or “Smog Control” Zones

Traffic Violation

Certain cities implement temporary restrictions on polluting vehicles during high AQI (Air Quality Index) days — known as GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan).

Penalty:₹5,000 to ₹10,000 Immediate impounding of vehicle

Driving Without Registration Certificate

Registering your vehicle with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is a legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act. Non-compliance with registration rules attracts serious penalties. Here's everything you need to know:

Driving Without Registration Certificate (RC)

Registration

Operating a vehicle that has never been registered with the RTO.

Penalty: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 Legal offense — vehicle can be seized

Expired or Invalid RC

Traffic Violation

Driving with an expired registration certificate (RC validity is usually 15 years for private vehicles).

Penalty: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 Renew every 15 years (private vehicles)

Driving Vehicle with Fake

Registration

Using duplicate, incorrect, or modified number plates.

Penalty: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000+ Criminal charges may apply

Using Temporary Registration After Expiry

Registration

Temporary registration is only valid for 1 month (extendable by another month once).

Penalty: ₹5,000 Allowed only for 1–2 months

Failure to Update Registration After Transfer of Ownership

Registration

Not updating the RC when a vehicle is sold to another person.

Penalty: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 Must notify RTO on vehicle sale/purchase

Failure to Register a Newly Purchased Vehicle

Registration

Not registering the vehicle at all after purchase.

Penalty: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | Vehicle may be impounded

Not Updating Address in RC

Registration

Using the same RC after changing residence without informing RTO.

Penalty: ₹500 – ₹1,000 (private vehicles) | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 (commercial vehicles)

Not Registering in New State (for Out-of-State Vehicles)

Registration

If you're staying in a different state for more than 12 months, you must re-register your vehicle in the new state (Form 27 + NOC).

Penalty:₹5,000 – ₹10,000 for avoiding road tax and re-registration

Insurance-Related RTO Rules and Penalties in India

Driving Without Valid Insurance

Insurance

Operating a vehicle without an active third-party insurance policy.

Penalty: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 May lead to license suspension

Expired Insurance Policy

Insurance

The insurance policy has lapsed, and the vehicle is still being used on public roads.

Penalty:₹1,000 for first offense | ₹2,000 or more for repeated offenses | Vehicle may be stopped and re-tested on the spot

Fake or Forged Insurance Certificate

Insurance

Using a tampered, duplicated, or forged insurance document.

Penalty:₹5,000 – ₹10,000 FIR, vehicle seizure

Failure to Carry or Present Insurance Documents During Checking

Insurance

Not producing insurance proof when asked by traffic police or RTO officer.

Penalty: Heavy fines by the State Pollution Control Board ₹500 – ₹1,000 Verbal/written warning or fine