Stay updated with India's latest traffic regulations to ensure safer roads and avoid penalties.
Driving beyond the legal speed limits on roads or expressways is a punishable offense.
Penalty: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 based on speed range
Riding a two-wheeler without a helmet compromises safety and violates traffic laws.
Penalty: ₹1,000 + Possible License Suspension
Operating a vehicle without a valid or current driving license.
Penalty: ₹5,000 Vehicle may be seized in certain cases.
Drivers and front-seat passengers in four-wheelers.
Penalty: ₹1,000
Holding or using a phone while the vehicle is in motion.
Penalty: ₹5,000 May be charged under dangerous driving laws.
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
No valid third-party insurance at the time of checking.
Penalty: ₹2,000 (first offense), ₹4,000 (repeat)
Not stopping at red lights or disobeying signal rules.
Penalty: ₹1,000–₹5,000 May attract license disqualification
Parking in no-parking zones or blocking public pathways.
Penalty: ₹500 – ₹2,000 depending on city rules
No valid registration certificate.
₹5,000 for first offense; ₹10,000 for repeated offenses.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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:
Operating a vehicle that has never been registered with the RTO.
Penalty: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 Legal offense — vehicle can be seized
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)
Using duplicate, incorrect, or modified number plates.
Penalty: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000+ Criminal charges may apply
Temporary registration is only valid for 1 month (extendable by another month once).
Penalty: ₹5,000 Allowed only for 1–2 months
Not updating the RC when a vehicle is sold to another person.
Penalty: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 Must notify RTO on vehicle sale/purchase
Not registering the vehicle at all after purchase.
Penalty: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | Vehicle may be impounded
Using the same RC after changing residence without informing RTO.
Penalty: ₹500 – ₹1,000 (private vehicles) | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 (commercial vehicles)
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
Driving without valid motor insurance is a legal offense in India. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, third-party insurance is mandatory for all motor vehicles. Below are the four most common insurance-related violations and their penalties.
Operating a vehicle without an active third-party insurance policy.
Penalty: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 May lead to license suspension
The insurance policy has lapsed, and the vehicle is still being used on public roads.
Penalty: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 Claim rejection, legal risk
Using a tampered, duplicated, or forged insurance document.
Penalty:₹5,000 – ₹10,000 FIR, vehicle seizure
Not producing insurance proof when asked by traffic police or RTO officer.
Penalty:₹500 – ₹1,000 Verbal/written warning or fine