Traffic Rules and Violations in Mumbai

Mumbai's ever-increasing number of vehicles and frequent traffic violations make it crucial to understand and follow traffic rules. These regulations are designed to ensure safety and reduce road accidents. This guide provides an overview of traffic rules, common violations, and updated penalties as per the Motor Vehicle Act.

Traffic Rules and Violations in Mumbai
Chek Mumbai RTO Vehicle Information Pay Online Challans

Introduction to the Motor Vehicle Act

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1914, was the first legislation introduced to manage India's traffic issues. It was later amended and is now referred to as the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, with updates to address modern traffic challenges.

Updated Traffic Rules for Mumbai Drivers

Rules for All Motor Vehicles:

  1. Adhere to Traffic Signals:
    • Red Light: Stop immediately.
    • Amber Light: Get ready to move.
    • Green Light: Proceed with caution.
  2. Carry Mandatory Documents:
    • Valid Driving License (DL).
    • Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC).
    • Insurance Certificate.
    • Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate.
  3. Prohibited Practices:
    • Avoid using mobile phones while driving.
    • Refrain from drinking and driving.
    • Do not overspeed or race on public roads.
  4. Ensure Passenger Safety:
    • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers in four-wheelers.
    • Two-wheeler riders and pillions must wear helmets.

List of Updated Traffic Fines in Mumbai (2024)

Violation Section Fine (₹)
Driving while talking on a mobile phone 250A MMVR/177 MVA 500
Driving without a valid license 3/181 MVA 500
Allowing unauthorized individuals to drive 5/180 MVA 500
Drunk driving (non-compoundable) 185 MVA ₹10,000 or jail time
Over-speeding 112A/183 MVA 1,000-2,000
Driving without seatbelt 138(3) CMVR/177 MVA 1,000
Driving without helmet (Two-Wheeler) 129 MVA/177 MVA 500
Jumping a traffic signal 239 MMVR/177 MVA 500
Racing or speed testing 189 MVA 5,000
Driving without vehicle insurance 146 MVA /196 MVA 2,000 (Owner)
Dangerous driving 184 MVA 5,000
Tinted glass usage 100(2) CMVR/177 MVA 500

Common Violations in Mumbai

  1. Parking Offenses:
    • Parking on the footpath, near intersections, or prohibited zones attracts fines of ₹200-500 depending on the location.
  2. Signal Violations:
    • Not following traffic signals or yellow lines.
  3. Driving in Restricted Zones:
    • Entering no-entry zones or one-way roads.
  4. Overcrowding and Overloading:
    • Carrying excess passengers in rickshaws, taxis, or private vehicles.

Safety Tips for Driving in Mumbai

  • Always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
  • Use indicators and hand signals while turning.
  • Avoid honking unnecessarily, especially in silence zones.
  • Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, including functioning headlights, mirrors, and brakes.

How to Pay Traffic Challans Online

Mumbai Traffic Police offers an online payment system for challans:

  1. Visit the official Maharashtra e-challan portal: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/
  2. Enter your vehicle details or challan number.
  3. Review and pay the penalty using online payment methods.
Traffic Rules in Bangalore Traffic Rules in Mumbai Traffic Rules in Delhi Traffic Rules in Chennai Traffic Rules in Hyderabad Traffic Rules in Jaipur Traffic Rules in Pune Pay Online Challans Check Vehicle Information

RTO Codes (Maharashtra)

Services Provided by RTO in Maharashtra

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Maharashtra is responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of road transport and vehicle administration in the state. Here’s a breakdown of the core services provided:

1. Vehicle Registration
  • Issuing permanent registration numbers for new vehicles.
  • Temporary registration for vehicles in transit or under processing.
  • Issuance of Registration Certificate (RC) and smart cards.
  • Transfer of vehicle ownership.
  • Re-registration of vehicles after relocation to a new RTO area.
2. Driving License Issuance
  • Learner’s License (LL) issuance.
  • Permanent Driving License (DL) for two-wheelers, four-wheelers, commercial vehicles, etc.
  • Renewal of expired licenses.
  • Addition of new vehicle classes to an existing license.
  • Issuing international driving permits (IDP).
3. Fitness Certificate
  • Conducting fitness tests for commercial and transport vehicles.
  • Issuance and renewal of vehicle fitness certificates.
  • Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification.
4. Road Tax Collection
  • Collection of road tax during vehicle registration.
  • Lifetime tax for private vehicles.
  • Periodic tax for transport and commercial vehicles.
5. Vehicle Permits
  • National and state permits for goods and passenger vehicles.
  • Temporary permits for special requirements.
  • Tourist vehicle permits.
6. Address Change or Name Update
  • Checking for compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act.
  • Issuing fines and challans for violations.
  • Seizure or blacklisting of vehicles for serious offenses.
7. No Objection Certificate (NOC)
  • Issuance of NOC for transferring vehicle ownership to another state or RTO zone.
  • Required for re-registration or sale of vehicles across state lines.
8. Hypothecation Services
  • Adding or removing bank loan (hypothecation) details from the registration record.
  • Endorsement or cancellation of hypothecation after loan clearance.
9. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Management
  • Organizing road safety campaigns.
  • Promoting traffic rules and responsible driving practices.
  • Conducting driving tests and awareness sessions.
10. Duplicate Documents

Many RTO services in Maharashtra are now available online through the Parivahan portal or Maharashtra Transport Department website, including:

  • License application & slot booking.
  • Vehicle-related services.
  • Fee payments and status checks.

Types of Vehicle Registration in Maharashtra

  1. Permanent Registration – Issued by RTO for all new vehicles, valid for 15 years (private use).

  2. Temporary Registration – Short-term registration valid for 7–30 days until permanent RC is issued.

  3. Commercial Vehicle Registration – Required for taxis, trucks, and buses with additional permits.

  4. Re-Registration – Needed when transferring a vehicle from another state or changing address within Maharashtra.

RTO Forms and Procedures in Maharashtra

Visit the Maharashtra Transport Department website for detailed information on RTO forms and procedures:

https://transport.maharashtra.gov.in/
Form 20

Motor Vehicle Registration

Form 21

Temporary Registration

Form 29

Transfer of Ownership

Form 30

Notice of Transfer of Ownership

Form 25

Application for Duplicate Registration Certificate

Form 54

Accident Report Form

Maharashtra RTO – Frequently Asked Questions

You can apply online through the Parivahan portal or visit your nearest RTO with the required documents and complete a driving test.

You need the sale invoice, Form 20, insurance copy, address proof, PUC certificate, and ID proof.

Yes, but you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original RTO and apply for re-registration in Maharashtra.

You can visit https://parivahan.gov.in and use the "Online Services" section to track status by application

Private vehicle registration is valid for 15 years from the date of issue, and renewable every 5 years thereafter.