From March 1, 2025, traffic rule violations have come with higher fines. The government has increased penalties to reduce road accidents and promote safer driving. The new fines apply to serious offenses like drunk driving, overspeeding, running red lights, and riding without a helmet. Some violations could even lead to jail time or license suspension. Repeat offenders will face even harsher punishments. If you’ve been ignoring traffic rules, it’s time to be more cautious, because breaking them will now cost you more than ever.

Updated traffic fines 

Under the new rules, fines for various traffic violations have increased significantly. Drunk driving, which previously carried a fine of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, will now result in a Rs 10,000 fine and up to 6 months in prison for a first offense, and Rs 15,000 plus up to 2 years in prison for repeat offenders. Riders without a helmet will face a fine of Rs 1,000 and a three-month license suspension instead of the earlier Rs 100 fine. Similarly, drivers not wearing seat belts now must pay Rs 1,000 compared to the previous Rs 100. The penalty for using a mobile phone while driving has also increased, with a fine of Rs 5,000 replacing the earlier Rs 500. 

Motorists caught without a valid license will now face a fine of Rs 5,000, up from the previous Rs 500. Triple riding on two-wheelers has seen its penalty jump from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000. Drivers without valid insurance are now fined Rs 2,000, with potential penalties including 3 months of imprisonment and community service, and this fine doubles to Rs 4,000 for repeat offenses. Also, driving without a valid pollution certificate now costs Rs 10,000, along with a possible 6-month prison term and community service, compared to the earlier Rs 1,000 fine. Reckless driving and overspeeding now attract a Rs 5,000 fine. Blocking emergency vehicles such as ambulances will result in a Rs 10,000 fine, a sharp increase from the previous Rs 100. Overloading in trucks and commercial vehicles now incurs a fine of Rs 20,000, up from Rs 2,000, and running a red light now brings a Rs 5,000 fine instead of Rs 500. 

For offenses committed by drivers under 18, the new rules are much stricter. Instead of a Rs 2,500 fine, juvenile offenders now face a Rs 25,000 fine, up to three years in prison, a one-year cancellation of vehicle registration, and they cannot get a driving license until they turn 25.

These tougher penalties are meant to make roads safer by reducing accidents and dangerous driving. While some may think the fines are very high, they are designed to discourage reckless behavior on the road.

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