The Government of India has updated the New Motor Vehicle Act 2025 and amended fines that are charged to traffic violators. Under the New Motor Vehicles Act 2025, fines have been made heftier and even jail terms have been introduced. The inclusion of jail terms and heftier fines point out the Government's strict action to curb traffic violations and even road accidents. The revised fines or new fines in the Motor Vehicle Act 2025 target serious violations such as drunken driving, overspeeding, signal jumping, and riding without a helmet, with some offenses now carrying the risk of imprisonment and license suspension. For repeat offenders, the penalties are even more severe.
The new fines have been implemented since March 2025, and now the violator(s) will be fined ten times higher. Continue reading below to learn about new fines-
- Drunken Driving
Earlier, a fine ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 used to be issued against traffic violators under drink and drive. Under the new amendment, violators will face a fine of Rs 10,000 and/or 6 months in prison for the first offense. Repeat offenders will have to pay Rs 15,000 and may face up to 2 years in prison.
- Riding Without a Helmet
Riding without a helmet is one of the most common offenses in India. Earlier, a fine of Rs 100 used to be charged. Now, it will cost riders Rs 1,000, along with license suspension for three months.
- Seat Belt Violations
Drivers and pillion who are caught without seat belts will now have to pay Rs 1,000, compared to the previous fine of just Rs 100.
- Mobile Phone Use While Driving
Using a mobile phone while driving is among the leading causes of road accidents in India. It will now attract a fine of Rs 5,000, up from the previous Rs 500.
- Driving Without a Valid License
If you are caught without a valid driving license, motorists will now have to pay Rs 5,000, a significant increase from the earlier Rs 500.
- Triple Riding on Two-Wheelers
Triple riding on bikes is very common in India. The fine for triple riding on a bike has been raised from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000.
- Driving Without Valid Insurance
The penalty for driving an uninsured vehicle has jumped from Rs 200-Rs 400 to Rs 2,000 and can include 3 months of imprisonment and community service. If repeated, the fine doubles to Rs 4,000.
- Absence of a Valid Pollution Certificate
Seeing rise in Pollution every year in India, fines have also been increased against traffic violators who are caught driving vehicles without valid pollution certificate. Earlier fined at Rs 1,000, driving without a valid pollution certificate will now cost Rs 10,000, along with a possible 6-month prison sentence and community service.
- Dangerous Driving and Overspeeding
Reckless driving now comes with a fine of Rs 5,000. Furthermore, racing or overspeeding on public roads will also invite a Rs 5,000 fine.
- Blocking Emergency Vehicles
Failing to make way for emergency vehicles such as ambulances will levy a penalty of Rs 10,000, a sharp increase from the previous Rs 100 fine.
- Overloading of Vehicles
Truck and commercial vehicle operators need to take note that overloading fines have surged from Rs 2,000 to Rs 20,000.
- Jumping Traffic Signals
If you cross a traffic signal when it is red you will have to pay Rs 5,000 fine, instead of the earlier Rs 500.
- Juvenile Offences (Under 18 Years)
For offences committed by juveniles, the penalty has become much more severe. Instead of a Rs 2,500 fine, there is now a Rs 25,000 fine, three years of imprisonment, cancellation of vehicle registration for a year, and ineligibility for a driving license until the age of 25.