India implements stricter traffic fines effective from March

In a bid to enforce stricter road safety measures, India has rolled out increased penalties for traffic violations from March 1, 2025. As per the amended Motor Vehicles Act, fines have been increased up to 10 times to curb reckless driving, overspeeding, and non-compliance with road safety rules.

Revised fines

Drink and drive: First-time offenders will face ₹10,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail. Repeat offences will attract ₹15,000 fine and up to 2 years of imprisonment.

No helmet or seatbelt: Riding without a helmet or seatbelt will now cost ₹1,000, and repeated violations may lead to a 3-month licence suspension.

Using mobile while driving: The penalty has surged from ₹500 to ₹5,000.

Missing documents: Driving without a valid licence ₹5,000 fine, missing insurance ₹2,000 fine, or a missing pollution certificate ₹10,000 fine could lead to jail time and community service.

Triple ride & rash driving: Triple riding on two-wheelers will now attract a ₹1,000 fine, while rash driving or racing will cost ₹5,000.

Jumping signals & overloading: Jumping a signal now carries a fine of ₹5,000, and overloading a vehicle can cost up to ₹20,000.

Juvenile driver: If a minor is caught driving, the guardian will be fined ₹25,000, the vehicle’s registration will be cancelled, and the minor will be banned from obtaining a licence until the age of 25.

With these new stringent measures, the government aims to ensure road safety and reduce accidents caused by reckless driving.