Traffic Fines & Penalties for Different Traffic Violations in Chennai
The state of Tamil Nadu had mixed reactions to the directives from the Central Government which amended the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
While the Centre implemented heavy penalties on traffic violations raising existing penalty charges by manifold, Tamil Nadu and in effect Chennai traffic violation fine hike had been put on hold. Hike as per Central Government directives have been put on hold by a few other State Governments as well.
List of Traffic Fines in Chennai
There is still a lot of ambiguity about proper information on the traffic fines in Chennai. The few fines which can be confirmed to have been changed are mentioned in the table below.
Keep in mind, some of the offences are subject to jail time as well, depending on the severity. Additionally, repeat offenders are liable to greater fine amounts.
| Violations | Penalty |
| Drunk Driving/Riding | ₹10,000 and/or 6 months prison ₹15,000 and/or 2 years jail for repetitive violation |
| General Traffic Rule Violations | ₹500 |
| Violations of Road Rules and Regulations | ₹500 |
| Travelling Without Tickets | ₹500 |
| Driving Vehicle Without Valid Registration Certificate | ₹5000 |
| Disobeying Orders of Traffic Police | ₹2000 |
| Driving/Riding Without Licence | ₹5,000 |
| Driving Vehicles After Cancellation of Drivers Licence | ₹5000 |
| Driving an Oversized Vehicle | ₹5000 |
| Riding Without a Helmet | ₹1,000 and ban of riding licence for 3 months |
| Driving Without Insurance | ₹2000 |
| Rash and Negligent Driving | ₹5,000 |
| Over-boarding on Two-wheelers | ₹2,000 and ban of riding licence for 3 months |
| Violations by Juveniles | ₹25,000 and an imprisonment of up to 3 years |
| Driving Without Seat-belts | ₹1,000 (and/or) community service |
| Violating Licence Conditions | Between ₹25,000 and ₹1 Lakh |
| Driving Without a Valid Permit | ₹5,000 |
While the above traffic fine Chennai has been modified, quite a few are still under consideration.
When Were the New Traffic Fines Implemented in Chennai?
Chennai traffic police had begun implementing the penalty structure from the 1st of September, 2019. The Government came to a decision to implement these directives in a limited fashion, along with their own upgrades on the exact rates.
While some of the higher fine rates were accepted by Tamil Nadu and subsequently Chennai authorities, they have not accepted the exact rates prescribed for every offence. Some of the new rates have been implemented while a few recommendations have been reduced.
Have Traffic Fines Been Reduced in Chennai?
Fines against certain violations including reckless driving, over-speeding, and driving in ‘No Entry’ or ‘Pedestrian’ zones have been reduced by the State Government in Tamil Nadu. The penalties mandated by the New Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 was deemed not feasible and thereby the amount was reduced by the Government.
Such types of violations also include breaching of the Learner’s Licence, not obeying the Air Pollution Control norms, driving without paying Road Tax, etc. While such violations attract lower penalties, all other types mentioned in the above table attract fines as per the amended MV Act.
What Should You Take Care of As a Law-abiding Citizen?
As a responsible citizen both the rider and the pillion rider must wear helmets while riding a two-wheeler to ensure maximum protection against both accidents and fines. In addition, one should never drink and drive and perform timely pollution control tests to drive legally on the roads of Chennai.
