Traffic Fines & Penalties for Traffic Violations in Delhi
As per the ‘Delhi Road Crash Report 2021’ released by the Delhi Police, the National Capital Territory (NCT) witnessed 1,239 deaths of 4,720 road accidents in the year 2021. Unfortunately, these accidents led to the deaths of 1,239 people. According to a report by the media, in the first 5 months of 2022, around 2,300 road accidents occurred in Delhi, which caused over 500 fatalities.
In 2019, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended in a bid to reduce road fatalities and traffic violations. These amendments brought considerable alterations to how roads are administered in the country.
Let’s have a look at where the Delhi traffic fines stand as of date.
List of Traffic Fines in Delhi
Following is an illustration of the traffic fines as implemented under the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act, 2019
| Violations | Penalty |
| Driving/Riding Without Licence | ₹5,000 |
| Driving/riding Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Substance | First-time offence: ₹10,000 Second-time offence: ₹15,000 |
| Overspeeding | LMV: ₹1,000-₹2,000 MPV/HPV: ₹2,000-₹4,000 (+ licence seizure) |
| Driving/riding Without Insurance | First time offence: ₹2,000 and/or 3-months prison, community service Second time offence: ₹4,000 |
| Driving Without Seat Belt | ₹1,000 and/or community service |
| Speeding and Racing | ₹5,000 and/or 3-months prison, community service ₹10,000 for subsequent violation and up to 1 year in prison, community service |
| Dangerous Driving/Riding and Jumping Red Light | ₹1,000- ₹5,000 and/or 6-months to 1 year in prison, licence seizure |
| Violating Road Regulations | ₹500- ₹1000 |
| Driving/Riding While on the Mobile (Handheld) | ₹5,000 |
| Driving/Riding Despite Disqualification | ₹10,000, and/or community service |
| Not Giving Way to Emergency Vehicles like Ambulances, Fire Engines, etc. | ₹10,000 and/or community service |
| Riding Without Helmet (Rider and Pillion Rider) | ₹1000, and or licence disqualification, community service for 3-months |
| Overloading Two-wheelers | ₹2,000 and licence disqualification and/or 3-months of community service |
| Juvenile Offences | ₹25,000 with 3-years prison, cancellation of registration for 1-year, juvenile ineligible for licence until 25 years of age. |
| Overboarding Passengers | ₹200 for every extra passenger and/or community service |
| Driving/Riding Without Ticket | ₹500 |
| Offence Committed by Enforcing Authorities such as Offering Bribes | Twice the penalty (varies according to traffic rules violated) |
| Unauthorised Use of Vehicles Without Licence | ₹1,000- ₹5,000 |
| Refusing to Share Information Under Traffic Authority/Disobeying Orders | ₹2,000 |
| Vehicles Without Permit | ₹10,000 and/or up to 6-months prison, community service |
| Driving/Riding Without Registration | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 for subsequent offence |
When Were the New Traffic Fines Implemented in Delhi?
The capital city of Delhi implemented the new traffic fines on September 1st, 2019, amidst criticism from all corners due to the hike in the fines imposed.
With the hike in the Delhi traffic police fine rates, the number of challans issued had dropped sharply from 5,24,819 in 2018 to 1,73,921 in 2019. However, a surge in challans was seen in 2021, with 13,23,556 on the spot challans (compounding amount of Rs. 9,79,80,500/-).
Have Traffic Fines Been Reduced in Delhi?
With the implementation of the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act on 1st September 2019, the traffic challan rates in Delhi and the rest of the country were increased heavily.
But, keeping the interests of motorists in mind, various states like Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, etc. have deferred the implementation of this Act in the past.
The penalties implemented on 1st September 2019 were announced to be unfeasible by many states like Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat etc, which led them to reduce these fines by quite a substantial amount.
However, Delhi remains one of those states where the fines have not been reduced. Offenders are liable to pay the penalties according to the revised rates.
Important Points to Consider as a Citizen
Consider a few aspects that can save you from hefty fines and accidents. This includes driving or riding within the set speed limit and carrying insurance and registration documents while driving. Moreover, avoid loading your vehicle above the specified limit as this may result in legal repercussions.
So, make sure your driving licence is valid, your car/bike is properly insured and be careful on the roads to avoid paying these fines!
FAQs about Delhi Traffic Fines
Are these traffic fines the same for every state in India?
No, few states have refused to impose the fines owing to the severity of the charges.
Will traffic fines be imposed if I am driving with an expired car insurance policy?
Yes, you will be fined if you are driving with an expired third-party liability insurance cover. You should be mindful about renewing your cover as soon as it expires to avoid these circumstances.
Which are the documents that one must possess to avoid traffic fines?
Before driving, make sure you have the list of documents in your possession –