Traffic Challans in India: How Much Fine You Pay for Breaking Vehicle Rules

A Complete Guide for Two-Wheelers, Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Trucks & Buses

Traffic rules in India are not just written to control roads; they are meant to save lives. Yet, every day, thousands of riders and drivers unknowingly or intentionally break these rules. Many people only realize the seriousness of traffic laws when they are stopped by traffic police or receive an e-challan message on their phone.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act has significantly increased penalties over the years. Today, even a small mistake can result in a heavy fine, licence suspension, or in serious cases, jail time.

In this blog, we will clearly explain how much challan is charged for breaking traffic rules in India, covering two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, trucks, buses, and all commercial vehicles.

Why Traffic Challans Are So Strict in India

Earlier, traffic fines were low, and people did not take rules seriously. This resulted in:

High accident rates

Rash driving

Unsafe vehicles on roads

To control this, the government introduced higher penalties, making traffic violations expensive and discouraging repeat offences.

Common Traffic Challans Applicable to All Vehicles

Some traffic violations apply to every vehicle type, whether private or commercial.

Driving Without a Valid Licence

Challan: ₹5,000

Additional punishment: Up to 3 months imprisonment or both

Driving with the wrong licence category (for example, using a private licence for a taxi) is also treated as driving without a valid licence.

Driving Without Insurance

First offence: ₹2,000

Second offence: ₹4,000

Additional punishment: Possible imprisonment

Third-party insurance is mandatory for every vehicle on Indian roads.

Driving Without RC (Registration Certificate)

Challan: Up to ₹5,000

Digital RC shown via DigiLocker or mParivahan is legally valid.

Driving Without PUC Certificate

Challan: ₹10,000

Additional punishment: Up to 6 months imprisonment

This rule is strictly enforced, especially in metro cities.

Overspeeding

Two-wheeler / Car: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000

Commercial vehicles: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000

Repeat offences can lead to licence suspension.

Challans for Two-Wheeler Rule Violations

Two-wheelers are involved in a large number of accidents, which is why fines are strict.

Riding Without Helmet

Challan: ₹1,000

Additional punishment: Licence suspension for 3 months

Helmet must be ISI-certified.

Triple Riding

Challan: ₹1,000

Carrying more than two people on a bike is illegal.

Dangerous or Rash Riding

Challan: ₹5,000

Additional punishment: Jail up to 1 year

Includes stunts, zig-zag riding, and aggressive behavior.

Using Mobile Phone While Riding

Challan: ₹5,000

Using earphones while riding can also attract penalties.

Challans for Three-Wheeler Violations (Auto & E-Rickshaw)

Three-wheelers usually operate commercially, so violations are taken seriously.

Driving Without Commercial Licence

Challan: ₹5,000

Driving Without Permit

Challan: ₹10,000

Additional punishment: Vehicle impoundment

Overloading Passengers

Challan: ₹2,000 + ₹1,000 per extra passenger

Refusing Passenger or Route Violation

Challan: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (varies by state)

Challans for Four-Wheeler (Car) Rule Violations

Car drivers often assume they are safer, but fines are equally strict.

Not Wearing Seat Belt

Challan: ₹1,000

Driving While Using Mobile Phone

Challan: ₹5,000

Jumping Red Light

Challan: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000

Driving Without Insurance or PUC

Heavy penalties as mentioned above

Wrong-Side Driving

Challan: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000

Drunk and Drive Challans (All Vehicles)

Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most serious offences.

• First offence:

  • ₹10,000 fine

  • Up to 6 months imprisonment

• Second offence:

  • ₹15,000 fine

  • Up to 2 years imprisonment

Licence cancellation is common in repeated cases.

Challans for Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles include taxis, delivery vans, trucks, and buses.

Driving Without Fitness Certificate

Challan: ₹5,000

Overloading Goods

Challan: ₹20,000

Additional fine: ₹2,000 per extra tonne

Driving Without Permit

Challan: ₹10,000

Vehicle may be seized

Using Private Vehicle for Commercial Purpose

Challan: ₹5,000

Insurance claim may be rejected in accidents

Challans for Trucks (Heavy Goods Vehicles)

Truck drivers face some of the highest penalties.

Overloading

Minimum fine: ₹20,000

Additional fine per extra load

Driving Beyond Allowed Hours

Challan: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000

Poor Vehicle Condition

Challan: ₹5,000

Vehicle can be stopped until repaired

Challans for Buses (Private & Government)

Bus drivers are responsible for passenger safety.

Overcrowding

Challan: ₹2,000 + ₹1,000 per extra passenger

Rash or Negligent Driving

Challan: ₹5,000

Licence cancellation possible

Driving Without PSV Badge

Challan: ₹5,000

Challan for Minor Driving Vehicle

If a minor is caught driving:

₹25,000 fine on vehicle owner

Vehicle registration cancelled

Minor cannot apply for licence until 25 years of age

Online e-Challan System

Traffic challans are now mostly digital:

Challan sent via SMS

Can be checked on Parivahan website

Payment can be done online

Avoid ignoring challans, as unpaid fines can lead to legal trouble.

Final Thoughts

Traffic challans in India are no longer small penalties. They are designed to force responsibility and discipline on roads. Many people lose money not because they are reckless, but because they are unaware of rules.

Whether you ride a bike, drive a car, or operate a commercial vehicle, knowing traffic fines helps you:

Avoid unnecessary expenses

Protect your driving licence

Drive safely and confidently

Following traffic rules is always cheaper than paying a challan.