NEW TRAFFIC RULES AND FINES

Due to rising traffic congestion and an alarming increase in road accidents, the Indian government has introduced stricter traffic rules and heavier fines to make our roads safer. These updated regulations target some of the most common yet dangerous violations, including drunk driving, riding without helmets, not wearing seat belts, using mobile phones while driving, and driving without valid documents or insurance.
The government aims to discourage reckless behavior, protect lives, and create a safer driving environment across both cities and highways by enforcing higher penalties, suspending licenses, and even imposing imprisonment in serious cases. Following these traffic rules is no longer optional; it is essential for your safety, legal compliance, and responsible citizenship.
Like the increase in inflation, traffic jams have also become a worrying subject these days. Recently introduced new traffic rules probably make a difference in this.

What Are the New Traffic Rules and Fines in India?

Road Safety is always a priority or a subject of concern for the government. It consistently works to improve the system and urge people to follow the rules. Recently, there has been an announcement for launching new traffic rules and penalties. Strict regulations and discipline in driving can prove impactful.

Careful driving is not a choice now, you need to obey the traffic rules seriously, otherwise, be ready to pay the hefty fines and experience imprisonment. 

What Penalties Apply Under the New Traffic Rules for Different Violations?

1. Drunk and Drive

It’s illegal to drive when intoxicated. The person who commits this crime can be punished for 6 months in prison. Also, they need to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000/-.  If this crime is committed more than once, the fine will be Rs. 15,000 and may have to spend 2 years in prison.

2. Driving without Helmet

The number of people who have suffered injuries due to not wearing a helmet is not small. Therefore, if you are not wearing a helmet while driving, you will have to pay a fine of Rs. 1000 which was Rs.100 earlier. Plus, your licence gets suspended for three months.

3. Not Wearing Seat Belt

Wearing a seat belt for passengers and drivers is a primary safety measure. Many accidents have been prevented by wearing a seat belt. Drivers who are seen driving without seat belts will be charged Rs. 1000.

4. Use of Mobile While Driving

Many people have the habit of talking on the phone while driving. This can distract attention and increase the risk of an accident. There have been various cases that have happened in the past. Using mobiles while driving may charge you Rs. 5,000/-

5. Driving without Valid Documents

While driving, you must have a valid diving licence. Driving without necessary documents can make you eligible to pay the fine of Rs. 5,000/- However, to avoid this penalty, you must keep the digital copies of documents in DigiLocker.

6. Driving without Valid Car Insurance

The penalty for those who drive with an uninsured vehicle has to pay a fine of Rs 2,000. Plus, they will have to face the punishment of 3 months imprisonment. If they were caught repeatedly without car insurance, they would have to pay a double fine i.e. Rs. 4,000.

7. Reckless Driving

Over speeding or racing the car or bike may lead to an accident. One needs to pay a fine worth Rs. 5000 for this. Similarly, a driver has to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000 for careless driving.

8. Blocking Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles like ambulances must find a way to pass the traffic. It's our responsibility to offer them a way to get out of the traffic. Failing to make a way free from traffic for an ambulance may charge Rs. 10,000/-

9. Triple Seat Riding

Many times we see college going students and others ride with three passengers on a single bike. It's a dangerous act that may cause accidents. Riding with a triple seat makes you liable to pay a fine of Rs. 1,000/-

10. Jumping Traffic Signal

Traffic signs avoid collisions, knowing this, people still don't wait to turn the signal green. Hurriedly crossing the roads before the signal turns green may cause accidents. Above all, jumping traffic signals is against the rule. It takes a fine worth Rs. 5,000 which was Rs. 500 earlier.

11. Overloading

Commercial vehicles like trucks carrying overloads will charge Rs. 20,000. Overloaded vehicles have chances to lose control over the vehicle which may lead to an accident. Additionally, it damages the road infrastructure as well.

12. Driving Under Age/Juvenile Offenders

Misconduct by a Juvenile result in a penalty of Rs. 25,000 instead of Rs. 2,500. They need to spend 3 years in jail for any on road wrong activity. Moreover, their vehicle registration can get cancelled. As per the new rules, Juvenile Offenders cannot be eligible to get a driving license till the age of 25.

What Are the Traffic Fines According to the New Rules?

You can check the New traffic fines in the below table- 

Sr. No.	Offence	Fine (First Offence)	Fine (Repeat Offence)
1	Drunk and Drive	₹10,000	₹15,000
2	Driving Without Helmet	₹1,000	—
3	Not Wearing Seat Belt	₹1,000	—
4	Use of Mobile While Driving	₹5,000	—
5	Driving Without Valid Documents	₹5,000	—
6	Driving Without Valid Car Insurance	₹2,000	₹4,000
7	Reckless / Dangerous Driving	₹5,000	—
8	Blocking Emergency Vehicles	₹10,000	—

Conclusion

Life is beautiful only if you live and experience it. But if your existence vanishes, then everything is meaningless. Our government has consistently endeavored to upgrade the Traffic rules for car drivers and riders. Safety is the only motive for redesigning the rule set.

Following these rules can save as many lives as ours. Obeying rules can set an example of a responsible citizen to encourage others. Let’s do it.

Why Is Car and Bike Insurance Essential for Legal Driving in India?

QuickInsure encourages every driver and rider to stay informed about India’s new traffic rules and fines to avoid legal trouble and ensure road safety. Along with following traffic laws, having valid motor insurance is equally important, and QuickInsure makes it easy to compare and buy car or bike insurance online in minutes. With QuickInsure, you can ensure your vehicle is insured at all times, helping you stay compliant with traffic regulations and avoid penalties for uninsured driving. As traffic rules become stricter, QuickInsure supports responsible citizens by offering transparent policies, instant renewals, and hassle-free documentation. Drive responsibly, follow traffic rules, and stay protected on the road with QuickInsure by your side.

FAQs 

Q1. What are the new traffic rules in India and why were they introduced?

Ans: The new traffic rules were introduced to reduce accidents, curb reckless driving, and improve overall road safety. They focus on strict penalties for violations such as drunk driving, speeding, using mobile phones while driving, and not wearing helmets or seat belts.

Q2. What is the fine for drunk driving under the new rules?

Ans: For the first offense, drunk driving can attract a fine of ₹10,000 and/or up to 6 months of imprisonment. Repeat offenders may face a fine of ₹15,000 and imprisonment of up to 2 years.

Q3. Is carrying car insurance mandatory under the new traffic rules?

Ans: Yes, having valid car insurance is mandatory in India. Driving without insurance can result in a fine of ₹2,000 or up to 3 months of imprisonment. Moreover, repeated violations can lead to a fine of ₹4,000.

Q4. What is the penalty for using a mobile phone while driving?

Ans: Using a mobile phone while driving is considered a serious offense and can result in a fine of up to ₹5,000. This rule is aimed at reducing distracted driving and preventing accidents.

Q5. How do the new traffic rules affect underage drivers?

Ans: Underage driving can lead to a fine of ₹25,000, imprisonment of up to 3 years for the guardian or vehicle owner, cancellation of the vehicle registration, and a ban on the offender from obtaining a driving license until the age of 25.

 

Last Updated : 17-01-2026 |  Author : Team QuickInsure