IndiaThe 2019 Act increased fine for traffic violations. What are the new amounts?
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 increased fines for common traffic violations — e.g., ₹5,000 for driving without a licence, ₹10,000 for drunken driving, and ₹2,000 for not wearing a helmet.
What the Law Says
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 significantly increased penalties for traffic violations to improve road safety and deter non-compliance.
The 2019 amendment introduced steep increases in fines across dozens of offences under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. These revised penalties apply uniformly across India, though state governments may notify additional rules or surcharges.
Fines are now graded by severity: minor violations attract fixed penalties (e.g., ₹500), while serious or repeat offences carry much higher amounts and possible imprisonment. The law also empowers traffic authorities to collect fines electronically and mandates compounding of certain offences on the spot.
Importantly, the Act allows for progressive penalty hikes — for example, repeat offences within three years attract double the fine. Certain violations (like dangerous driving causing death) may also lead to imprisonment up to 7 years.
Statutory TextWhoever drives a motor vehicle without holding a driving licence… shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 180 — Driving without licence
Statutory TextWhoever drives a motor vehicle… while under the influence of alcohol or any drug… shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 185 — Driving under influence
Statutory TextEvery person driving or riding on a motorcycle shall wear protective headgear conforming to standards… failing which he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 129 — Wearing of helmets
Statutory TextWhoever is found using a hand-held mobile phone while driving… shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 177 — Use of mobile phone
Statutory TextEvery person… shall wear seat belt… failing which he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 138 — Seat belts
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.