Government tightens traffic rules; fines violators 10 times more
What's the story
From March 1, 2025, the Indian government will bring in stricter traffic rules with penalties increased up to 10 times for severe offenses.
The initiative seeks to improve road safety and decrease accidents.
The decision comes in the wake of increasing concern over reckless driving, drunk driving, and other traffic violations.
The new rules also include jail time and community service as part of a zero-tolerance policy toward traffic offenders.
First category
Stricter penalties for drunk driving and helmet violations
With the new rules, those caught driving drunk will be fined ₹10,000 and/or jailed for six months. Repeat offenders might be fined ₹15,000 and/or jailed for up to two years.
Riding without a helmet is also punishable with a ₹1,000 fine and a possible three-month suspension of license.
Not using a seatbelt is also liable to attract a ₹1,000 penalty.
Second category
New penalties for distracted driving and missing documents
The penalty for talking on a mobile while driving has been raised from ₹500 to ₹5,000 in a bid to curb distracted driving.
Furthermore, driving without proper insurance or driving without a license will now be punishable by ₹2,000 and ₹5,000, respectively.
Repeat offenders may face increased fines, possible jail time, or be assigned community service.
Third category
Increased fines for pollution certificate violations and triple riding
Now, no pollution certificate will attract fines of ₹10,000 and/or six months in jail along with community service.
Triple-riding on two-wheelers is now a punishable offense with a fine of ₹1,000.
Reckless driving or racing would cost you fines of ₹5,000, while blocking emergency vehicles like ambulances could attract a hefty fine of ₹10,000.
Jumping signals will now cost the driver ₹5,000.
Fourth category
Severe penalties for signal jumping and overloading
If somebody is caught overloading vehicles, they will incur a fine of ₹20,000. This is a major increase from the previous penalty of ₹2,000.
Strict penalties have also been introduced for traffic violations committed by juveniles (under the age of 18). The fine has been increased from ₹2,500 to ₹25,000, with a three-year jail sentence for the guardian/vehicle owner.
Furthermore, the vehicle's registration will be cancelled for one year, and the juvenile will be ineligible for driving license until 25.