Traffic Violations and Penalties in India

The rules and regulations for Indian drivers named “Rules of the Road Regulation’ came into effect in 1989. Since then these rules have been amended time and again to include the changes in the growing traffic and road networks.

The Indian Motor Vehicle Act specifies the traffic rules common to all states in India. Motorists have to obey these rules as well as city specific traffic police rules. These rules are applicable to two, three and four wheelers, multi-axle buses and trucks.

Read Also: 30 Essential Road Safety Rules in India

The regulations are strictly implemented to maintain discipline and encourage safe driving. A reduction in accidents, smooth flow of traffic and safety of pedestrians are the concern of the traffic police in every city.

Any violations of these laws incur penalties and punishments.Violations are related to driving, traffic signals, parking, vehicle specification, driver behavior, documents etc.

VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

RELATED TO DOCUMENTS

Driving without a valid driving license

Rs 500  and/or imprisonment (3 months)    
Vehicle without registration certificate (RC)
book
Rs.2000 to Rs.5000 for depending on vehicle type
Nonavailability of documents while driving as specified in the Motor Vehicle Act Rs. 500

Driving without valid insurance

Rs. 1000 and/or imprisonment (3 months)
Driving without valid permit

Rs. 2000  to Rs 5000 as the case may be
Driving without valid vehicle fitness certificate Rs. 2000  to Rs 5000 as the case may be
Driving by a person below 18 years (minor) Rs. 500
Allowing one’s vehicle to be driven by an  un-licensed or an under-aged person Rs. 1000 and/or imprisonment (3 months)
License holder allowing his license to be
used by another
Rs. 100 for first offence  
Disqualified person applying for license
or driving a vehicle
Rs. 500 and/or imprisonment (3 months)  
Offences relating to licenses      Rs. 500

RELATED TO DRIVING

Driving without fastening seatbelts Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent offences  
Over speeding/driving above the speed limits Rs. 400 for first offence
Rs.1000 for subsequent offences
Abetment for over speeding Rs. 300 for first offence
Rs. 500 for subsequent offences
Use of mobile phone while driving Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent offences

Driving dangerously/abetment
Rs.1000 for first offence and/or 6 months
Rs.2000 for subsequent
offences and/or 2 years
Hazardous overtaking      Rs. 100
Failing to give way for overtaking Rs. 100
Overtaking from the wrong side Rs. 100
Driving in the centre of the road
without keeping left
Rs. 100
Not driving in the proper lane Rs. 100
Driving against a one way Rs. 100
Reversing without caution Rs. 100
Taking U turns during forbidden hours Rs. 100
Failing to slow down at intersection/
junctions
Rs. 100
Carrying people on footboard   Rs. 100      
Overloading on bikes and two-wheelers Rs. 100
Driving on the footpath Rs. 100
Obstructing a pedestrian crossing Rs. 100
Violating the yellow lines  Rs. 100
Violating the stop line Rs. 100
Violating mandatory road signs Rs. 100
Non-compliance with traffic signals/sign
boards
Rs. 100
Not providing appropriate signals Rs. 100
Crossing red signal lights 


Rs. 100 for first
offence
Rs.300 for
subsequent offences
Driving or allowing to drive a vehicle
carrying excess load


Rs. 2000 minimum and
additional
Rs.1000 per ton of excess
load plus charges for
offloading excess load
Refusal of driver to submit his vehicle to
weighing
Rs. 3000
Driving under the influence of
alcohol/abetment

Rs. 2000 for first offence
and/or 6 months
Rs. 3000 for second
offence and/or 2 years
Driving when mentally or physically unfit to drive/its abetment Rs. 200 for first offence
Rs.500 for subsequent
offences
Driver permits another person to obstruct
his control of the vehicle
Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent
offences
Driver and pillion rider failing to wear
helmets
Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent
offences
Abandoning vehicles in public places
unattended/Obstructive parking
Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent
offences
Any person in- charge who permits
travelling on the running board
Rs. 100 for first offence/
Rs.300 for subsequent
offences
Failure to take precautions at Railway
crossings
Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent
offences
Carrying explosive and inflammable
Substances
Rs.100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent
offences
Parking a disabled vehicle causing
impediment to free flow of traffic
Rs. 50  per hour besides
towing charges
Running unauthorized routes without
permits
Rs.2000 to Rs.5000for first
offence Rs. 10000 for
subsequent offences
Causing accident driving a defective
vehicle or Trailer

Rs.250 for first offence.
Rs.1000 for second
offence or imprisonment
for three months
Driving in a public place violating
prescribed standards for road safety,
pollution, noise control
Rs. 1000 for first offence
Rs. 2000 for subsequent
offences
Violating provisions of MV Act regarding
dangerous and hazardous goods


Rs.3000 for first offence and/
or 1 year imprisonment
Rs. 5000 for subsequent
offences and/or 3 years
imprisonment
Racing and speed trials     Rs. 500 and/or 1 month imprisonment  

Read Also: General School Zone Traffic Rules

RELATED TO VEHICLE

Driving without number plates Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Improper use of headlights and tail
lights
Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Using high beam when not
required
Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Driving without a horn Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Improper use of horn while
driving
Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Unauthorized alteration of
vehicle
Rs.100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent
offences
Taking a vehicle without
authority
Rs.500 and/or
imprisonment for 3 months
Absence of wiper Rs.100
Absence of windscreen, side mirrors Rs.100
Absence of brake lights or
indicators
Rs.100
Absence of spare wheel Rs.100
Absence of silencer Rs.100
Park lights not working Rs.100
Provision of audio-visual equipment
affecting road safety and noise
control
Rs.1000

Speedometer not working Rs.100

RELATED TO TRAFFIC AUTHORITIES

Disobeying directions from MV authorities Rs. 500
Disobeying a traffic policeman in uniform

Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent ffences
Disregarding of policeman signals

Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent
offences
Driver/ conductor failing to produce his license,
certificates of registration, insurance vehicle
permit, fitness on demand to police in a public
place or any other officer of the Motor VehiclesDepartment
Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent
offences

When driver is accused of offence under the
MV Act and fails to provide information



Rs.500 for first offence
and/or 3 months
imprisonment
Rs.1000 for subsequent
offences and/or 6
months imprisonment
In case of accidents, failure to report to the
police, failure to provide information to the
insurer and failure to provide medical aid to
victims

Rs.500 for first offence
and/or 3 months
imprisonment
Rs.1000 for subsequent
offences and/or 6
months imprisonment
Selling of altered vehicles violating MV Act Rs.500

RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Ticketless travel in buses Rs. 500
Failure to produce Drivers Badge in public
Transport
Rs. 100
Failure to wear uniform Rs. 100
Smoking or chewing any intoxicating drug or
drink
Rs. 100
Replenishing fuel tank with passengers on
board
Rs. 100
Overloading of passengers or luggage Rs. 500 – Rs.3000
as the case maybe
Non-adherence to time schedule Rs. 100
Failure to maintain trip sheet Rs.100
Violating taxi stand rules Rs.100
Usage of multi toned horn affecting noise Standards Rs.300
Failure to fit taximeter Rs. 100
Failure to set taximeter in operation on trips Rs.100
Carrying persons in excess of seating capacity in goods carriage Rs. 100 for first offence
Rs.300 for subsequent offences
Demanding excess fare by taxi/auto
rickshaw

Rs. 100 for first
offence
Rs.300 for subsequent
offences
Carrying animals without providing
sufficient space
Rs. 100
Uncivil behavior towards passengers Rs.100
Absence of first-aid box Rs.100
Destination board not exhibited/illuminated Rs. 100
Exhibiting advertisements without sanction Rs.100
Failure to accept tendered fare Rs.500
Issue invalid ticket Rs.500

The basic traffic rules apply to all two-wheelers also. In addition to this, two-wheeler riders should compulsorily wear helmets.

In many states it is stipulated that pillion riders too should wear helmets. Rear view mirrors and indicators are to be used. Pillion riders should not exceed more than one.

Owner of the vehicles driven by juveniles will be held responsible for the offence committed unless they prove that it was without their knowledge or they tried to prevent it.

Read Also: 5 Must-know Unwritten Road Safety Rules on Indian Roads

The registration of the vehicle driven will be cancelled. The juvenile will be tried under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Penalties and fines have been instituted to educate the general public on the do’s and don’ts while driving.

Strict adherence to these rules will help the traffic department to streamline operations reducing risks for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

How Many Countries Have Their Own GPS System

Global Positioning System (GPS), originally named Navstar GPS is a radio-navigation system developed for the Air Force operations of the United States and owned by the government of The United States.

However, there are other names given to the navigation systems that are owned and managed by various nations across the globe, all of which will be discussed under, at length. The GPS finds its extensive use in a number of national and international operations including lending a helping hand to navy and military operations.

When it comes to the daily and most common applications of GPS, you will find its promising role in tracking school kids, vehicles and even pets. GPS devices are also used to effectively manage a fleet in addition to providing real-time weather updates to anyone concerned.

 There are countries that operate through their indigenous GPS systems. 5 of them are India, Russia, China, The European Union and Japan. This post sheds light on all the 5 GPS systems that are operated and managed by these countries.

  1. NAVIC – India

All thanks to the efforts of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), which made India the proud owner of indigenous GPS and navigation system called NAVIC, since 2016. This is the 7th and last navigation satellite launched by India. After the launch of this satellite, India can manage all its military navigation operations without depending on another country.

This is a regional navigation satellite system with 7 satellites working in tandem with each other to provide accurate coordinates of the targeted position. When you say that it is a regional satellite, it means that its real-time timing and positioning operations can span over India and any region in the Indian Territory extending up to 1,500 km.

Applications of NAVIC

  • NAVIC can become the leading light for travelers and hikers by providing terrestrial navigation information.
  • It can be used to lay hands on accurate location coordinates linked to aerial (air), terrestrial (land) and marine (water) navigation.
  • Finding an extensive use in the effective and timely management of disasters, NAVIC can also help in fleet management operation and vehicle tracking.
  • Along with providing important data points like precise timing and map coordinates, NAVIC can help you capture land surveying data.
  • Additional features include the broadcasting of voice and visual navigation information that can help drivers reach a certain preset destination.
  1. Galileo – European Union

Getting its name from the well-known Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei, Galileo is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) that was built by the European Union (EU), in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). It is an interesting piece of trivia to note that this €10 billion project operates through 30 MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) satellites, most of which are operational since 2014.

All the satellites are expected to become fully-functional by 2020. Once the system is completed, Galileo will have 30 satellites which will orbit in space, interoperating with both Russia’s GLONASS and USA’s GPS.

Plan is up for essential lower-precision Galileo services to come with a “cost-free” tag that can be availed by civilians, the high-precision capabilities must be made available to paid commercial consumers. Galileo is supposed to offer vertical and horizontal position measurements with a 1 meter public accuracy.

Additionally, this GNSS project is intended to provide superior positioning services at greater latitudes, when compared to other positioning systems. Italy and Germany are the two companies that are majorly contributing to the Galileo project.

In contrast to the military operations that are directed by the USA’s GPS and Russia’s GLONASS, Galileo is a class apart. The noble intention behind Galileo is to enable civilians make the most of this global positioning system. 2016 was the year in which Galileo started off, by providing basic services, including helping users to be guided by navigation, timing and positioning information.

Applications of Galileo

  • The primary objective of Galileo is to offer an exclusive system of high-precision positioning to all the nations conglomerated under the umbrella of European Union. This was a step to avoid relying on GLONASS, the GPS system of Russian, Bei-Dou of China or the United States’ GPS. This was to counter an imminent danger coming from any one of the countries suspending their positioning services to the EU.

 

  • Another important application of Galileo is to come up with a novel global search and rescue (SAR) function, lending a helping hand to all the distressed people caught up in aerial and marine accidents. It is through this GNSS that the time taken to detect an emergency can be brought down to a mere 10 minutes from the earlier timeframe of 3 hours. That means, this facility will come to the rescue of the people in distress, whether they are trapped high up on the mountains or getting pulled into the ebb of deep waters. When it comes to rescue operations, the faster the better. This GNSS meets this pre-requisite of saving the lives of trapped people quickly.

 

  • Certain innovative start-ups and creative companies are deriving the benefits of various applications of satellite data dispersed by the space programs conducted by the EU.

 

  • A constellation refers to the group of satellites that provide information about location. Once all the 30 satellites in the Galileo’s constellation become operational, it will be able to point to users the accuracy of the signals. This is an important data point for scenarios concerning the safety of people. It should also be noted that Galileo’s navigation system provides a medium of two-way communication between the control stations on the ground and the satellites in orbit.

 

  • Last but not the least, Galileo’s positioning functionalities make their strong presence felt in a number of areas including railways, agriculture, ships, autonomous and connected vehicles, drones and Internet of Things (IoT).
  1. GLONASS – Russia

Commissioned to provide global positioning information to its users since 1995, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite) is a Russian space-based satellite navigation system. This system is meant to provide radio navigation satellite services.

Tagged as an alternative GPS service, GLONASS ranks second as the provider of global navigational system services with reasonable precision. If GLONASS is appended to many of the GPS navigation devices, it will favor fixing the positions of built-up areas which obstruct the flow of GPS satellites; accurately and quickly.

While the completion of the GLONASS constellation took place in 1995, the entire constellation turned non-operational by late 1990s with the loss of some satellites. However, under the presidency of Vladimir Putin, GLONASS began to regain its lost glory in the form of increased funding.

And in October 2011, the entire constellation of 24 satellites was reinstated, offering a complete global coverage. All thanks to the changed positioning of the GLONASS satellites, you can enjoy a higher degree of accuracy at high latitudes, far up in the north or south.

Key Applications of GLONASS

  • GLONASS combining with the capabilities of GPS finds its application in phone baseband chips sold by well-known vendors like Broadcom, Qualcomm, and Exynos.

 

  • It was in 2011 that Swepos, a network of satellite reference stations of Sweden providing real-time positioning information with meter accuracy was the first overseas company to employ the capabilities of GLONASS.

 

  • Again in 2011, GLONASS made its strong presence felt in the smartphone business. Devices that were launched in 2011 were: Samsung’s Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note II along with Sony Ericsson and Google Nexus 10 incorporated the positives of GLONASS. Tablets and smartphones that were launched in 2011 were in a position to uncover the features of high-degree accuracy and speed locking in challenging conditions.
  1. Bei-Dou – China

Moving on to the 4th country that operates through its indigenous satellite navigation system, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System is a contribution from China, exclusively for regional coverage. This system operates with two separate satellite constellations.

The first BeiDou system, also known as BeiDou-1 was formally named as BeiDou Satellite Navigation Experimental System. This system operated through 3 satellites that provided restricted coverage along with certain navigation services to the Chinese and the users in neighboring areas.

However BeiDou-1 could not see the light of the day by the end of 2012.

BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), also known as BeiDou-2 was the name given to the 2nd generation of BeiDou. Colloquially called COMPASS, this system was operational in China since December 2011.

This system had 10 satellites in orbit; a partial constellation. From December 2012 onwards this system offered positioning information to users in the Asia-Pacific region.

It was in 2015 when China started developing its 3rd generation BeiDou system (BeiDou-3) so as to make its presence felt in the global coverage constellation. Until January, BeiDou-3 successfully launched 9 satellites.

However, the target is to launch 35 satellites by 2020, with an aim to provide global positioning services. It should be noted that the BeiDou navigation system has 3 primary advantages when compared to GPS navigation systems for emergencies.

They are two-way communication (bi-directional communication) which is much more secure and highly reliable.

Interesting Applications of Bei-Dou Navigation Satellite System (BDS)

When it comes to creativity, nothing can stop the innate intellect of the Chinese. Here are some exciting applications of Bei-Dou that were churned out by Chinese firms.

  • China’s native Bei-Dou navigation system has some interesting uses that can simplify your everyday life. All the way from bank cards to shared bicycles, this navigation system can also help in identifying unmanned patrol vehicles.

 

  • Bank Cards – Most of the modern day bank cards consist of chips which provide the much-needed safety cover against fraudulent monetary transactions. It is through BDS that you will be in a strong position to lay hands on the exact location of every online transaction. Making the most of accurate positioning technology, you can safeguard yourself from online financial frauds.

 

  • Shared Bicycles – Since accurate positioning is significant information to riders of shared bikes, programmed chips employing the capabilities of BDS are being developed.

 

  • The capabilities of BDS can be applied to inspect the performance of all those drivers who have registered to appear for certificate tests.

 

  • The navigation technology can also be used to locate unmanned patrol vehicles in residential areas when they are fitted with monitoring cameras.

 

  • Security guards braving extreme weather conditions can rely on the positioning information shared by BDS.

 

  • Other applications of BDS include: laying of underground pipelines in urban areas and applications connected to the field of agriculture.
  1. QZSS – Japan

The abbreviation of Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) is a Japanese project aimed at developing a four-satellite time transfer system along with a satellite-based augmentation system. Tagged as a regional coverage system, the first trial happened in September 2010 through a demonstration satellite.

The primary aim of QZSS is to offer highly stable and accurate positioning information to the Asia-Oceania region, focusing on Japan. Originally, QZSS was in the hands of the Advanced Space Business Corporation (ASBC).

However, with the dissolution of ASBC in 2007, the commissioning work was transferred to JAXA in tandem with Satellite Positioning Research and Application Center (SPAC) which was set-up in 2007.

It is a known fact that navigation functions facilitate internet browsing through smartphones and car navigation systems through the use of positioning signals coming from satellites.

QZSS humorously named Michibiki (meaning “showing the way” or “guiding”) is meant to do just that so that users can detect the current location using satellite positioning services.

Since most of the satellite positioning services employ the capabilities of USA’s GPS satellites, QZSS will become a four-satellite constellation in 2018 when teamed with GPS.

It is an important piece of information to note that three of QZSS’ satellites can be visible at all times from any of the locations linked to the Asia-Oceania regions. With these visible satellites in place, all those businesses which thrive on spatial and geographical data points can expand and grow.

Proposed Applications of QZSS

  • Intending to meet the positioning needs of civilians, Michibiki is aiming to offer a positioning accuracy close to inches.
  • As mentioned earlier, satellite geo-location systems will help civilians to carry out internet browsing on their smartphones alongside making car navigation a breeze.
  • Japan, a country known for its unforgiving and rough mountains can experience an obstruction to GPS signals. It is for this very reason that QZSS can complement the US operated GPS to provide positioning signals even on mountains.
  • Japan has a plan to set-up a constellation of 7 satellites by 2023.

Closing Thoughts

While it is very interesting to note that the GPS of United States of America operates 32 medium Earth Orbit satellites in six different orbits, The USA is a nation that utilizes plenty of resources offered by satellite navigation systems.

Next in line are the 5 countries that were discussed in detail. GPS and GLONASS come across as global navigation systems in which India, Japan and China are the countries that operate regional navigation systems so as to facilitate many businesses in different niches.

30 Essential Road Safety Rules in India [Infographic]

Road safety is of prime importance as it is essential to avoid unnecessary accidents. We’ve already lost a lot of lives just because we haven’t been careful enough. Safety is gainful, accident is painful.

Safety begins with a team work and we all have to keep an eye out to not just our safety but also the safety of others too. Safety rules are your best tools for survival. We all have come across someone who has met with a terrible accident.

So, it is not uncommon. With the right steps we can avoid any harm to ourselves and others.

The best gift we can give our family is ourselves. It is not something new that India’s roads are the most chaotic place to ride a vehicle. It is mandatory to adhere to the rules while you are on the road.

Road safety rules are not to be taken lightly but most people don’t even follow the speed lanes correctly. According to the Road Safety Annual Report, there has been a significant rise in the fatalities just because people are not careful about the rules created just for the safety of them.

How many of you know about the road safety week that is conducted every year on January?

People forget to follow simple rules like zebra crossing is for pedestrians.

The new measures implemented aims to make the roads safer to both drivers and pedestrians. A lot of road accidents in India occur due to over speeding and recklessness.

If you could just be more cautious a life could be saved. There are signs on the road that you fail to notice just because you are driving your vehicle fast.

These road signs are carefully implemented by road safety authorities after checking on the probability of the accidents. Responsible driving is to keep an eye out for road signs and follow them without prejudice. Check out this infographic to know the 30 essential road safety rules in India. 

30 essential road safety rules in india infographic

5 Technology Tools that Enhance Road Safety in India

Technology has revolutionized the road safety in India. Nevertheless, road safety is crucial and the Government intends to leverage technology for augmenting the safety of citizens. The technology enables you to control traffic, catch the lawbreakers, and provide road safety.  Let us check out the 5 technology solutions that assist you to create Indian roads safer:

1. LIDAR Gun

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) gun is a weightless and simple tool, which enables the law officials to catch and book vehicle that crosses the speed limit. With the invisible infrared beam in the gun, you will be able to target individual vehicle and recognize whether a particular vehicle is violating the speed limit or not, especially, on the basis of variations recorded in the light.

Moreover, the device estimates the vehicle’s speed within a second and is devoid of errors. Apart from that, the gun also assists you to establish the distance between two vehicles and realize the tailgating instances. In addition, the device enables you to capture and record images of license plates. However, the device is already implemented by traffic authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom.

2.  Speed Indication Display

Warning signs can be beneficial for road users. The Speed indication display that serves as a warning sign, are digital speed boards, which is installed on roads for identifying whether a vehicle crosses the speed limit or not. These devices are installed along with a radar sensor, and can evaluate the speed of the vehicle, which is displayed on the LED displays, visible for all the vehicles.

Today, a wide range of speed indication display devices is available, while certain display the vehicles, which are driving under and over speed and other display the real-time speed of each vehicle. At times, the device captures and store images of speeding vehicles.

Speed Indication Displays have been implemented in Singapore and UK, and Indian Government has already suggested the installation of these devices in its scheduled ‘Integrated Traffic Management System’.

3. Speed Governors

Speed governors as the name implies, allows you to recognize when a vehicle crosses the decided speed limit. With the sensors attached to the device, you can recognize how swiftly a vehicle is going, and whenever the vehicle attempts to cross the speed limit, it will restrict the air flow and engine fuel. Hence, the vehicle will automatically slow down and stops. Therefore, the speed governor is an ideal solution for the vehicles to remain within the speed limit.

4. Variable message signs

Variable message sign are LED boards, which display vital information to commuters. This sign is installed in Indian cities such as Bangalore and Hyderabad. Delhi is also planning to install the sign in the near future. As a result, it serves valuable to road users as they are able to receive the latest updates on the road and traffic conditions especially that of vehicle breakdowns and traffic congestion.

5. Inductive Loops

Induction loops are beneficial, since it detects the vehicles waiting at the junction and send these data to traffic signals, which changes automatically based on the situation. How it works? These loops utilize electromagnetic fields and it will experience a change  in frequency, whenever a vehicle enters that particular area. The feedback obtained from it is transferred via connected cables. In addition to this, the type of vehicle can also be determined on the basis of the changes in frequency.

Final Thoughts

As a matter of fact, the 5 technological solutions are successfully implemented in certain countries. With the integration of these technologies, India has an enormous opportunity to safeguard the road users.