Five traffic violations that can cost you Rs 10,000 or more

In 2022, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) reported that a staggering 4.73 crore challans were issued to vehicle owners in India for violating traffic rules. These violations amounted to an outstanding sum of Rs 4,654.26 crore. While this may be a significant source of revenue for the ministry, it also highlights the alarming prevalence of traffic violations across the country on a daily basis.

Despite the increase in fines imposed on various traffic violations over the years, data indicates that the problem continues to worsen.

Here are five highest traffic violations which attracts hefty fines:
1. Absence of a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate: Vehicle owners are required to obtain an annual PUC certificate from government-approved check points. Shockingly, data reveals that many Indian vehicle owners disregard this requirement. In Delhi alone, the traffic department has issued over 1.5 lakh fines for invalid PUC certificates until October 15, 2023. Violators face a fine of Rs 10,000 under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.


2. Driving with an expired Registration Certificate (RC): Authorities face the challenge of identifying disqualified vehicles that are irresponsibly being used on public roads. To deter such drivers, the ministry has significantly increased fines for driving vehicles with expired RCs or those deemed unfit during fitness tests conducted by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Driving a disqualified vehicle also attracts a fine of Rs 10,000.

3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI): DUI remains a leading cause of fatal road accidents in the country. Offenders caught by traffic police face a fine of Rs 10,000 for the first offence, with repeat offenders being fined up to Rs 25,000. Jail time may also be imposed.

4. Failure to yield to emergency vehicles: Another grave offence that the ministry is determined to curb is the failure to give way to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances or fire trucks. Often, these vehicles find themselves stuck in congested areas where other drivers are reluctant to make way. Hindering the passage of an emergency vehicle can result in a fine of Rs 25,000 and a potential three-year imprisonment.

5. Juvenile offences: Traffic violations committed by juvenile drivers pose a significant risk to road safety. In such cases, if an unauthorized juvenile commits a traffic offence, the vehicle owner will be held responsible and may incur fines of Rs 25,000, along with a potential three-year imprisonment.