Introduction
The amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, issued by the Central Government, triggered a wave of mixed reactions in Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai. While the Central Government introduced significant hikes in penalties for traffic violations, several state governments, including Tamil Nadu, chose to put these increases on hold. This move aimed to provide a respite to the public and alleviate the immediate burden of hefty fines. However, certain Chennai traffic challan did see changes in line with the Central Government's directives, which are listed below:
List of Traffic Fines in Chennai
Here are some of the revised traffic fines in Chennai, with penalties that may vary based on the severity of the violation and repeat offences:
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Traffic Offence
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Penalty
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Drunk Driving/Riding
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Penalty is ₹10,000 and/or 6 months in prison.
For repetitive violation, the penalty is ₹15,000 and/or 2 years in jail.
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General Traffic Rule Violations
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Penalty is ₹500
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Violations of Road Rules and Regulations
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Penalty is ₹500
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Travelling Without Tickets
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Penalty is ₹500
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Operating a Vehicle Without a Legitimate Registration Certificate
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Penalty is ₹5,000
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Disobeying Orders of Traffic Police
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Penalty is ₹2,000
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Driving/Riding Without License
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Penalty is ₹5,000
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Driving Vehicles After Cancellation of Driver’s Licence
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Penalty is ₹5,000
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Driving an Oversized Vehicle
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Penalty is ₹5,000
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Riding Without a Helmet
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Penalty is ₹1,000 and a ban on driving licence for 3 months
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Driving Without Insurance
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Penalty is ₹2,000
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Rash and Negligent Driving
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Penalty is ₹5,000
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Over-Boarding on Two-Wheelers
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Penalty is ₹2,000 and a ban on driving licence for 3 months
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Violations by Juveniles
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Penalty is ₹25,000 and imprisonment of up to 3 years
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Driving Without Seatbelts
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Penalty is ₹1,000 (and/or) community service
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Violating Licence Conditions
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Penalty is Between ₹25,000 and ₹1 Lakh
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Driving Without a Valid Permit
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Penalty is ₹5,000
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Conclusion
Given the substantial penalties increase, deciding to put some of the fine hikes on hold reflects the government’s concern for public welfare. While some fines remain unchanged, Chennai residents should stay updated on the latest regulations and exercise responsible driving habits to avoid violations and penalties. Additionally, you should maintain valid car insurance to ensure financial protection in the event of accidents and comply with legal requirements, even as traffic fines remain a subject of discussion and potential revision.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the relevant industry. It is advised to verify the relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.