Updated on 27 Nov 2025
Delhi’s roads are a nonstop hive of activity, with over 7 lakh new vehicles registered in 2024 alone. The capital’s streets have seen a fresh wave of cars, bikes and scooters. Juggling among honking autos, weaving two-wheelers and crowded lanes is an everyday affair on these roads. Amid this hustle, knowing the traffic rules is not just important for legal reasons, but it is essential for your safety.
Speed limits in Delhi (as per vehicle type)
Delhi’s speed limits differ according to vehicle type and road area, with the Traffic Police frequently revising them to suit changing urban conditions.
Updated speed limits:
- Cars and light motor vehicles (LMVs): 50 km/h in residential or congested areas, 70–80 km/h on arterial roads and 120 km/h on expressways (where permitted).
- Two-wheelers: 50–60 km/h in most city areas and up to 70 km/h on wider city roads.
- Heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs): 40–60 km/h based on route and area.
A small margin of error (typically 5%) is often accepted, but exceeding the limit may lead to an automatic challan issued via surveillance systems.
Red light jumping and lane discipline
Delhi’s intersections are now monitored by AI-powered CCTV cameras, making red-light violations and poor lane behaviour instantly detectable.
Violations like jumping traffic signals, zig-zag or aggressive lane changes and blocking zebra crossings or box junctions can result in a ₹1,000–₹5,000 fine and licence suspension. In serious cases, even short-term imprisonment is given.
Parking and no-parking rules
Illegal parking contributes to congestion and poses safety hazards. In Delhi, never park near intersections, pedestrian crossings, driveways or bus stops. Also, avoid double-parking or stopping in narrow lanes. Penalties for parking violations can range between ₹500–₹1,500. Vehicle towing and additional release charges may be levied if your parked vehicle obstructs traffic.
Even a short stop in a no-parking zone can cost you, so always look for signage or designated parking bays.
E-challan system in Delhi
The e-challan system in Delhi is a completely digital process that helps drivers check, pay and manage their traffic fines without visiting a traffic police station.
How it works:
- Violations are detected via CCTV or handheld e-challan machines.
- An e-challan is automatically generated and linked to the vehicle number.
- You’ll receive an SMS alert (if your mobile number is registered).
- The challan is uploaded to official portals for online payment.
Where to check and pay e-challans:
- Parivahan Sewa Portal
- Delhi Traffic Police Website
- Mobile apps or Delhi police apps like Tatpar.
Note: Fines must be paid within 60 days to avoid late fees or legal action.
Documents required while driving in Delhi
Always keep the following valid documents with you, either in physical form or digitally stored in DigiLocker or mParivahan:
Not carrying these can result in fines of ₹1,000-₹5,000, and repeated violations can lead to licence suspension or vehicle seizure.
Penalties for common traffic violations (2025 updated fines)
Here is a glance at the updated fines in Delhi as per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, enforced in 2025:
|
Violation
|
Penalty
|
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Driving without a licence
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₹5,000
|
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Overspeeding (LMV)
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₹1,000–₹2,000 + possible licence seizure
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Drunk driving
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₹10,000 + up to 6 months in jail
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Not wearing a seatbelt or helmet
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₹1,000
|
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Using a mobile phone while driving
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₹5,000
|
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Driving without valid car insurance
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₹2,000 (1st), ₹4,000 (repeat offence)
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No PUC certificate
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₹10,000 + potential court summons
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Signal jumping or rash driving
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₹1,000–₹5,000 + licence suspension possible
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Dangerous driving or racing
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₹5,000–₹10,000 + up to 1 year imprisonment
|
Delhi Traffic Police updates penalties regularly, so always check their official portal for the latest details.
Conclusion
Understanding and adhering to Delhi traffic rules are crucial for fostering a safe and efficient transportation system. In addition to following these traffic rules, all vehicle owners must ensure they have proper four-wheeler insurance coverage for comprehensive protection on Delhi's roads.
While you are doing your part to drive responsibly, let us help you stay protected on the road. From assistance in picking the right car insurance policy to upgrading to comprehensive car insurance, we have got you covered. Simply fill out the quick form on this page, and our experts will guide you with personalised advice based on your vehicle, driving habits and budget.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and 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.