Updated on 27-03-2025
The roads of India are bustling with heavy traffic, and travellers are on the move from morning until late at night. In such conditions, road safety becomes essential, and following the rules of the road becomes our duty as citizens.
The statistics for road accidents and casualties in India are alarming. Did you know that more than 5 lakh road accidents take place in India every year, out of which 1.5 lakh people never make it alive and 3 lakh are left crippled for life? This points to the necessity of obeying traffic rules.
Traffic Rules in India
To curb the rise of road-related vehicle mishaps, more stringent traffic rules have been imposed from September 2019 by the Indian Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act. The motor vehicle department has also imposed hefty fines for those who break the law. This compels the two-wheeler riders to take traffic rules and regulations more seriously, thus promoting safer roads.
New Traffic Rules and Fines
Under the Motor Vehicles Act (2019), these are the new rules that are being enforced-
- Riding a bike without a helmet will result in a fine of Rs. 1000 and suspension of licence for 3 months.
- Drunk driving will now be fined Rs. 10,000 for the first time.
- Overspeeding will be charged with a fine of Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000.
- Driving without a licence will lead to a penalty of Rs. 5000.
Rule Book for Two-Wheeler Riders: Important Traffic Rules to Follow
These are the top 8 traffic rule violations with their updated penalties and fines that you should be aware of. It will serve as a quick guide and reminder for you every time you turn on the ignition key to ride your bike.
- Driving Without a Valid Driving License
It is obvious that you should have your driving licence with you when riding your bike and it should not have expired. Telling the traffic cop that you forgot your driving license at home or were just about to get it renewed may not work anymore. You will have to pay up to a whopping Rs.5000 instead of the earlier Rs.500 as a fine for violating this fundamental traffic rule.
- Driving an Uninsured Vehicle
Say you were on your bike, jumped a traffic signal, and got unlucky. If you don’t have bike insurance or your policy has expired, you have committed an offence. According to the new traffic rules, you can be penalised with a fine of Rs.2000 (first time) or Rs.4000 (second time) and/or imprisonment for up to 3 months.
Getting your vehicle insured is compulsory as per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. You should have at least third-party insurance to cover your liability in case your car or bike causes third-party injury, death, or damage in an accident. Timely bike insurance renewal is a must.
Buying bike insurance is more than just fulfilling your legal duty as a bike owner. Comprehensive bike insurance will safeguard your bike from damage due to accidents, theft, and other disasters.
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Drunken Driving)
This is a traffic rule that is very well known. Yet there are many who knowingly or rather daringly violate this rule of not driving or riding a vehicle after they are a few drinks down. If you are caught riding your two-wheeler in an intoxicated state, you will be charged a steep fine of Rs.10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. If you still don’t learn a lesson and commit the offence a second time, stricter action will be taken against you. As per the new rules you will be fined Rs.15,000 and/or imprisonment up to 2 years.
If you love to ride your bike as a thrill machine, zipping on the occasional open stretches of road or weaving in and out of traffic at dangerous speeds and racing other bikers, the new penalties for such traffic rule violations should serve as a strong deterrent. Instead of a token amount of Rs.500, first-time offenders will be fined Rs.5000 and/or imprisonment up to 3 months. If you are caught for the second time, be prepared to pay a penalty of Rs.10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 1 year.
- Overloading Your Two-Wheeler
A two-wheeler is meant to carry two people: the rider and the pillion rider. To prevent cases of three persons on a bike – not an uncommon sight in India, there is now a fine of Rs.1000 per extra passenger imposed for passenger overloading. Many times, an enormous amount of material, much more in size and weight than the bike itself, is piled and ferried on two-wheelers. Overloading your bike either with extra passengers or by physical load unbalances the vehicle, hampers maneuverability, and is highly risky for you and others. Overloading of a two-wheeler carries a fine of Rs.2000 and disqualification of your driving license for 3 months.
Despite knowing how crucial and life-saving wearing a helmet is, many two-wheeler riders chose to ignore this step while riding a bike. So, the law has stepped in to tighten the rules. The revised penalty is Rs.1000, and disqualification of your license for 3 months.
- Dangerous or Rash Driving
A common example of an offence under the dangerous or rash driving traffic rule is talking on the phone while driving. If you are in the habit of taking or making calls while riding your bike, know that the fine can range from Rs.1000 – Rs.2000 and/or imprisonment from 6 months to 1 year.
Speed limits at certain places are set for the safety of motorists. Violating them is a traffic offence. For an LMV (light motor vehicle), you can be fined up to Rs.2000 for over-speeding.
Documents to Carry When Riding Bike
If you are taking your bike out for a ride, be sure to take these documents with you to avoid penalties-
- Driving Licence
- The RC or registration certificate for your bike
- Bike insurance papers
- The PUC or Pollution Under Control Certificate
- ID proof
FAQs
- Can I use digital copies of documents when riding my bike?
Yes, you can carry a digital (softcopies) copy of your documents while riding a bike and produce them when asked by the authorities for verification.
- Is it mandatory to wear a helmet when riding a bike?
Yes, the rider is mandated by law to wear a helmet. The passenger riding along must also wear a helmet.
- What is the fine for riding a bike without insurance?
If you do not have bike insurance, you can be fined from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000.
- Can children under 12 years ride as pillion riders?
Yes, children under 12 can ride along on a bike, but they should have all the safety gear.
- Can two-wheeler riders use earphones on the road?
No, using earphones while riding a bike is penalised under traffic laws.
Conclusion
Riding a bike is a fun experience that can be made wholesome if you follow the important traffic rules. By adhering to the rules described in this blog, you can become a responsible rider and citizen and contribute to making roads safer for everyone. Remember, obligations like insurance, a valid licence, and wearing a helmet ultimately benefit you and your loved ones.