Traffic Fines and New Rules in Tamil Nadu: Helmet, License, and More

Tamil Nadu is the most industrialised state in India. With major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai serving as industrial hubs, Tamil Nadu is a state that has witnessed nearly continuous growth. And with this growth, comes opportunity, and opportunity attracts people towards the state. Tamil Nadu is also a state with increasing number of vehicles on the road. Heavy vehicle traffic coupled with increasing vehicles loosely translates to a rise in accidents. To counter this, the Tamil Nadu government implemented changes introduced in the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.

Updated List of Traffic Violations and Fines in Tamil Nadu

The Indian government amended the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 in 2019. With changing times, they felt the bill also needed to keep up with modern times. As the fines and punishments in the older bill were less stringent, the government decided to change this. The Tamil Nadu government also followed the government’s example and implemented the changes accordingly. This has certainly changed the state by a lot. However, there is still a long way to go. In the meantime, here is a list of the updates on Tamil Nadu traffic fine which you are required to pay the next time you are in the state:

Type of offence	Vehicle	Fine in Rs
Not carrying a license when driving	Four-wheeler and Two-wheeler	5000
Not wearing a seatbelt	Car	1000
Not wearing a helmet	Bike/Scooter	1000 (your license could be suspended as well for repeated offence)
Driving despite being disqualified from driving	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000
Causing noise pollution	Four- and Two-wheeler	100
Allowing a minor to drive the vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	25,000   (with 3-year imprisonment along with 1 year cancellation of registration. License for the minor will not be issued before they turn 25)
Driving while having offences related to the driver license	Four- and Two-wheeler	25,000 to 1 Lakh
Driving a vehicle without insurance	Four- and Two-wheeler	2000
Not having the proper permit for your vehicle	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000   (which might also include a 6-month prison sentence)
Carrying more passengers than the permissible limit	Two-wheeler	2000   (with the risk of the license being banned for 3 months)
Driving under the influence of alcohol and banned substances	Four- and Two-wheeler	10,000 for first offence   15,000 for repeated offence   (First offence also carries a prison sentence of 6 months, with the sentence increasing to 2 years for repeated offence)
Driving in a vehicle which is deemed as oversized	Four-wheeler	5000
Driving on roads marked for pedestrians	Four- and Two-wheeler	300 to 600   (depending on the number of offences committed)
Not being deemed fit to drive a vehicle, either physically or mentally	Four- and Two-wheeler	500
Talking or texting on the phone	Four- and Two-wheeler	5000 for first offence   1000 for repeated offence

Additional tips for your benefit

When driving in Tamil Nadu, along with good knowledge of the Tamil Nadu traffic fines, also keep these additional tips in mind to have a safe and smooth driving experience:

1. Before you purchase vehicle insurance for your car or bike, compare different insurers. This helps you understanding the different features and services being provided by each insurer and the price difference between them.
2. If your car has been damaged in an accident, do not delay in filing a claim. You are required to file a claim within your car insurance provider’s stipulated time period or else you could risk having your claim rejected.*
3. Include the emergency roadside assistance add-on to your bike insurance With this add-on you can avail immediate emergency services in the event your bike stops functioning in the middle of the road.*
4. Make sure your vehicle is registered on time with the local RTO. Failure to do so may lead your vehicle to getting impounded by the authorities.
5. Do not try to jump the light when the traffic signal is red. Not only is this against the law, but it could also endanger the lives of those around you as well.
6. Avoid driving in opposite directions when going through a one-way road. This could lead to a major accident and cause considerable damaged to your vehicle.
7. Avoid loading combustible items in your vehicle. This could cause a major accident which could lead to injuries and fatalities.
8. Ensure to follow the norms and rules of the road, especially on highways to avoid being in any accident.

Important Traffic Rules for Four-Wheelers in Tamil Nadu

1. Speed Limits: The maximum speed limit on city roads in Tamil Nadu is 50 km/h, while highways allow a speed limit of up to 80 km/h, depending on the road type. Always drive within the designated speed limits to ensure safety and avoid fines.
2. Seat Belt Usage: It is mandatory for both drivers and passengers to wear seat belts at all times, no matter which seat they occupy. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of injury during accidents.
3. No Drunk Driving: Drunk driving is strictly prohibited in Tamil Nadu, with a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03%. Driving under the influence can lead to serious penalties, including license suspension and fines.
4. Lane Discipline: Drivers should adhere to lane discipline, maintaining the lane and avoiding cutting across. Keep to the left unless overtaking another vehicle to ensure smooth traffic flow.
5. Parking Rules: Vehicles should not be parked in no-parking zones, near intersections, or on footpaths. Always use authorized parking spaces to avoid penalties.
6. Use of Indicators: Drivers must always use indicators when changing lanes, turning, or overtaking another vehicle. This ensures the safety of all road users.
7. Traffic Signals and Signs: Obeying traffic signals and signs is crucial for road safety. Drivers must stop at red lights and give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings.
8. Helmet for Passengers: In accordance with road safety regulations, passengers in four-wheelers must wear seat belts. Additionally, two-wheeler passengers must wear helmets.
9. Overtaking Rules: Always overtake vehicles from the right side and never attempt to overtake on curves or near junctions to avoid accidents.
10. Pedestrian Priority: Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians at crossings and exercise caution in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as near schools and markets.
11. Avoid Using Mobile Phones: Using mobile phones while driving is illegal unless a hands-free device is used. Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents.
12. Emission Standards: Make sure your vehicle adheres to the city's emission standards to prevent air pollution and avoid fines for non-compliance.

How to Pay Traffic Fines Online?

Paying traffic fines online is a convenient and time-saving method. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Website

Go to your state’s or country’s official traffic police or transport department website.

2. Select the E-Challan/Traffic Fines Section

Look for the section dedicated to e-challans or traffic fines.

3. Enter the Required Details

Input your vehicle registration number, e-challan number, or driving license details as prompted.

4. Verify the Fine Details

Review the details of the violation and the fine amount before proceeding.

5. Make the Payment

Choose a payment method (credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI) and complete the transaction.

6. Save the Receipt

Download or take a screenshot of the receipt for future reference.

How to Pay Traffic Fines Offline

To pay traffic fines offline, follow these steps:

1. Visit a Local Traffic Police Station: Go to the traffic police station that issued the fine or a nearby police station.
2. Provide the Required Details: Present the ticket number or e-challan reference number, along with any personal identification.
3. Verify the Fine Amount: Confirm the fine amount with the authorities to ensure it matches the information.
4. Pay the Fine: You can pay the fine in cash, or use available payment methods like a debit/credit card if accepted.
5. Get a Payment Receipt: After payment, make sure to collect a receipt as proof of payment for future reference.

This process allows you to clear fines without the need for online payment options.

Conclusion

You can have a safe driving experience in Tamil Nadu if you follow all the road rules and maintain road safety. Insure your vehicle to have an all-round financial protection from road mishaps. This can be achieved with vehicle insurance. *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.