Updated Fines in Maharashtra for Traffic Violations

Road safety is a major concern in Maharashtra, one of India's most populated states, with a significant number of road accidents recorded every year. In response to the increasing fatalities and to improve road safety, the Government of India made amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019, introducing stringent traffic fines across the country. Maharashtra, after initial resistance, implemented these changes in December 2019, aiming to curb reckless driving and encourage safe driving habits. In this blog, we'll delve into the updated fines for traffic violations in Maharashtra, how they impact motorists, and the importance of adhering to traffic rules to avoid penalties.

Traffic Violations and Penalties in Maharashtra

Violation	Penalty	Vehicle Type
Driving Without a Seatbelt	₹1,000	Four-wheeler
Carrying Excess Luggage	First Offence: ₹500, Repeat Offence: ₹1,500	All Vehicle Types
Triple Riding on Two-wheeler	₹1,000	Two-wheeler
Driving Without a Number Plate	First Offence: ₹500, Repeat Offence: ₹1,500	All Vehicle Types
Driving Without a Helmet	₹1,000	Two-wheeler
Minor Driving Vehicle	₹25,000	All Vehicle Types
Parking in No-Parking Zone	First Offence: ₹500, Repeat Offence: ₹1,500	All Vehicle Types
Dangerous/Rash Driving	First Offence: ₹5,000, Repeat Offence: ₹10,000	All Vehicle Types
Disobeying Traffic Signals	First Offence: ₹5,000, Repeat Offence: ₹10,000	All Vehicle Types
Using a Mobile Phone While Driving	First Offence: ₹5,000, Repeat Offence: ₹10,000	All Vehicle Types
Driving Uninsured Vehicle	₹2,000	All Vehicle Types
Drunk Driving	₹10,000	All Vehicle Types
Driving Vehicle Without Registration	₹2,000	All Vehicle Types
Over-speeding	LMV: ₹1,000, Medium Passenger Goods Vehicle: ₹2,000	All Vehicle Types
Carrying Explosive/Inflammable Substances	₹10,000	All Vehicle Types
Violation of Road Regulations	₹1,000	All Vehicle Types
Driving When Mentally or Physically Unfit to Drive	First Offence: ₹1,000, Repeat Offence: ₹2,000	All Vehicle Types
Not Giving Passage to Emergency Vehicles	₹10,000	All Vehicle Types
Disqualified Person Driving a Vehicle	₹10,000	All Vehicle Types
Driving Without Insurance	₹2,000	All Vehicle Types
Racing	First Offence: ₹5,000, Repeat Offence: ₹10,000	All Vehicle Types
Overloading	₹2,000	All Vehicle Types
Driving Without a Valid Driving Licence	₹5,000	All Vehicle Types
Driving a Vehicle Registered in Another State for More Than 12 Months	First Offence: ₹500, Repeat Offence: ₹1,500	All Vehicle Types
Failure to Intimate Change of Vehicle Owner’s Address	First Offence: ₹500, Repeat Offence: ₹1,500	All Vehicle Types

Important Traffic Rules for Four-Wheelers in Maharashtra

Driving a car comes with significant responsibilities. To ensure safety, all drivers must adhere to the following traffic rules:

1. Maintain Speed Limit

The speed limit for cars in Maharashtra is 100 km/h on highways and 60 km/h in urban areas. Exceeding these limits can result in hefty fines and increased risk of accidents.

2. Always Wear a Seatbelt

It is mandatory for both drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. Failing to do so attracts a fine of ₹1,000.

3. Carry Valid Documents

Always have your driving licence, vehicle registration, insurance papers, and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate with you. Fines for missing documents can go up to ₹5,000.

4. Avoid Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence. It not only puts your life at risk but also endangers others on the road. The fine for drunk driving is ₹10,000 and may include suspension of your driving licence.

5. Respect Traffic Signals

Ignoring traffic signals can lead to accidents and a penalty of ₹5,000 for the first offence and ₹10,000 for subsequent offences.

Important Traffic Rules for Two-Wheelers in Maharashtra

Riding a two-wheeler offers convenience but also comes with its own set of responsibilities. Here are some key rules to follow:

1. Wear a Helmet

Both the rider and the pillion passenger must wear helmets at all times. Not wearing a helmet can lead to a fine of ₹1,000.

2. Avoid Triple Riding

Carrying more than one pillion rider on a two-wheeler is illegal and dangerous. The penalty for triple riding is ₹1,000.

3. Don't Use Mobile Phones

Using a mobile phone while riding is not only risky but also illegal. The fine for this offence is ₹5,000 for the first instance.

4. Have a Valid Driving Licence

Riding without a licence can result in a significant penalty of ₹5,000. Ensure your licence is always up-to-date and valid for the vehicle you are operating.

5. No Overspeeding

For two-wheelers, overspeeding attracts a fine of ₹1,000 for light motor vehicles and ₹2,000 for heavier vehicles.

Maharashtra Traffic Fines: For Bikes

In Maharashtra, fines for bike-related offences include ₹1,000 for not wearing a helmet, ₹1,000 for triple riding, and ₹500 to ₹1,500 for parking violations. Additionally, drunk driving attracts a penalty of ₹10,000.

Maharashtra Traffic Fines: For Cars

For cars, fines include ₹1,000 for not wearing a seatbelt, ₹5,000 for driving without a valid licence, and up to ₹10,000 for drunk driving. Dangerous driving can lead to a fine of ₹5,000 for the first offence and ₹10,000 for repeated offences.

Maharashtra RTO Fines: Most Common Offences

The most common traffic violations in Maharashtra include overspeeding, not wearing seatbelts or helmets, using mobile phones while driving, and drunk driving. These offences are targeted with heavy fines to deter unsafe driving behaviours. Overspeeding fines range from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, while not using seat belts or helmets attracts a fine of ₹1,000. Using mobile phones while driving can cost up to ₹10,000 for repeated offences.

Some Non-Compoundable Offences

Certain traffic offences in Maharashtra are considered non-compoundable, meaning they cannot be settled with a simple fine. These include driving without a valid licence, drunk driving, and causing accidents due to reckless driving. These offences require the driver to appear in court, where more severe penalties, including imprisonment, can be imposed. Non-compoundable offences are treated with utmost seriousness to ensure that road safety is not compromised.

Reason Behind Fine Hike

The increase in fines will help to discourage people who are violating traffic rules. It will also help to the practice of driving safely on the Indian roads. The prime objective behind the implementation of the fines and hikes is following the traffic rules and ensuring road safety at any given point in time. For all the vehicle owners and drivers, it is better to follow the traffic rules and not end up paying hefty fines. Anyone who has pending e-challans ensure to pay it before it's late. Road safety and streamlining the traffic is of utmost importance.

When Were the New Traffic Fines Implemented in Maharashtra?

The new traffic fines in Maharashtra were implemented in December 2019 following the amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act. Initially, Maharashtra, along with other states like Gujarat and Karnataka, resisted these changes due to concerns over the feasibility of such high fines. However, with the increasing number of road accidents and fatalities, the state government decided to implement the revised fines to promote safer driving habits and reduce road mishaps.

Have Traffic Fines Been Reduced in Maharashtra?

Yes, some traffic fines have been reduced in Maharashtra. For instance, the penalty for driving without a licence has been revised from ₹5,000 to ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 for different types of vehicles. Similarly, the fine for blocking emergency vehicles has been reduced from ₹10,000 to ₹1,000. However, certain offences, like overspeeding and drunk driving, have seen an increase in fines to deter dangerous driving.

Traffic Fine Collection in Maharashtra

In 2023, Maharashtra collected substantial revenue from traffic fines, amounting to over ₹320 crores. The collection is done through various methods, including on-the-spot fines, online payments, and payments at traffic police stations. The high collection highlights the strict enforcement of traffic rules in the state and serves as a deterrent against violating these rules.

How to Check e-Challan in Maharashtra and Pay Online?

You can check your e-Challan status and pay fines online through the Parivahan website or the Maharashtra State E-Challan payment portal. Simply enter your vehicle number or driving licence number to view the status of any pending challan. Payment can be made using debit/credit cards or net banking. Alternatively, you can pay your fine in cash to a traffic police officer equipped with an e-challan machine or at a traffic police station.

How to Avoid Traffic Fines in Maharashtra

Here is a rundown of the tips that will help to avoid fines:

1. Ensure that all the documents are correct and in place about the motor vehicle. It is better to keep the documents handy.
2. At all times, ensure that a seatbelt is worn while driving a car. The front seat passenger needs to wear a seatbelt as well. In the case of a two-wheeler, both the rider and pavilion rider need to wear a helmet. Only having bike insurance is not helpful, it is important to take precautionary measures as well.
3. While driving any vehicle do not use a mobile phone or speak on phone. In case the call is important, park the vehicle aside and then take the call.
4. Follow the traffic rules and limit the honking.
5. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol.
6. Keep track of the speed limit. Speeding has a direct impact not only on the safety of the driver but the other people on roads as well. Avoid overtaking vehicles. Let the pedestrians cross the road.
7. Have the right insurance policy in place. Consider buying car insurance if you own a car or bike insurance for a two-wheeler. The insurance coverage does not leave in financial distress and acts as a cushion.

Conclusion

Road safety is not limited to any age or gender. Road safety is meant for all. As responsible citizens, each one of us needs to abide by the road and traffic rules. These rules have been curated for our safety. Regardless of whether you have a two-wheeler or four-wheeler, it is important to abide by the rules without a fail and not pay up hefty fines. Remember, normal speeds can also meet your needs. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. By adhering to these traffic rules and being aware of the updated fines, motorists can not only avoid hefty penalties but also contribute to safer roads. For those looking for reliable motor insurance to protect against unforeseen events, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offers comprehensive coverage plans to keep you safeguarded on the roads of Maharashtra. Stay informed, drive safe, and be responsible.

FAQs

What are the most common traffic violations in Maharashtra?

The most common traffic violations include overspeeding, driving without a licence, not wearing seatbelts or helmets, and using mobile phones while driving.

Can traffic fines impact my car insurance premium?

Yes, repeated traffic violations can lead to higher car insurance premiums as insurers view you as a high-risk driver.

What should I do if I receive a traffic fine by mistake?

If you receive a traffic fine by mistake, you can contest it through the official Parivahan website or visit a traffic police station with the necessary documents to clarify the issue.

How are traffic fines different in Maharashtra compared to other states?

Maharashtra has implemented fines as per the amended Motor Vehicles Act, similar to many other states. However, some fines may vary slightly based on state-specific regulations and enforcement practices. *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.