Traffic Laws

I got an e-challan. How do I check, pay or dispute it?

Check it yourself on the official Parivahan e-Challan site or app. Under rules changed in January 2026, you generally get 45 days to pay it or contest it online. If you do neither, it can be treated as accepted. Challans sent to court can be handled on Virtual Courts.

Do I need original licence and RC, or is DigiLocker enough?

DigiLocker or mParivahan is enough. Since 2018, the rules let you show your licence, RC, insurance, PUC and other documents in electronic form. If police can verify them electronically, they should not insist on paper copies.

What is the fine for no helmet or no seatbelt?

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, riding without a helmet costs ₹1,000, and your licence can be disqualified for 3 months. Not wearing a seatbelt, front or back, is ₹1,000, as is not securing a child under 14. Your state may charge a different amount.

What happens if I'm caught drunk driving?

It is a crime if a breath or blood test shows more than 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, or if drugs stop you driving safely. First offence: up to 6 months' jail or a ₹10,000 fine, or both. Repeat: up to 2 years or ₹15,000, or both.

Act fast

I was injured in a road accident. How do I get compensation?

Claim at the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) against the vehicle's owner and insurer. For death or grievous hurt, fixed no-fault compensation (₹5 lakh or ₹2.5 lakh) is also possible. If the vehicle is never traced, a government scheme pays ₹2 lakh for death or ₹50,000 for grievous hurt.

Act fast

If I help an accident victim, will police trouble me?

No. The law protects anyone who helps in good faith. You are not liable if the victim is hurt or dies despite your help. Nobody can force you to give your name, be a witness or pay for treatment, and you can leave right away.

Act fast

I accidentally hit someone with my vehicle. What should I do?

Stop and get the injured person medical help right away: take them to the nearest hospital or call 112/108. Then report to the police, within 24 hours at the latest, and inform your insurer in writing. Running away is a separate offence and makes your case worse.

What if my child (under 18) drives a vehicle?

Illegal, except a 16-year-old may ride a motorcycle up to 50cc with a licence. If a minor breaks traffic law, the parent or owner faces up to 3 years' jail and a ₹25,000 fine, the RC is cancelled for a year, and the child can't get a licence until 25.

Traffic police stopped me. What can they ask and what are my rights?

Police in uniform can ask for your licence, RC, insurance and PUC, on paper or in DigiLocker/mParivahan. For a violation, they should issue a challan, electronic or with a receipt. Don't pay cash without a receipt, and you can contest a challan you think is wrong.

What is the fine for driving without a licence or insurance?

No valid licence: up to 3 months' jail, or a ₹5,000 fine, or both. No insurance: up to 3 months' jail or a ₹2,000 fine or both the first time, and ₹4,000 for a repeat. An owner who lets an unlicensed person drive also faces up to 3 months or ₹5,000.