Traffic challan amounts in India: the complete state-wise guide (2026)
A single reference for challan amounts across Indian states under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 — the national fine schedule, how states differ, and links to our per-state guides.
A traffic challan amount in India is set by two things working together: the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 (the central fine schedule) and each state's own compounding rules made under Section 200 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The national fine schedule (MV Amendment Act 2019)
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 (in force from 1 September 2019) raised fines roughly five to ten times over the old rates. Most states — including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, UP, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu — enforce this central schedule, with some states adjusting particular amounts and others treating offences like drunk driving as court challans (where the final fine is set by a magistrate, not a fixed amount).
The commonly enforced ranges for the main offences:
| Offence | Section | First offence | Repeat offence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving without a licence | 181 | ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Driving despite disqualification | 182 | ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Overspeeding (light vehicle) | 183(1)(i) | ₹1,000–2,000 | ₹2,000–4,000 |
| Overspeeding (medium/heavy vehicle) | 183(1)(ii) | ₹2,000–4,000 | ₹2,000–4,000 |
| Dangerous / rash driving | 184 | up to ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 + jail (up to 1 yr) |
| Mobile phone while driving | 184B | ₹1,000 (₹5,000 in some states) | ₹5,000–10,000 |
| Drunk driving | 185 | ₹10,000 + jail (up to 6 months) | ₹15,000 + jail (up to 2 yrs) |
| Racing / speed trials | 189 | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 + jail (up to 1 yr) |
| No PUC (pollution) certificate | 190 | ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 + jail (up to 6 months) |
| Driving without registration | 192 | ₹2,000–5,000 | ₹5,000–10,000 |
| Triple riding | 194C | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 |
| No seat belt / child restraint | 194B | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 |
| No helmet (rider & pillion) | 194D | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Not giving way to emergency vehicle | 194E | ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 |
| No insurance | 196 | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Signal jumping / disobeying sign | 119, 177A | ₹1,000–5,000 | ₹5,000–10,000 |
| Wrong side / one-way violation | 184 | ₹500–1,500 | ₹1,000–5,000 |
| Juvenile driving | 199 | ₹25,000 + guardian liable | — |
| Overloading goods vehicle | 194(1) | ₹20,000 + ₹2,000/tonne | higher + permit issues |
⚠️ Important. Under Section 200 of the MV Act states fix their own compounding amounts, and offences marked "court challan" (dangerous driving, drunk driving, red-light jumping in Delhi) end in a magistrate deciding the fine. Amounts above are the standard enforced ranges — always check the official e-challan portal before paying.
How states actually differ
- Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, UP — largely enforce the full 2019-based schedule. Delhi goes further by making dangerous driving, drunk driving and red-light jumping court challans (fine set by the magistrate).
- Gujarat — reduced a number of fines after September 2019 to ease the burden on motorists, and its liquor prohibition makes drunk driving uniquely serious (effectively zero alcohol tolerance behind the wheel).
- Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Telangana — apply the national schedule with small adjustments (for example TN's graduated figures for pillion helmet violations).
- Rajasthan — adopted digital-only enforcement in 2026: no cash payments, all e-challans cleared through the state's ITMS portal.
The amounts that matter most day-to-day rarely change: helmet ₹1,000, seat belt ₹1,000, no licence ₹5,000, no insurance ₹2,000–4,000, drunk driving ₹10,000 (₹15,000 repeat), and overspeeding ₹1,000–4,000 depending on vehicle size.
State-by-state guides in this series
Before you pay
- Check pending challans on the official echallan.parivahan.gov.in portal by vehicle number, DL number or challan number.
- If the amount looks wrong, dispute it in time — most states cap the window at 30–60 days.
- Keep the payment receipt; challan status can take a day or two to update.
This guide reflects the standard national schedule and state public schedules as of August 2026. Because compounding amounts are set by state governments and some offences go to court, the exact figure on a particular challan can differ. Refer to your state transport/traffic police portal or the gazette notification for the final legal position.
Source: echallan.parivahan.gov.in