In order to curb rash driving and ensure road safety, the Indian government introduced new traffic rules in India with very hefty penalties and increased punishment for disobeying them. The new traffic rules, introduced on March 1, 2025, have the vision of reducing accidents caused by drunk driving, over-speeding, and disobeying basic traffic rules. Tougher penalties, increased fines, and compulsory community service are being advocated for by the government to have zero tolerance for road offences.
Key Amendments In New Indian Traffic Rules 2025
The latest reforms introduce major changes in fines and punishment for ordinary crimes. Drinking and driving carries a fine of ₹10,000 and/or six months imprisonment. Repeat offenders will be fined ₹15,000 and sent to prison for two years, much more than the earlier ₹1,000–₹1,500.
Bikers caught helmet-less will be fined ₹1,000 and have their licence suspended for three months. A similar penalty of ₹1,000 will be imposed for not wearing a seatbelt, emphasising the use of protective equipment for both drivers and riders.
Using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle is now a ₹5,000 offence, double from ₹500. This rise was made to reduce distracted driving, a leading cause of accidents.
Driving without a valid driving licence will now have a ₹5,000 fine. Also, if a vehicle owner is without valid insurance, the fine will be ₹2,000 and/or three months of imprisonment with community service. In case of a repeat offence, the fine doubles to ₹4,000.
Failure to produce a genuine Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will invite a ₹10,000 penalty and may lead to six months of jail time along with community service. This stringent provision is intended to curb vehicle pollution and encourage eco-friendliness.
Heavy Penalties For Rash Driving And Traffic Violations
Triple riding on a two-wheeler is now punishable by a ₹1,000 fine in an effort to dissuade unsafe riding habits. Racing or overspeeding on highways will also have a ₹5,000 fine to ensure driver and pedestrian safety.
Failure to yield the road to emergency vehicles, like ambulances and fire trucks, will henceforth fine an offender ₹10,000. This is with the view of preventing undue delay in life-or-death situations.
Crossing a red light will be met with a fine of ₹5,000 in order to prompt greater compliance with traffic lights. Overloaded vehicles will also face severe penalties as fines go from ₹2,000 to ₹20,000 to stop causing damage to the roads and crashes.
A Step Towards Safer Roads
Offences caused by juveniles (less than 18 years) will lead to drastic penalties. Parents or owners of vehicles will have to pay a fine of ₹25,000, be imprisoned for three years, and have their vehicle registration cancelled for one year.
Moreover, the youthful offender will not be eligible to acquire a driving licence until the age of 25 to discourage underage and irresponsible driving.
New Traffic Rules will be a turning point towards strict law enforcement and enhanced road safety measures. The government, with increased fines and severe punishments, is hopeful to curb road accidents and ensure safe driving all over the country.
Do you believe these new laws will actually change driving behaviour or do we need more awareness alongside enforcement?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (For Representation)
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First Published: March 19, 2025 12:19 PM