Traffic Challan Fine Finder: Penalties Under the Motor Vehicles Act
Look up the penalty for a traffic offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, see how it changes for a repeat offence, and add offences to a sample challan to see what they add up to.
These are the penalties set in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as amended in 2019. States can fix their own amounts for settling many offences on the spot, so the fine on your challan can be lower or different. Your actual challan always has the final amount.
Source: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 (No. 32 of 2019), published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 1, No. 51, on 9 August 2019. Read the Gazette copy (PDF, PRS Legislative Research). Last checked against the Gazette text in October 2026.
How to read the penalties
What the amounts and labels in the finder mean.
First and repeat offence
Many penalties go up if you commit the same offence again. Use the First and Repeat switch to see both. For phone use and dangerous driving, the higher amount applies to a repeat within 3 years. For drunk driving, it applies to any repeat offence.
Ranges and “up to”
Where the Act gives a range, such as Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 for overspeeding, the exact amount within it is decided by the authority or the court.
Licence disqualified or impounded
For riding without a helmet, triple riding and breaking pollution or safety standards, the Act also disqualifies you from holding a licence for 3 months. A repeat overspeeding offence leads to the licence being impounded.
Not compoundable
Most offences can be settled by paying the fine. Drunk driving, dangerous driving (other than phone use), breaking road regulations under Section 177A, accident related offences and offences by minors are not in the list of compoundable offences, and go to a court.
Got an e-challan?
The amount on your actual challan is what you pay, even if this list shows something different. Check it, pay it or raise a grievance on the official portal. Our e-challan guide walks through each step and explains how to spot fake challan messages. If the challan was not paid in time and has gone to court, see our virtual court guide.
Fines go to the vehicle number and the contact details on record, so keep your mobile number updated. See our guide to updating your mobile number on Vahan. Many of these fines can be avoided by keeping your papers in order: a valid driving licence, insurance and a PUC certificate.
Common questions
Why is my challan amount different from this list?
Under Section 200 of the Motor Vehicles Act, states can set the amount for settling many offences, so it can differ from the penalty in the Act. The amount on your challan is the one that applies.
Where do these amounts come from?
From the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which changed the penalties in Chapter XIII of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Each offence in the finder shows the section it comes from.
Can these amounts go up?
Yes. Section 199B allows the Central Government to raise these penalties by up to 10 percent every year through a notification.
What is the fine for riding without a helmet?
Rs 1,000 under Section 194D, and the rider can be disqualified from holding a licence for 3 months.
What happens if a minor is caught driving?
Under Section 199A, the guardian or the owner of the vehicle is held liable, with a Rs 25,000 fine and jail of up to 3 years. The vehicle’s registration is cancelled for 12 months and the minor cannot get a licence until age 25.
How do I check if I have a pending challan?
Search your vehicle number, DL number or challan number on the official e-challan portal. Our e-challan guide shows how.
Disclaimer: MyRTOBuddy is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government body. This tool shows penalties from the Motor Vehicles Act for general information. It is not legal advice, and fines can change. Your official challan and the traffic authority have the final word.
Want to check a real challan?
This takes you to the official e-Challan portal. myrtobuddy.com is not affiliated with it.