Traffic Fines in Chennai
Learn more about Chennai Traffic Fines - Implemented as per MV Act
The state of Tamil Nadu had mixed reactions to the directives from Central Government which amended the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.
While the Centre implemented heavy penalties on traffic violations raising existing penalty charges by manifold, Tamil Nadu and in effect Chennai traffic violation fine hike had been put on hold. Hike as per Central Government directives have been put on hold by a few other State Governments as well.
Is Chennai Following the New Traffic Penalties?
Interestingly, Chennai traffic police had begun implementing the penalty structure from the 1st of September, 2019 though the State Government still had not come to a conclusion regarding the same. Consequently, the Government came to a decision to implement these directives in a limited fashion, along with their own upgrades on the exact rates.
While some of the higher fine rates were accepted by Tamil Nadu and subsequently Chennai authorities, they have not accepted the exact rates prescribed for every offence. Some of the new rates have been implemented while a few recommendations have been made to reduce the Central Government’s suggested rates. In case of a few other offences and traffic violations, Chennai traffic fines have been kept unchanged.
Revised Traffic Fines in Chennai
There is still a lot of ambiguity about proper information on the traffic fines in Chennai. The few fines which can be confirmed to have been changed are mentioned in the table below.
Keep in mind, some of the offences are subject to jail time as well, depending on the severity. Additionally, repeat offenders are liable to greater fine amounts.
| Traffic Violations | Revised Fines as per MV Act. | Old Traffic Fines |
| Drunk driving/riding | ₹10,000 and/or 6 months prison | ₹15,000 and/or 2 years jail for repetitive violation. | ₹2000 |
| General traffic rule violations | ₹500 | ₹100 |
| Violations of road rules and regulations | ₹500 | ₹100 |
| Travelling without tickets | ₹500 | ₹200 |
| Driving vehicle without valid registration certificate | ₹5000 | ₹1000 |
| Disobeying orders of traffic police | ₹2000 | ₹500 |
| Driving/riding without licence | ₹5,000 | ₹500 |
| Driving vehicles after cancellation of Drivers License | ₹5000 | ₹500 |
| Driving an oversized vehicle | ₹5000 | - |
| Riding without a helmet | ₹1,000 and ban of riding licence for 3 months. | ₹100 |
| Driving without insurance | ₹2000 | ₹1000 |
| Rash and negligent driving | ₹5,000 | ₹2000 |
| Over-boarding on 2 wheelers | ₹2,000 and ban of riding licence for 3 months. | ₹100 |
| Violations by juveniles | ₹25,000 and an imprisonment of up to 3 years | - |
| Driving without seat-belts | ₹1,000 (and/or) community service. | ₹100 |
| Violating license conditions | Fine between ₹25,000 and ₹1 Lakh | - |
| Driving without a valid permit | ₹10,000 | ₹5000 |
Traffic Fines in Chennai that remains Unchanged
The traffic fines in Chennai and Tamil Nadu which are unchanged are listed below. You should note them carefully, though be advised that the traffic norms and their respective violation penalties are still in the process of formulation. Subsequently, a few of the Chennai traffic police fines mentioned below might be subject to change in the near future.
| Violation | Fine amount |
|---|---|
| Breaching the regulations of a learner’s licence | ₹150 |
| Over-speeding | ₹300 |
| Excessive over-speeding | ₹350 |
| Driving in a reckless manner that is harmful to public | ₹500 |
| Driving despite being declared physically or mentally unfit | ₹150 |
| Using fuel which is illegal or harmful (kerosene and other cheaper substitutes) | ₹200 |
| Violating noise control standards | ₹100 |
| Violating air pollution control norms | ₹400 |
| Driving without paying road tax | ₹300, though it goes up to ₹600 in case someone is repeating this offence. |
| Driving in a No Entry zone. | ₹2,000 and ₹5,000 |
| Disobeying instruction of the authorities | ₹300 to ₹600 |
| Driving in a pedestrian zone | ₹300 to ₹600 |
Currently being in the process of modification and adaption, Chennai traffic rules can be difficult to understand under present circumstances. However, the charts provided above should help you in understanding the crucial aspects of road norms and the penalty charges levied in these circumstances.
FAQs about Traffic Fines in Chennai
Has e-Challan been introduced in Chennai?
Yes, e-Challan has been introduced in Chennai. This digitisation initiative by the Central Government was implemented country-wide, subject to locations which are adequately technologically updated. Since Chennai is a metropolitan city, e-Challan implementation was immediate.
Are online payment options available to clear traffic fines in Chennai?
Along with e-Challan, the option for online payment of a fine is also available in Chennai. The traffic police have introduced payment options on their official website. You can pay the fines using your credit/debit card as well as various cash wallet apps.
What happens if I try to clear a fine from before the amendment?
Firstly, clearing a fine from before the amendment will include penalty charges since many months have passed since they were due. However, the original penalty charge will be as per older regulative.