Drink and Drive fine in India: New Rules March 01, 2025

On March 1, 2025, India implemented a comprehensive overhaul of its traffic regulations, introducing significantly higher fines and stricter penalties for various motor vehicle offences and Drink and Drive fines. This decisive action aims to enhance road safety, deter negligent driving behaviors, and reduce the alarming rate of traffic-related incidents across the country. The revised penalties encompass a wide range of violations, reflecting the government's commitment to fostering a culture of responsible driving.

Key Offences and Revised Penalties for Drink and Drive

Traffic Violation	Old Fine (₹)	New Fine (₹)
Drunken Driving	1,000 - 1,500	10,000 (First Offense) / 15,000 (Repeat Offense)
Riding Without a Helmet	100	1,000
Driving Without Fastening Seat Belts	100	1,000
Using Mobile Phones While Driving	500	5,000
Driving Without a Valid Driving License	500	5,000
Triple Riding on Two-Wheelers	100	1,000
Driving Without Valid Insurance	200 - 400	2,000 (First Offense) / 4,000 (Repeat Offense)
Driving Without a Valid Pollution Certificate	1,000	10,000
Dangerous Driving	500	5,000
Not Making Way for Emergency Vehicles	1,000	10,000
Racing or Speeding on Public Roads	500	5,000
Overloading	2,000	20,000
Signal Jumping	500	5,000
Offenses Committed by Juveniles (Under 18 Years)	2,500	25,000

Note: The above information is based on the latest amendments under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 and state-specific traffic rules. Sources include NDTV, Parivahan (Government of India), and state transport department websites. Future changes in fines and penalties may occur as per new government regulations or state-level modifications.

Additional Penalties for Drink and Drive

• Drunken Driving: First-time offenders may face up to 6 months in prison, while repeat offenders can face up to 2 years in prison.

• Riding Without a Helmet: Violators may face a 3-month suspension of their driving license.

• Driving Without Valid Insurance: Can lead to up to 3 months in prison and mandatory community service.

• Driving Without a Pollution Certificate: May result in up to 6 months in prison along with community service.

• Offenses by Juveniles: In case of violations by minors, the vehicle registration will be canceled for 1 year, and the offender will be ineligible to obtain a driving license until the age of 25. Parents or guardians may also face legal consequences.

  
  

State - Wise Variations in Traffic Fines

While the central government prescribed these penalties, several states have modified the fines to balance enforcement with public convenience. Below are examples of such variations:

Maharastra Drink and Drive Penalty

Traffic Violation	Penalty
Racing	First Offense: ₹5,000; Repeat Offense: ₹10,000
Overloading	₹2,000
Driving Without a Seatbelt	₹1,000
Driving Without a Helmet	₹1,000
Using Mobile Phone While Driving	First Offense: ₹5,000; Repeat Offense: ₹10,000
Drunk Driving	₹10,000
Over-Speeding	LMV: ₹1,000; Medium Passenger Goods Vehicle: ₹2,000

(Source: Republic World)

Uttarakhand Drink and Drive Penalty

Traffic Violation	Penalty
Driving Without a License	₹2,500
Driving Despite Disqualification	₹5,000
Using Mobile Phone While Driving	First Offense: ₹1,000; Subsequent Offenses: ₹5,000
Driving Without Insurance	Two/Three-Wheelers: ₹1,000; Other Vehicles: ₹2,000; Doubled for subsequent offenses
Violating Pollution Standards	First Offense: ₹2,500; Subsequent Offenses: ₹5,000
Not Giving Way to Emergency Vehicles	₹5,000
Absence of Safety Harness for Children in Cars	₹200
Overloading	Light Motor Vehicles: ₹2,000; Medium/Heavy Motor Vehicles: ₹5,000; Additional ₹2,000 per extra tonne

(Source: Scroll.in)

It's important to note that not all states have adopted the amended fines uniformly. Some states have implemented the central government's prescribed penalties, while others have reduced them or are in the process of revising their enforcement strategies for reducing the drink and drive pentalty. For instance, as per a report by Livemint, several states have made temporary provisions or exemptions regarding the new fines.

Source: mint.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on traffic fines in a specific state, it's advisable to consult the official state transport department or local traffic police authorities, as penalties can vary and are subject to change.

What to Do After a Traffic Penalty Has Been Issued Against You?

If a traffic penalty has already been issued against you, there are certain legal measures and remedies available to challenge or reduce the fine, depending on the nature of the violation. Here’s what you can do:

1. Verify the Traffic Violation Notice

Before taking any action, ensure that the e-challan or fine notice issued against you is legitimate.

• Visit the official government website (Parivahan) and enter your vehicle details to check for any pending challans.

• Confirm that the offense, location, time, and vehicle details are accurate.

• Check for any errors in the evidence (photo, video, CCTV footage, etc.) attached to the challan.

If you find discrepancies, you may challenge the notice.

2. Pay the Fine If the Violation Is Correct

If the penalty is valid and you accept the violation, you should pay the fine within the specified time to avoid additional penalties or legal complications.

Drinking and Driving fine | How to Pay the Fine?

• Online:

  • Visit the Parivahan e-Challan Portal or your state’s transport website.

  • Enter your vehicle number and challan details.

  • Pay using debit/credit cards, UPI, or net banking for your Drinking and Driving fine.

• Offline:

  • Visit the nearest traffic police station or designated traffic violation counters.

  • Pay the fine in cash or via POS machines for your Drinking and Driving fine.

    
    

3. How to Contest a Wrongly Issued Fine?

If you believe that the challan was issued incorrectly or unfairly, you have the right to challenge it. Here’s how:

File a Complaint with the Traffic Police

• Approach the nearest traffic police station and present:

  • The e-challan or fine notice for drinking drive fine.

  • Any supporting documents (e.g., vehicle papers, pollution certificate, license).

  • CCTV footage or dashcam recordings that prove your innocence.

• Request the officer to review and cancel the challan if it was issued incorrectly.

Drink and drive fine | Raise a Dispute Online

• Some states allow online dispute filing via their transport department websites.

• Log in to the Parivahan Portal or the respective state’s transport website.

• Submit a grievance request with supporting documents.

Drunk and driving fine | File a Legal Appeal in Court

If the traffic department refuses to cancel the fine, you can challenge it in a Motor Vehicles Court (Traffic Court) under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

• File a petition in your local Magistrate Court within 30 days of the challan issuance.

• Present evidence proving that the penalty was unjustified.

• If the court finds the fine was wrongly imposed, it may cancel or reduce the penalty.

4. Seek Relief Under Relevant Motor Vehicles Act Sections

Certain legal provisions can help you reduce or waive off penalties:

Violation	Relevant Law	Possible Defense
Drunk Driving fine	Section 185	If the breathalyzer test was faulty or procedural errors occurred
Over-Speeding	Section 183	If the speed radar was malfunctioning or improperly calibrated
Driving Without a Helmet	Section 129	If you were medically exempt or had a valid reason
Driving Without a Seatbelt	Section 138 (3) CMVR	If there was an emergency situation
Using a Mobile Phone While Driving	Section 184	If you were using a hands-free device and wrongly fined
Not Carrying a Driving License	Section 130	If you had a valid digital copy on the DigiLocker app
Not Carrying Pollution Certificate	Section 190(2)	If your vehicle was recently serviced and pending certification

Tip: In most cases, first-time offenders may receive a warning or reduced fine if they approach the authorities with valid justifications.

5. Avoid License Suspension or Additional Legal Action

If you accumulate multiple violations or fail to pay fines on time, authorities may:

• Suspend your driving license (for serious offenses like drunk driving fine, dangerous driving, or repeated violations).

• Impound your vehicle until the fines are cleared.

• Issue an arrest warrant in extreme cases (e.g., reckless driving leading to injury).

To prevent further legal trouble: Pay fines promptly if they are valid. Contest unfair fines legally within the deadline. Attend court hearings if summoned. Follow up with traffic authorities if your case is under review.

6. Prevent Future Traffic Penalties

To avoid unnecessary fines and legal hassles: Always carry valid documents (Driving License, Registration Certificate, Insurance, Pollution Certificate). Follow traffic rules to avoid hefty Drinking drive fines. Use hands-free devices while driving. Check e-challans regularly on Parivahan to avoid overdue fines.Use a dashcam to record incidents in case of wrongful challans.

Do not drink and drive | Conclusion

While traffic fines ensure better road safety, mistakes or wrongful penalties can happen. If you receive a challan, verify its accuracy and take appropriate action. You can pay the fine, contest it, or seek legal remedies under the Motor Vehicles Act. Always stay informed about state-specific rules and maintain compliance to avoid penalties in the future.

FAQS

1. What are the new traffic fines in India from March 1, 2025?

From March 1, 2025, traffic Drunk and drive fines in India have been significantly increased. Some key updates include:

• Drunken Driving: ₹10,000 (first offence), ₹15,000 (repeat offence) + up to 2 years in prison

• Riding Without a Helmet: ₹1,000 + 3 - month license suspension

• Using a Mobile Phone While Driving: ₹5,000

• Driving Without Insurance: ₹2,000 (first offense), ₹4,000 (repeat offense) + 3 months in prison

• Juvenile Offenses: ₹25,000 fine, 3 years in jail, vehicle registration canceled for 1 year

2. What is the penalty for drunken and driving under the new traffic rules in India?

If caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be fined ₹10,000 for the first offense and ₹15,000 for a repeat offense. Additionally, you may face up to 6 months in jail for the first offence and up to 2 years in prison for repeated violations.

3. Can my driving license be suspended under the new traffic laws?

Yes, your driving license can be suspended for certain violations, including:

• Riding without a helmet → License suspension for 3 months

• Drunken driving → Possible suspension based on severity

• Repeat offenses of any major violation

4. What happens if a minor (under 18) is caught driving in India?

If a person (under 18 years) is caught drinking and driving:

• Fine of ₹25,000

• Vehicle registration canceled for 1 year

• A person cannot apply for a driving license until the age of 18

• Parents or guardians may also face legal consequences

5. How much is the fine for using a mobile phone while driving in India?

Using a mobile phone while driving can result in a ₹5,000 fine under the new traffic rules. If caught multiple times, your license may also be suspended.

6. What is the fine for not having valid car insurance in India?

Driving without valid insurance can result in:

• First offense: ₹2,000 fine

• Repeat offense: ₹4,000 fine + up to 3 months in prison + community service

7. What is the penalty for driving without a pollution certificate in India?

Driving without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate can result in:

• ₹10,000 fine

• Up to 6 months in prison

• Community service as an additional penalty

8. Can I contest a traffic fine if I believe it was wrongly issued?

Yes, if you believe a wrong challan has been issued:

• Check and verify your fine at Parivahan e-Challan Portal

• File a complaint with the traffic police

• If unresolved, you can challenge the fine in the Traffic Court under Section 208 of the Motor Vehicles Act

9. How can I check if I have pending traffic fines in India?

You can check your pending challans by visiting:

• Parivahan e-Challan Portal

• State Transport Department Websites

• Local Traffic Police Apps (like Delhi Traffic Police, Mumbai Traffic Police, etc.)

Enter your vehicle number or driving license details to see any pending fines.

10. What happens if I don’t pay my traffic fine in India?

If you fail to pay a traffic fine:

• Your vehicle may be blacklisted

• Your driving license can be suspended

• Police may take legal action, and you may have to appear in Traffic Court

• Additional penalties and late fees may be imposed

It’s always best to pay your fines on time or contest them legally if issued wrongly.