Traffic Authorities in India

Traffic Offences and Penalties in India

State Wise - Regional Transport Offices (R.T.O.) Series

Driving License in India

Frequently Used Forms at RTO's

Traffic Authorities in India

The transport Department is one of the largest revenue earning departments. dealing with various
transport related matters like driving licenses, registration of motor vehicles, grant and renewal of
permits and other regulatory and enforcement services. The transport department works under the
provision of the section 213 of the MV Act, 1988. The transport department is primarily established
for enforcement of the provisions of the motor vehicle act, 1988.

Working Authorities:

Transport Department works with two of the concerned authorities, under Section 68 of the Motor
Vehicles Act, 1988. These are discussed below:

1. State Transport Authority: The main functions of the State Transport Authority are:

o To co-ordinate and regulate the activities and policies of the Regional Transport
Authorities.
o Entering into bilateral agreements with other States.
o To decide the quota for counter signature permits.
o Grant of All India and State wide permits.

2. Regional Transport Authority: The main functions of the Regional Transport Authority
are:

o To exercise and discharge the powers and functions conferred on them under the
provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, which mainly relate to control of transport by way
of grant of permits.

Services Provided by R.T.O:

Regional Transport Office provides the following services:

1. Related to Driving License:

o Issuing learner license.

o Renewal of learner license.
o Issuing driving license.
o Renewal of driving license (issued in same and other office).
o Endorsement in driving license.
o Noting change of address in learner and driving license.
o Issuing International driving permit.
o Conductor license

And related services.

 2. Related to Registration of Vehicles

o Temporary registration of vehicles.

o Permanent registration of vehicles.
o Transfer of ownership.
o Entry of hypothecation/ hire-purchase/ lease agreement.
o Termination of hypothecation/ hire-purchase/ lease agreement.
o Change of address.
o Issue of no objection certificate.
o Issue of clearance certificate

And related transactions.

3. Collection of Tax

o Payment of tax

Enforcement

The services granted by these authorities are regulated, monitored and enforced by two of the
Enforcement Agencies:

• Enforcement wing of the transport department.

• Traffic police.

If in any case somebody violates the rules and regulations related to traffic laws – an offence then
they are bound to issue Challans against the offender under some penal actions as per M.V Act,
1988.

Some Related Acts

M.V.A. Motor Vehicle Act, 1988

C.M.V.R. Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989
D.M.V.R. Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989
R.R.R. Rules of Road Regulation, 1989

Traffic Offences and Penalties in India

The Indian Road rules, titled "Rules of the Road Regulation", were brought into effect since July,
1989. These rules are germane to the Indian drivers (all inclusive of two, three and four wheelers),
while on the road to ensure an orderly traffic and a safer journey. Violation of these "Rules of Road
Regulation" is a punishable transgression as per the city specific traffic police rules and the "Motor
Vehicle Act".

Enforcement of these traffic laws - rules, regulations and acts can bear out the road accidents.
These laws are enforced by issuing challans in the name of the offenders and teaching them a
lesson by making them pay penalties. An indicative list of the possible offences and their respective
penalties is formulated below:

1. OFFENCES RELATED TO DOCUMENTS

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION
Rs. 500/- and /or
1.1 Driving without a Valid License imprisonment ( 3 3 r/w 181 MVA
months)
Allowing vehicle to be driven by Rs. 1000/- and/or
1.2 a person who does not possess a imprisonment ( 3 5 r/w 180 MVA
Valid License. months)
Not carrying documents as
1.3 Rs. 100/- 130(3) r/w 177 MVA
required.
Rs. 1000/- and/or
1.4 Driving without Valid Insurance. imprisonment ( 3 130 r/w 177 MVA
months)
Rs. 5000/- ( not less
1.5 Driving without Valid Permit. 130 r/w 177 MVA
than Rs. 2000/-)
Rs. 5000/- ( not less
1.6 Driving without Valid Fitness. 130 r/w 177 MVA
than Rs. 2000/-)
1.7 Vehicle without R.C. Rs 2000/- 39 r/w192 MVA

2. OFFENCES RELATED TO DRIVING

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION
2.1.1 Driving by Minor . Rs. 500/- 4 r/w 181 MVA
Allowing Unauthorized person to
2.1.2 Rs. 1000/- 5 r/w 180 MVA
drive .
2.1.3 Driving without Helmet. Rs. 100/- 129 r/w177 MVA
138(3) CMVR
2.1.4 Seat Belts not fastened. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
2.1.5 Rough/Rash/Negligent Driving . Rs. 1000/- 184 MVA
Rs.1000/-
2.1.6 Dangerous or hasty Driving. and/or imprisonment 112-183 MVA
( 6 months)
2.1.7 Not Driving in Proper Lane. Court Challan 66 r/w 192 MVA
Driving in the center and not to
2.1.8 Rs.100/- 2 RRR r/w 177 MVA
left side.
2.1.9 Driving against One Way. Rs.100/- 17 (i) RRR 177 MVA
Reversing without due care and MMVR 233
2.1.10 Rs. 100/-
attention. 177 MVA
Taking “U” turn during outlawed 12 RRR
2.1.11 Rs.100/-
hours. 177 MVA

Failing to take precaution while 3 RRR

2.1.12 Rs.100/-
taking a “Turn”. 177 MVA
 Failing to decelerate at 8 RRR
2.1.13 Rs.100/-
intersection. 177 MVA
Failing to carry on left of traffic 2 RRR
2.1.14 Rs.100/-
island. 177 MVA
2.1.15 Carrying persons on Footboard. Rs.100/- 123-177 MVA
Carrying persons causing
2.1.16 Rs.100/- 125-177 MVA
hindrance to the driver.
2.1.17 Trippling. Rs. 100/- 128/177 MVA
2.1.18 Driving on Footpath. Rs.100/- RRR 177 MVA
Stopping at pedestrian crossing
2.1.19 Rs.100/- RRR 177 MVA
or crossing a Stop Line.
2.2 Road Marking Related Offences
2.2.1 Violation of Yellow Line. Rs. 100/- 119/177 MVA
2.2.2 Violation of Stop Line. Rs. 100/- 113(1)/177 DMVR
2.2.3 Violation of Mandatory Signs . Rs. 100/- 119/177 MVA
2.3 Number Plate Related Offences
Use of Offensive Number Plate CMVR 105 (2) (ii)
2.3.1 Rs.100/-
for vehicle used in driving. 177 MVA
2.3.2 Displaying 'Applied For'. Rs. 4500/- 39/192 MVA
2.4 Vehicle Light Related Offences
Improper use of headlights/tail CMVR 105 (2) (ii)
2.4.1 Rs.100/-
light for vehicle used in driving. 177 MVA
Using High Beam where not 112(G) A DMVR
2.4.2 Rs. 100/-
required. 177 MVA
2.5 Horn Related Offences
2.5.1 Driving without Horn. Rs. 100/- 119(1)/177 CMVR
Improper horn usage while CMVR 105 (2) (ii)
2.5.2 Rs.100/-
driving. 177 MVA
2.6 Traffic Police Related Offences
119 MVA
Disobeying Traffic Police Officer
2.6.1 Rs. 100/- 22(a) RRR
in uniform.
177 MVA
2.6.2 Driving against Police Signal. Rs. 100/- 119 r/w 177 MVA
239 MMVR
2.6.3 Disobeying manual Traffic Signal. Rs. 100/- 22(a) RRR
177 MVA
2.7 Traffic Signal Related Offences
22(b) RRR
Disobeying Traffic signal / Sign
2.7.1 Rs. 100/- 239 MMVR
Board.
177 MVA
121 RRR
2.7.2 Failing to give Signal. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
2.7.3 Jumping Signal. Rs.100/- 119/177 MVA
2.8 Speed and Overtake Related Offences
Exceeding the prescribed Speed
2.8.1 Up to Rs.1000/- 112-183 MVA
Limits.
2.8.2 Abetment for Over Speeding . Rs.300/- 112/183(2) MVA
2.8.3 Overtaking perilously. Rs.100/- 6 (a) RRR r/w 177 MVA
 Failing to confer way to sanction 7 RRR
2.8.4 Rs.100/-
Overtaking. 177 MVA
2.8.5 Overtaking from Wrong Side . Rs. 100/- RRR 6/1/177 MVA
2.9 Other Offences
2.9.1 Disobeying Lawful Directions. Rs. 500/- 132/179 MVA
Rs.2000/-
Driving under influence of
2.9.2 and/or imprisonment 185 MVA
Alcohol / Drugs.
( 6 months)
Using Mobile Phone while
2.9.3 Up to 1000/- 184 MVA
Driving.
Leaving vehicle in unoccupied
2.9.4 Rs.100/- 126-177 MVA
engine.
Leaving vehicle in unsafe
2.9.5 Rs.100/- 122 177 MVA
position.
2.9.6 In case of a minor Accident. Rs. 1000/- 184 MVA
2.9.7 Playing music while Driving. Rs. 100/- 102/177 MVA
2.9.8 Driving without Silencer. Rs. 100/- 120/190(2)/177CMVR
Driving when mentally or
2.9.9 Court Challan 186 MVA
physically unfit.

3. OFFENCES RELATED TO TOWING OF VEHICLES

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION
3.1 Two Wheeler. Rs.100/- RRR 177 MVA
Car , Jeep, Taxi, Auto
3.2 Rs.200/- RRR 177 MVA
Rickshaw.
3.3 Truck, Tanker, Trailor. Rs.600/- RRR 177 MVA

4. OFFENCES RELATED TO POLLUTION

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION
4.1 Smoking in Public Transport. Rs. 100/- 86(1)(5)/177 DMVR
4.2 Pollution Not Under Control. Rs. 100/- 99(1)(a)/177 DMVR
119 CMVR
4.3 Fixing multi-toned/shrill horn. Rs.500/-
190(2) MVA
4.4 Blowing Pressure Horn. Rs. 100/- 96(1)/177 DMVR
CMVR 120
4.5 Silencer/muffler making noise. Rs.500/-
190(2) MVA
115 CMVR
4.6 Smoky Exhaust. Rs.500/-
190(2) MVA
21(ii) RRR
4.7 Using horn in Silence Zone. Rs.100/-
177 MVA

5. OFFENCES RELATED TO MOTOR VEHICLES

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION
Using Vehicle in Unsafe
5.1 Court Challan 192 MVA
Conditions.
When motor vehicle is out of
5.2 state for more than 12 Rs.100/- 47-177 MVA
months.
 Particulars to be printed on
5.3 Rs.100/- 84(G)-177 MVA
transport vehicles.
CMVR 101
5.4 Without Wiper Rs.100/-
5,12 177 MVA
5.4 Without Side Mirror. Rs.100/- 5, 7/177 MVA
5.5 Defective tyres. Rs.100/- CMVR 94
No indication board on left
5.6 Rs.100/- 120, 177 MVA
hand drive vehicle.
Sale of motor vehicle/alteration
52/191 MVA, 32/192.66/192
5.7 of motor vehicle in Rs.300/-
MV Act
contravention of Act.
Vehicles fitted with dark 100 CMVR
5.8 Rs.100/-
glasses/sun films. 177 MVA
Driving without proper number
236 MMVR
5.9 plate/ illuminating rear number Rs.100/-
177 MVA
plate.
Failing to display public carrier 116 MMVR
5.10 Rs.100/-
board. 177 MVA
Using private vehicle for Rs. 5000/-
5.11 -
commercial purposes. ( not less than Rs. 2000/-)
Any sort of misconduct with
MMVR 21(18)
5.12 passengers, not wearing Rs.100/-
177 MVA
uniform/not displaying badge.
Rs. 2000/-plus Rs. 1000/- MMVR 93(u)(i)
5.13 Overloading a goods vehicle.
for every additional ton. 177 MVA
Carrying goods in a dangerous Imprisonment and/or fine of 29 RRR
5.14
or hazardous manner. Rs. 3000/- 177 MVA
Imprisonment and/or fine of
Infringement of permit
5.15 Rs. 5000/-( not less than -
conditions.
Rs. 2000/-)
5.16 Use of Colored light on Vehicle Rs. 100/- 97(2)/177 DMVR

6. OFFENCES RELATED TO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION
6.1 Plying in 'NO ENTRY' Time Upto 2000/- 115/194 MVA
6. Violation of Time Table Court Challan 11/177, 2/177, 66/192 MVA
High and Long / Load in
6.2 Rs. 100/- 29 RRR/177 MVA
Vehicles
Carrying animals in goods
MMVR 83
6.3 vehicles in contravention of Rs.100/-
177 MVA
rules.
Carrying persons dangerously
MMVR 108
6.4 or carrying persons in goods Rs.100/-
177 MVA
vehicles.
6.5 Goods in Passenger Vehicles - -
229 MMVR
6.6 Dangerous projection of goods. Rs.100/- 29 RRR
177 MVA
MMVR 202
6.7 Carrying goods unsecured. Rs.100/-
177 MVA
6. Carrying goods more than 11 Rs.100/- MMVR 93(u) (i)
 feet high. 177 MVA
Limit Of weight and limitation
6. Court Challan 113/194(1) MVA
on Use.
Driver refuses to weigh
6. Court Challan 114/194(2) MVA
vehicle.
MMVR 202
6.9 Load on Tail Board. Rs.100/-
177 MVA
Misbehavior by Taxi/TSR
6.10 Rs. 100/- 11(3)/177 DMVR
Driver.
Over Charging by Taxi/TSR
6.11 Rs. 100/- 11(8)/177 DMVR
Driver.
6.12 Charging without Meter. Rs. 100/- 11(8)/177 DMVR
6.13 Refusal by Taxi/TSR Driver. Rs. 100/- 11(9)/177 DMVR
6.14 Driver without Uniform. Rs. 100/- 7/177 DMVR
6.14 Driver without Badge. Rs. 100/- 22(1)/177 DMVR
6.15 Conductor without Uniform. Rs. 100/- 23(1)/177 DMVR
6.16 Conductor without Badge. Rs. 100/- 22(1)/177 DMVR
6.17 Stopping without Bus stop Court Challan 66/192 MVA
Power to detain Vehicle used in
6.18 contravention of section 3.4,39 Court Challan 207(1) MVA
or 66(1) MV Act.

7. OFFENCES RELATED TO PARKING

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION
Parking in the direction of flow 22(a) RRR
7.1 Rs.100/-
of traffic. 177 MVA
Parking away from footpath 15(2) RRR
7.2 Rs.100/-
towards road. 177 MVA
15(2) RRR
7.3 Parking against flow of traffic. Rs.100/-
177 MVA
15(2) RRR
7.4 Parking causing Obstruction. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
15(2) RRR
7.5 Parking on a Taxi Stand. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
Parking in not any prescribed 15(1) RRR
7.6 Rs. 100/-
manner. 177 MVA
15(i) RRR
7.7 Parking at any Corner. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
Parking within 15 meters on 15(2) RRR
7.8 Rs. 100/-
either side of Bus Stop. 177 MVA
15(2) (i) RRR
7.9 Parking on Bridge. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
15(i) RRR
7.10 Parking at Traffic Island. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
15(2) RRR
7.11 Parking in “No” Parking Area. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
15(2)(iii) RRR
7.12 Parked on Pedestrian Crossing. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
15(2)(ii) RRR
7.13 Parking on Footpath. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
 15(2)(viii) RRR
7.14 Parking in front of a gate. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA
15(1) RRR
7.15 Parking causing obstruction. Rs. 100/-
177 MVA

RRR: Rules of Road Regulations 1989

MVA: Motor Vehicles Act 1988
MMVR: Maharasthra Motor Vehicles Rules 1989
CMVR: Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989

Besides these provisions, it is mandatory for every driver driving, to carry the following documents
while driving:

S.No Documents
1 Valid driving license.
2 Vehicle Registration Certificate.
3 Road Tax Token.
4 Pollution under Control Certificate.
5 Current Insurance Certificate.

Any driver can be held from his driving licence if falls in line with any of the given criteria:

S.No Criterion
1 Driving is dangerous to the public.
2 Under the age of 18 yrs.
3 Drunk or addicted to dugs.
4 Illegal driving license.
5 Driving a vehicle with a objectionable history.

Often, people feel exempted on paying challans, only to commit the offences time and again.
Rather, they should take a lesson not to practice the mistake any more. After all this all is for a good
faith for all. "Keeping an Eye on oneself" is indeed the best rule and best penalty.

State Wise - Regional Transport Offices (R.T.O.) Series

To keep a systematic record of the identity of the vehicles and their owners, each vehicle is given a
unique number which is registered in the relevant Transport Authority according to the address of its
owner. Each Transport Authority has been allotted specific series for registration of vehicles so that
the vehicle can be traced to the owner easily and proper record is maintained in respect of each
vehicle. Here is a list of registration numbers series of all the States in India for ready reference.

S.NO State R.T.O. Series

1 Andaman & Nicobar AN-01 to AN-02
2 Andhra Pradesh AP-01 to AP37D
3 Arunachal Pradesh AR-01 to AR-14
4 Assam AS-01 to AS-24
 5 Bihar BR-01 to BR-47
6 Chandigarh CH-01
7 Chhattisgarh CG-01 to CG-
8 Dadra and Nagar Haveli DN-09
9 Daman and Diu DD-03 & DD-02
10 Delhi DL-1 to DL-9
11 Goa GA-01 to GA- 02
12 Gujarat GJ-01to GJ-20
13 Haryana HR-01 to HR-51
14 Himachal Pradesh HP-01 to HP-52
15 Jammu and Kashmir JK-01 to JK-14
16 Jharkhand JH-01 to JH-
17 Karnataka KA-01 to KA-40
18 Kerala KL-01to KL-15
19 Lakshadweep LD-01
20 Madhya Pradesh MP-01 to MP-28
21 Maharashtra MH-01 to MH-35
22 Manipur MN-01 to MN-04
23 Meghalaya ML-01 to ML-10
24 Mizoram MZ-01 to MZ-03
25 Mumbai MH-01 to MH-03
26 Nagaland NL-01 to NL-06
27 Orissa OR-01 to OR-18
28 Pondicherry PY-01 to PY-04
29 Punjab PB-01 to PB-56
30 Rajasthan RJ-01 to RJ-30
31 Sikkim SK-01 to SK-03
32 Tamil Nadu TN-01 to TN-74
33 Tripura TR-01 to TR-03
34 Uttar Pradesh UP-01 to UP-96
35 Uttaranchal UA-01 to UA-
36 West Bengal WB-01 to WB-79

Driving License in India

In India the minimum age required for driving is 16 years for motorcycles of 50cc or less and 18 for
all the other vehicles.

Few Points to Remember

• According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, a valid Driving Licence is necessary to drive any
motor vehicle on public roads.
 • Driving License is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of Motor Vehicles
Inspector's Office after the recipient has passed a driving test and has proved the required
age.

• The Driving License in India is segregated as Motorcycle License, Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)
license, and Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) License.

• Learner's License is issued after passing a theory test.

• The legislation of Driving License is done through the 'Rules of the Road Regulation' and the
Motor Vehicle Act 1988.

• The driver of the vehicle is required to keep the original copy of the license while driving.

Types of Driving Licenses in India

To drive a motor vehicle in any public place an effective Driving License is necessary. By effective
Driving License it mean license issued to a person authorizing him/her to drive vehicle of that
particular category. There are different types of licenses issued by the RTO offices. Here we will
discuss each of them separately.

1. Learner Driving License

This is a temporary license that is valid up to 6 months from the date of issue. It is basically
issued to learn driving of Motor Vehicles.

2. Permanent Driving License

Permanent driving license is issued to those who become eligible for it after thirty days (to
apply within 180 days) from the date of issue of the learner license. Person suppose to get
permanent driving license should be conversant about the vehicle systems, driving, traffic
rules & regulations.

3. Duplicate Driving License

In case of loss, theft, or on mutilation, Duplicate License is issued. The documents to be

produced are FIR of the lost license, challan clearance report from RTA Office (in case of
Commercial licence renewal) and an application in Form LLD. The particulars are verified by
the authority from the records. The duplicate license will have the valid period same as the
previous license. If the license is lost and expired by more than 6 months it requires
permission from Head Quarter of Transport Department.

It is recommended to keep a photocopy of the original license or particulars of license noted

in order to make it easier for the issuing authority to locate the particulars from their
record.

4. International Driving License

The motor licensing authority also issues International Driving License. The validity of this
license is for one year. Person visiting the country is required to collect the license from
there within one year period. Apart from address proof and birth certificate, one has to
produce a valid passport and valid visa while applying.
 5. Motorcyle License or Two-wheeler License

Two-wheeler license is issued by the Regional Transport Authority (RTO) to permit driving of
only two-wheeler vehicles like bike, scooter and moped.

6. Light Motor Vehicle License (LMV)

Light Motor Vehicle License is issued to drive light vehicles like auto rickshaws, motor car,
jeep, taxi, three-wheeler delivery vans, etc.

7. Heavy Motor Vehicle License (HMV)

Heavy Motor Vehicle License is issued to drive heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, tourist
coaches, cranes, goods carriages, etc. A person with HMV license can drive light vehicles
but Light Motor Vehicle License do not permit to drive heavy vehicles.

Frequently Used Forms at RTO's

Here few frequently used form at RTOs are mentioned so you can download to print and use any of
them.

S.NO Form Number Form's Purpose

1 RTO Form No.1 Physical Fitness
2 RTO Form No.1A Medical Certificate
3 RTO Form No. 2 Application for Learning License
4 RTO Form No. 3 Learner's License
5 RTO Form No. 4 For Permanent License
6 RTO Form No. 9 For Renewal of License
7 RTO Form LLD For Duplicate License
8 RTO Form No. 20 For Registration of Vehicles
9 RTO Form No. 25 For Re- registration of Vehicles
10 RTO Form No. 26 For Duplicate Certificate of Registration
11 RTO Form No. 27 For New Registration from Other State
12 RTO Form No. 28 For No Objection Certificate
13 RTO Form No. 29 For Transfer of Ownership
14 RTO Form No. 30 For Transfer of Ownership
15 RTO Form No. 31 For Death Certificate
16 RTO Form No. 32 For Registration of Public Auction Vehicle
17 RTO Form No. 33 For Address change in Registration
18 RTO Form No. 34 For Hpothecation Endorsement
19 RTO Form No. 35 For Hpothecation Termination
20 RTO Form No. 60 For Income Tax Information
21 RTO Form No. 61 For Income Tax Exemption Case
22 RTO Application- IDP For International Driving Permit
23 RTO Application- PSV For Public Service Vehicle
Form of Application for verification of the
24 RTO Application - A
Antecedents
25 Police Report Police Report
26 Character Certificate Form of Verification Character and Antecedents
27 Driving Licence Documentation Driving Licence Documentation