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10 Uncommon Traffic Violations That Can Cost You ₹10,000 or More

Saumya SrivastavaNov 12, 2025

Traffic laws are meant to keep our roads safe. But did you know that even seemingly harmless actions can result in hefty fines? While most people are aware of penalties for overspeeding, drunk driving, or jumping red lights, several uncommon traffic violations in India can cost you ₹10,000 or more. To stay informed and avoid surprises, it is always a good idea to perform an online challan check regularly.

Understanding these lesser-known offences not only helps you avoid penalties but also promotes responsible driving behaviour. So, keep reading!

Contents

Uncommon Traffic Violations That Carry Heavy Penalties
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions

Uncommon Traffic Violations That Carry Heavy Penalties

Approximately 40% of Indians do not take traffic rules very seriously, leading to heavy traffic penalties and fines. Here are the most uncommon traffic violations that carry heavy penalties:

1. Driving Without a Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

Many motorists might be surprised to know that not having an updated PUC certificate is a serious traffic violation in India. The PUC certificate proves your vehicle meets emission standards. Therefore, driving without it can result in a fine of up to ₹10,000 under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, along with a prison term of up to 6 months.

About 60% of drivers do not stop at a safe location before answering calls. However, Indian traffic law strictly prohibits the use of mobile phones while driving, unless they are hands-free and do not distract the driver. This rule applies even when the vehicle is stationary at a signal.

3. Illegal Modification of Vehicle Features

Modifying your car or bike to enhance aesthetics or performance might seem exciting, but any alteration that affects the vehicle’s structure or safety standards is considered illegal. Examples include fitting loud exhausts, tinted windows beyond the legal limit, or adding high-intensity lights.

4. Riding Without a Helmet Strap Fastened

Wearing a helmet but leaving the strap unfastened might seem like a minor lapse, but traffic police consider it equivalent to not wearing one at all. This is an uncommon traffic violation that can invite a fine of ₹1,000 for the rider and ₹10,000 for repeat offences or non-compliance during verification. If you are from Uttar Pradesh, you can easily check or pay such penalties through the UP online vehicle challan portal to avoid additional charges.

5. Driving Without Carrying a Valid Driving Licence

You may have a valid driving licence, but if you fail to carry it either physically or digitally (via DigiLocker or mParivahan), you may still face a penalty. According to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, you can be charged ₹5,000 for not carrying a licence and up to ₹10,000 if caught multiple times.

6. Reckless Parking or Obstruction of Emergency Vehicles

Blocking ambulances, fire engines, or police vehicles is not only inconsiderate but also a serious traffic violation. Parking in a manner that obstructs emergency services can result in traffic violations and fines of up to ₹10,000 and may even lead to the vehicle being towed.

7. Overloading Passengers or Goods

Carrying extra passengers or overloading your vehicle beyond its authorised capacity may seem familiar in India, but it is a rare traffic violation with severe consequences. In commercial vehicles, overloading can result in fines of ₹20,000 plus ₹2,000 per additional tonne.

8. Driving Without Insurance

Many vehicle owners delay renewing their motor insurance, not realising that it is a punishable offence. Operating an uninsured vehicle can result in a fine of ₹2,000 for the first offence and ₹4,000 for subsequent violations. However, if your car is involved in an accident without valid insurance, the liability can increase to ₹10,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage and injuries.

9. Failure to Give Way to VIP Convoy or Emergency Movement

Ignoring signals or instructions issued by the police during the movement of a VIP convoy or during an emergency is another uncommon traffic violation in India. The fine can range from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, and offenders may even face imprisonment for up to six months. This law is designed to ensure smooth traffic control and prioritise public safety during emergencies.

10. Oversized or Hazardous Load Without Proper Safety Measures

Trucks or two-wheelers carrying loads that extend beyond permissible limits pose serious risks on the road. Failing to secure such loads or using vehicles for unsafe transport of goods is an uncommon traffic violation punishable by a fine of ₹20,000 plus additional penalties.

Final Thoughts

Most motorists focus only on avoiding common offences like speeding or drunk driving, but these uncommon traffic violations can lead to equally severe consequences. Traffic authorities increasingly use digital surveillance and e-challan systems to detect even minor oversights. Therefore, staying aware of these rare traffic challans promotes a culture of safe, responsible, and law-abiding driving.

Stay alert, follow traffic rules, and check your fines regularly through the ACKO challan check option to avoid penalties and keep your driving record clean!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if I have any pending traffic challans?

You can check pending challans online through the Parivahan e-Challan portal, state transport department websites, or apps like mParivahan. Just enter your vehicle number or driving licence number to view and pay any outstanding fines.

Are traffic fines the same across all states in India?

No. While the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 sets the base fine structure, individual states have the authority to increase or decrease penalty amounts.

Can I dispute or contest a wrong challan issued to me?

Yes. If you believe authorities issued a challan in error, you can raise a dispute online through the e-Challan portal or file an appeal at your district traffic court.