Fine amounts changed substantially after the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and states have since set their own figures within that framework. The numbers below are indicative of what people commonly see. Your state may differ, and that is worth checking rather than assuming.
Common offences at a glance
| Offence | Typical amount | Settled without court? |
|---|---|---|
| Riding without a helmet | ₹1,000 | Usually yes |
| Not wearing a seat belt | ₹1,000 | Usually yes |
| Using a phone while driving | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 | Usually yes |
| Overspeeding (light vehicle) | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | Usually yes |
| Jumping a red light | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 | Often yes |
| Driving without insurance | ₹2,000 | Often yes |
| Driving without a licence | ₹5,000 | Frequently no |
| Dangerous driving | ₹5,000 | No |
| Drunk driving | ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment | No |
| Racing or speed trials | ₹5,000 | No |
Why the third column matters more than the second
People focus on the amount. The more consequential question is whether the offence is compoundable, meaning settleable by paying a prescribed sum, or whether it has to go before a magistrate.
A ₹5,000 compoundable challan is an inconvenience. A ₹5,000 non-compoundable one means a court date, time away from work, and a matter that stays live until it is heard. The cost of the second is not really the fine.
Why your challan may show a different figure
- State variation. States set amounts within the central framework and several have revised theirs.
- Repeat offences. Second and subsequent offences often attract higher amounts.
- Late penalties. Some states add to the amount once a challan has been pending for a period.
- Settlement schemes. A reduced figure may be on offer under a scheme, often time-limited.
- Multiple offences. One stop can produce several separate challans.
Check the offence, not just the number
Before paying anything, find out what offence is recorded against you. The amount tells you what it costs today. The offence tells you what it costs to resolve, whether it can be dealt with online, and whether it affects your licence.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and change over time. For your specific matter, speak to an advocate.