Traffic Fines in Maharashtra

All states have different penalties for traffic offences for different types of vehicles. If you ride a bike, you should be aware of the traffic fines for bikes.

Here is a list of all Maharashtra RTO fines for bikes:

Here is a list of all Maharashtra RTO fines for cars:

*LMV = Light Motor Vehicle
HMV = Heavy Motor Vehicle

Now that you have an overall idea of the fines and challans for different types of vehicles, some of them are not very common. Here is a list of some of the most common traffic fines (two-wheelers and four-wheelers).

• Signal jump fine: If you jump a red light, be prepared to pay ₹500, and if you repeat your mistake again, you shall be fined a hefty ₹1,500.

• Driving licence fine in Maharashtra: Driving or riding without a valid licence can draw a penalty of ₹5,000.

• PUCC fine in Maharashtra: If you do not have the pollution under control certificate or PUCC, a fine of ₹500 will be imposed on you.

• No parking fine in Maharashtra: For parking in No Parking areas, the vehicle will either be towed or clamped. For illegal parking, the first offence draws a penalty of ₹500.

• Driving while using mobile phones: First-time offenders are fined ₹2,000, while repeat offenders are fined ₹10,000.

So far, we have discussed the compoundable offences. It means that a spot fine can set you free. However, there are several non-compoundable offences where a fine is not levied, and the persecutor needs to appear before a court to settle the matter.

In that case, the court will decide the penalty. Some offences can also result in jail terms. Here are some of the common non-compoundable offences that you should try to steer clear of.

Now you know about almost all traffic violations that can cost you a hefty penalty. But you will be relieved to know that bikes and private light motor vehicles do not face much harshness in day-to-day life. If you follow a few steps, you can avoid most traffic penalties.

Here is a list of must-do’s for all vehicle owners.

• Do not ride your two-wheeler without a helmet.

• Do not carry more than one pillion on your two-wheeler, and make sure that the pillion wears a helmet as well.

• Never use a mobile phone for calling or texting while driving your car or bike.

• Do not use headphones to speak while riding a bike. If you want to take/make a call, find a suitable parking spot, park your bike and make the call.

• Do not aggressively ride your vehicle.

• Carry all relevant documents like driving licence, smart card (registration), PUCC, and bike insurance or car insurance papers. Motor insurance is a crucial document that all car and bike owners must possess, and we have discussed why.

• Always wear a seat belt while driving a car. Make sure your co-passenger wears a seatbelt too. The passengers seated in the back row are also required to wear seat belts, but in India, most people do not. But that should change, and for the safety of passengers, everyone should wear seat belts.

• Do not overtake from the left side.

• Do not speed aggressively.

• Do not park your car or motorcycle in a ‘No Parking’ area.

• Make sure not to enter a No Entry.

• Obey traffic signals. Not obeying traffic signals often causes major accidents, which is more critical than paying a fine.

The blog mentions car and bike insurance quite a few times because it is mandatory to carry proper insurance documents. The Motor Vehicle Act 1988 mandates that all bike owners should carry at least a third-party insurance policy for bikes. A third-party insurance policy is a financial protection for you and others like pedestrians and other bike and car owners who get into an accident because of your fault.

In simple words, if your bike causes physical damage or bodily injury to any third-party property or person, it makes you liable to pay for the damages. Having a third-party bike insurance plan can save you from this liability by paying the third-party victim for their damages. Third-party car insurance also works in a similar manner.

It is also important to mention that if your car or bike takes any damage, third-party insurance will not pay for the repairs. There comes comprehensive bike insurance or car insurance. It will pay for your damages as well as cover all third-party liabilities. So, if you plan to buy a 4- or 2-wheeler insurance online, get the comprehensive one.

If you are living in Mumbai and wondering if Mumbai RTO fines are different from those of Maharashtra, they are not. The traffic rules across the State of Maharashtra are the same, and what we discussed in this blog are arguably the most common reasons why a car or bike owner is fined in Maharashtra. We have also discussed the ways to avoid traffic fines. Follow them, and you will most likely be safe.

When did the State of Maharashtra implement the new traffic fines?

The Motor Vehicle Act of 2019 made some new amendments to the new traffic fines in the year 2019. However, several states did not implement the amendments with immediate effect. Maharashtra implemented the new revised fines in December 2019.

Who can impose and collect traffic fines in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra traffic rules authorise a Police Constable to fine traffic offenders and collect the fines in most common cases. However, for non-compoundable offences, a constable can take cognisance of the offence and report it to the Sr. Police Inspector in charge.

Am I liable for a traffic fine if my car breaks down on the road?

Yes. Traffic police can fine you ₹50 for every hour your broken-down car obstructs traffic. However, there can be exceptions in some dire cases where your car becomes immovable due to an accident caused by a third party.