Disobeying the speed limit

Last updated on Apr 8, 2022

It is an offence to drive beyond the speed limit specified for a road. Most streets and roads have a sign with a number on it that signifies the maximum speed limit for that street or road. For example, if the speed limit in a school zone is 25 kmph, and you drive at 60 kmph, then you are over-speeding and can be punished. 

Given below are the minimum punishments for over-speeding for different kinds of motor vehicles:

  • For over-speeding a light motor vehicle, the fine amount is between Rs. 1,000 and 2,000. For any subsequent offence, your driving license can be impounded 1.  
  • For over-speeding a medium goods vehicle, a medium passenger vehicle, a heavy goods vehicle or a heavy passenger vehicle, the fine amount is between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 4,000. For any subsequent offence, your driving license can be impounded 2.  

The applicable fine amount might vary across states. Given below are the fine amounts for two states:

State Vehicle Fine Amount (In INR)
Delhi Light Motor Vehicle 1,000 – 2,000
Medium/Heavy Vehicle 2,000 – 4,000
Karnataka Two/Three-Wheeler and Light Motor Vehicles 1.000
Medium/Heavy Motor Vehicle 2,000

 

Given below are speed limits for different kinds of vehicles on different kinds of roads in India 3

 

Maximum speed per hour in kilometers on roads in India
Type of Motor Vehicle Expressway with Access Control 4 Lane and Above Carriageway (Roads with Median Strips/Dividers) Road within Municipal Limits Other Roads
Motor vehicles with  a maximum of 8 seats, in addition to the driver’s seat 120 100 70 70
Motor vehicles with nine or more seats in addition to the driver’s seat 100 90 60 60
Motor vehicles used for carriage of goods 80 80 60 60
Motorcycles 80 (If allowed on the expressway) 80 60 60
Four-wheeled vehicles –  60 50 50
Three-wheeled vehicles –  50 50 50
  1. Section 183(1)(i)(iii), The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.[]
  2. Section 183(1)(ii)(iii), The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.[]
  3. https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/notifications_document/Draft_Notification_no_S_O_1522E_dated_6_4_2018_regarding_Revised_Speed_Limits_0.pdf[]

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