Not following Traffic Signals and Signs

Traffic Signals

Under the law, a traffic light, traffic signal or stoplight is a signalling device positioned on roads to indicate when it is permissible to drive. The traffic signal passes on its information using a universal colour code1:

  • Red Light: Stop the vehicle
  • Yellow Light: Slow down the vehicle/get ready to move
  • Green Light: Move the vehicle

Every person who is driving a motor vehicle has a duty to follow traffic signals (( Section 12, The Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017.)). If you do not follow traffic signals, you will be fined. For example, if the traffic signal is red at an intersection, and you begin driving your car or do not stop driving your car, then you will be fined.

The amount of fine you have to pay varies from state to state, but you will have to pay at least a fine between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,0002. The applicable fine amount might vary across states. 

Given below are the fine amounts for two states:

State Fine Amount (In INR)
Delhi 500 – 1,000
Karnataka 500 – 1,000

 

Traffic Signs and Orders

Every person who is driving a motor vehicle has a duty to follow traffic signs, driving regulations and any directions given by traffic or police officers3

If you do not follow traffic signs, driving regulations or orders given to you by the traffic officer, you will be fined. For example, if you take a U-turn on an intersection where such a turn is clearly prohibited, you may be fined. 

For a full list of traffic signs with illustrations, please see the First Schedule of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which you can access here.

The amount of fine you have to pay varies from state to state, but you will have to pay at least a fine of Rs. 500 for the first offence, and a fine of Rs. 1,500 for every subsequent offence (( Section 177, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.)). The applicable fine amount might vary across states. 

Given below are the fine amounts for two states:

State Offence Frequency of Offence Fine Amount (In INR)
Delhi Disobeying traffic signs First offence 500

 

Any subsequent offence 1,500
Karnataka Disobeying traffic signs First offence 500
Any subsequent offence 1,000
  1. Section 12, The Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017. []
  2. Section 177A, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 []
  3. Section 119, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. []

Disobeying the speed limit

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 impounded1.  
  • 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 impounded2.  

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 India3

 

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 []