Motor Vehicles Act 1988CMVR 1989

Complete Guide to Indian Traffic Rules

69 traffic rules explained in plain language — with the exact MV Act section, current fine amount, and why each rule exists.

Written and checked byManju Shekhar· Motor Law & Compliance

69
traffic rules: 12
categories: ₹500–₹25k
fine range: 2019
last major amendment

Rules of the Road

12 rules

Fundamental driving conduct — left-side driving, lane discipline, overtaking, signalling, and emergency vehicle priority.

Speed Limits

3 rules

Urban, highway, and school/hospital zone speed limits for all vehicle types.

Speed Limits in Urban and City AreasUnder MoRTH S.O. 1522(E), the maximum speed on a road within municipal limits is 70 km/h for cars, 60 km/h for buses, goods vehicles and motorcycles, and 50 km/h for three-wheelers and quadricycles. States and city traffic authorities commonly notify lower limits for particular roads, schools and markets, and the posted sign is the limit that applies.Overspeeding (Sec. 183): ₹1,000–₹2,000 for light motor vehicles; ₹2,000–₹4,000 for medium and heavy vehiclesMV Act Secs. 112, 183 Speed Limits on National and State HighwaysMoRTH's notification S.O. 1522(E) of 6 April 2018 sets the maximum speeds by vehicle class and type of road. A car may go up to 120 km/h on an access-controlled expressway, 100 km/h on a four-lane-or-wider divided carriageway, and 70 km/h on other roads — which covers most two-lane highways. Lower limits apply wherever they are notified and posted.Overspeeding (Sec. 183): ₹1,000–₹2,000 for light motor vehicles; ₹2,000–₹4,000 for medium and heavy vehiclesMV Act Secs. 112, 183 Special Rules Near Schools and HospitalsNear schools and hospitals: reduce speed to 25–30 km/h, do not use horn, and give way to school buses and ambulances. These are legally designated protection zones.Speed violation near school: Sec. 183MV Act Sec. 112, 183, 194F

Documents & Registration

7 rules

Driving licence, RC, insurance, and PUC — what you must carry at all times.

Driving Licence — Mandatory RequirementsA valid driving licence for the vehicle class is mandatory at all times. Minimum age: 18 (LMV), 20 (transport). Driving without a licence: ₹5,000 fine + imprisonment.No licence: ₹5,000 + 3 months imprisonment (Sec. 181)MV Act Sec. 3, 4, 9, 10, 181 Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)All motor vehicles on public roads must be registered. The Registration Certificate (RC) must be carried at all times and must reflect the current owner's name.Unregistered vehicle: ₹2,000–₹5,000 first offence (Sec. 192); repeat: ₹5,000–₹10,000 and/or up to 1 yearMV Act Sec. 39, 192 Third-Party Motor Insurance — Mandatory by LawEvery motor vehicle on Indian roads must have at least third-party liability insurance. Driving uninsured: a penalty of at least ₹5,000 (three times the base premium if that is higher) and unlimited financial liability for accident victims.First offence: three times the base premium or ₹5,000, whichever is higherMV Act Sec. 146, 147, 196 Pollution Under Control (PUC) CertificateA Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is mandatory for every vehicle and must be renewed periodically. Driving without one: a penalty of up to ₹10,000 plus three months' licence disqualification.First offence: a penalty of up to ₹10,000 and three months' disqualification from holding a licence (Sec. 190(2)(i))MV Act Sec. 110, 190(2) (as substituted by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026)Learner's Licence Rules and RestrictionsA learner's licence holder must always be accompanied by a person holding a permanent DL for the same vehicle class. An "L" plate must be displayed on the front and rear. The LL is valid for 6 months.Driving as learner without licensed companion: a recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)MV Act Secs. 3, 8 International Driving Permit (IDP) RulesIndia is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention. An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in a convention country is valid in India for 1 year. Indians can obtain an IDP from their RTO for driving abroad. An IDP is not a standalone document — you must carry your original DL with it.Driving without valid licence/IDP: Sec. 181 — ₹5,000MV Act Sec. 3 Digital Documents via DigiLocker and mParivahanThe Government of India recognises digital copies of DL, RC, insurance, and PUC stored in DigiLocker or mParivahan as legally equivalent to original documents. You do not need to carry physical documents if the digital versions are accessible.No penalty if digital documents are valid and accessible. ₹5,000 if neither physical nor digital documents can be producedIT Act Sec. 5

Safety Equipment

6 rules

Seatbelts, helmets, child restraints — mandatory safety devices and their standards.

Seatbelt Requirements — All OccupantsThe driver and all passengers, including those in the rear seats, must wear seat belts. Section 194B(1) makes the driver liable to a ₹1,000 penalty for driving without a seat belt or for carrying passengers who are not wearing seat belts.₹1,000 (Sec. 194B(1)) for driving without a seat belt or carrying passengers not wearing seat belts. ₹1,000 for a child under 14 not secured (Sec. 194B(2))MV Act Sec. 194B Helmet Rules for Two-Wheeler Riders and PassengersEvery person above four years of age driving, riding or being carried on a two-wheeler must wear a protective helmet conforming to the prescribed standard, securely fastened. Sikhs wearing a turban are exempt. Penalty: ₹1,000 and a 3-month licence disqualification.₹1,000 + disqualification from holding a licence for 3 months (Sec. 194D)MV Act Secs. 129, 194D Child Safety Rules in VehiclesSection 194B(2) makes it an offence to drive with a child under 14 who is not secured by a seat belt or a child restraint system. On a motorcycle, a child aged nine months to four years must wear a fitting crash helmet and be attached to the rider by a safety harness, and the motorcycle must not exceed 40 km/h.₹1,000 for driving with a child under 14 not secured by a seat belt or child restraint system (Sec. 194B(2))MV Act Sec. 194B(2)Mandatory First Aid Kit in VehiclesCMVR Rule 116 requires all motor vehicles to carry a first aid kit. For transport vehicles, the contents are specified: adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic, scissors, triangular bandage, and a first aid manual. Private vehicles should carry a basic kit.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)CMVR Rule 116 Fire Extinguisher Requirement for VehiclesAll buses carrying passengers, tankers carrying inflammable goods, and transport vehicles with more than 7 passengers must carry at least one 2 kg dry chemical powder fire extinguisher. Private vehicles are recommended but not mandated (yet).A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)CMVR Rule 116 Reflective Tape / Retro-Reflectors on VehiclesAll heavy motor vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers) must have retro-reflective tape on the rear (red and yellow, alternating stripes) and sides (yellow). The tape makes the vehicle visible from 150+ metres at night when headlights hit it.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177/190)CMVR Rule 104

Traffic Controls

5 rules

Signals, stop lines, pedestrian crossings, one-way roads, and railway crossings.

Traffic Signal Rules — Red, Amber, GreenAt a red light: stop before the stop line. At amber: prepare to stop (do not accelerate). At green: proceed cautiously — green does not guarantee the road is clear.Red light jumping: ₹1,000–₹5,000 (Sec. 119 MV Act)MV Act Sec. 119 Stop Lines and Box JunctionsAt a signal or stop sign, vehicles must halt before (not on, not past) the painted stop line. Crossing into a box junction when the exit is blocked is an offence.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177 MV Act)MV Act Sec. 119 Pedestrian Right of WayDrivers must stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings. Pedestrians have right of way at all designated crossings. Pedestrian fatalities at crossings are a major category of road deaths in India.Failure to yield to pedestrian at crossing: a recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)MV Act Sec. 177 One-Way Street RulesOn one-way roads, all vehicles must travel in the direction shown by the arrow. Entry from the wrong end is dangerous driving. No overtaking from the left — overtake from the right (which is standard flow).Wrong-way on one-way: Sec. 184 (dangerous driving) ₹1,000–₹5,000MV Act Sec. 119, 184 Railway Level Crossing RulesA closed level-crossing gate is absolute: anyone other than a railway servant or authorised person who opens it can be jailed for up to three years, and up to five for breaking it. At an unguarded crossing the driver must stop and make sure no train is approaching from either side before crossing.Opening a closed level-crossing gate: up to 3 years' imprisonment; breaking it: up to 5 years (Railways Act Sec. 160)Railways Act 1989 Secs. 160, 161

Prohibitions

9 rules

Drunk driving, phone use, racing, overloading — offences that attract the heaviest penalties.

Drunk Driving — Zero Tolerance RulesIndia's legal blood alcohol limit is 30 mg per 100 ml — one of the world's strictest. First offence: ₹10,000 + 6 months jail. Repeat: ₹15,000 + 2 years. A police breathalyser test is legally valid evidence.₹10,000 + 6 months imprisonment (first). ₹15,000 + 2 years (repeat)MV Act Sec. 185 Mobile Phone Use While DrivingHolding or using a mobile phone while driving is illegal and attracts a ₹5,000 fine. Hands-free calling in earphones is restricted in several states. Distraction from phones causes thousands of deaths per year.₹5,000 (Sec. 184)MV Act Sec. 184 Racing and Speed Trials on Public RoadsStreet racing and speed trials on public roads are offences under Sec. 189 MV Act — up to 3 months or ₹5,000 (or both) for a first offence, and up to 1 year or ₹10,000 (or both) for a repeat. Third parties killed by racing drivers face serious criminal charges.₹5,000 first offence + up to 3 months imprisonmentMV Act Sec. 189 Overloading of Vehicles — Passengers and GoodsVehicles must not carry more passengers or goods than their registered capacity. Overloaded trucks face ₹20,000 + ₹2,000 per extra tonne. Overloaded buses with passenger deaths face criminal charges.Passenger overloading: ₹200 per extra passenger (Sec. 194A)MV Act Sec. 128, 194 Two-Wheeler Specific ProhibitionsOn a two-wheeler: no triple riding, both rider and pillion must wear ISI helmets, pillion must ride with both feet on the pegs, and no minor who cannot reach the foot pegs should be carried.Triple riding: ₹1,000 + 3-month licence disqualification (Sec. 194C)MV Act Secs. 128, 129, 194C, 194D Driving Under Influence of DrugsSection 185 MV Act covers driving under the influence of any drug in addition to alcohol. While India does not yet have widespread roadside drug testing, police can detain a driver suspected of drug impairment for medical examination. If drugs are found, NDPS Act charges may apply in addition to MV Act penalties.₹10,000 fine + imprisonment up to 6 months (first offence)MV Act Sec. 185 Rash and Negligent DrivingDriving "in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life" is a criminal offence under both the MV Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code on 1 July 2024. It covers a wide range of dangerous behaviours — from stunt driving to ignoring traffic signs.Sec. 184: 6 months–1 year imprisonment, or ₹1,000–₹5,000, or bothMV Act Sec. 184 Hit-and-Run Law — Duty to Stop After an AccidentIf you are involved in an accident, you are legally required to stop, render aid, report to the nearest police station, and provide your details. Fleeing the scene is an offence under Sec. 187 of the MV Act, and a death caused by rash or negligent driving carries up to 5 years under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The 10-year hit-and-run clause in BNS Sec. 106(2) was excluded when the BNS came into force and has not been brought into effect.Failure to stop, help and report (Sec. 134, punished under Sec. 187): up to 6 months or ₹5,000 or both; repeat: up to 1 year or ₹10,000 or bothMV Act Sec. 134, 134A, 161, 187 Juvenile Driving (Underage Driving) LawNo person under 18 may drive a motor vehicle on a public road. The 2019 MV Act amendment made the penalty severe: the guardian/owner of the vehicle faces ₹25,000 fine, 3 years imprisonment, and 12-month registration cancellation. The minor is dealt with under the Juvenile Justice Act.Guardian/owner: ₹25,000 + 3 years imprisonment + vehicle registration cancelled for 12 monthsMV Act Sec. 4, 199A (2019 amendment)

Parking Rules

2 rules

Where you can and cannot park — kerb colour codes, prohibited zones, highway stopping.

Parking Rules and Prohibited ZonesParking is prohibited within 15 metres of a fire hydrant, near bus stops, on yellow kerbs, opposite another parked vehicle (double parking), and at intersections. Tow trucks are authorised to impound illegally parked vehicles.₹500–₹1,000 (Sec. 122)MV Act Sec. 122 Stopping and Emergency Parking on HighwaysA vehicle stopped on a highway carriageway is one of the most dangerous situations in traffic. If you must stop, use the hard shoulder, activate hazard lights immediately, and place warning triangles 50–100 metres behind the vehicle.₹500–₹1,000 for stopping on highwayMV Act Sec. 119

Special Conditions

9 rules

Night driving, fog, rain, horn rules, and towing — situations requiring specific adaptations.

Night Driving Rules — Lights and VisibilityHeadlights are mandatory from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise. High beams must be dipped when oncoming vehicles are within 200 metres. Hazard lights are not a substitute for headlights.Driving without lights: a recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)MV Act Sec. 119 Driving in Fog, Rain, and Adverse WeatherIn fog or heavy rain: use low-beam headlights (not high beam), reduce speed significantly, increase following distance to 3+ seconds, and use hazard lights only if stopped.Causing accident in adverse weather through failure to adjust speed: Sec. 184 MV Act + BNS Sec. 106(1) if a death resultsMV Act Sec. 119, 184 Rules for Use of HornHorn use is prohibited in silence zones (hospitals, schools, courts). Multi-tone horns and air horns are illegal on private vehicles. The horn is a safety device — not a frustration-release tool.Needless or continuous honking, or honking where a no-horn sign is posted: a recorded warning for a first contravention, then ₹1,000–₹2,000 (Sec. 194F)MV Act Sec. 194F, 190(2) (both as amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026)Towing Vehicles — Rules and EquipmentTowing requires a proper tow bar or approved connection. The towed vehicle's brake lights must be functional. Maximum speed while towing: 25 km/h (rope) or as per the vehicle's registration. Rope-towing on highways is prohibited.Improper towing: a recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177 MV Act)CMVR Rule 90, 91, 92 Driving in Rain and Waterlogged RoadsIn rain: reduce speed by 20–30%, double your following distance, use low-beam headlights (not hazard lights), and avoid waterlogged roads where you cannot see the road surface. Aquaplaning (tyres losing contact with the road) begins at as low as 60 km/h on standing water.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177) for dangerous driving in rainCMVR Rule 3 Driving Through Construction and Work ZonesIn construction zones, temporary speed limits, lane diversions, and warning signs override normal road rules. You must slow down, follow temporary cones and barriers, and watch for workers, equipment, and uneven road surfaces.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)MV Act Sec. 119 Driving on Mountain and Hill RoadsOn hill roads: the vehicle going uphill has right of way. Use engine braking (low gear) on descents. Sound your horn before blind curves. Never overtake on curves or near ridges. Park in gear with the handbrake engaged and wheels turned toward the hill.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)CMVR Rule 3 Encountering Animals on the RoadIndia has a large number of stray cattle, dogs, and animal-drawn vehicles on its roads. The law requires you to slow down and navigate around animals with care. Aggressive honking may startle animals into unpredictable movement. In wildlife areas, animal crossing signs must be obeyed.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)CMVR Rule 3 Rules for Using Emergency Vehicle Lights and SirensOnly vehicles authorised by the government — ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles, and select VIP vehicles — may use sirens and coloured flasher lights. The Supreme Court (2013) banned red beacons for VIPs. Unauthorised use of a beacon or siren is an offence under the MV Act.Unauthorised use of siren/flasher, where no specific penalty applies: a recorded warning for a first contravention, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)MV Act Sec. 119, 177

Vehicle Standards

5 rules

Fitness certificates, tyres, mirrors, windshields, number plates — your vehicle must meet these standards.

Vehicle Fitness Certificate (FC)Transport vehicles (taxis, trucks, buses) require a fitness certificate from the RTO renewed every 1–2 years. Private vehicles now require fitness testing after 15 years under the new scrappage policy.Transport vehicle without valid FC (not deemed validly registered, Sec. 56): ₹2,000–₹5,000 first offence (Sec. 192)MV Act Sec. 56 Tyre Safety Rules — Tread, Pressure, and StandardsCMVR Rule 95 requires tyres to be in good condition with adequate tread. The recommended minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Retreaded tyres on the front axle of commercial vehicles are prohibited. Mismatched tyre sizes on the same axle are illegal.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177/190)CMVR Rule 95 Mandatory Rear-View MirrorsAll four-wheelers must have at least one interior rear-view mirror and one exterior mirror on the right side. Two-wheelers must have at least one rear-view mirror (two recommended). Mirrors must provide clear rear visibility.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)CMVR Rule 103 Windshield and Window Visibility RulesThe Supreme Court of India (2012) banned all aftermarket window tinting/films. Factory-fitted tinted glass must allow at least 70% light transmission on the windshield and front side windows, and 50% on the rear. Any aftermarket sun film is illegal.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)MV Act Sec. 100 Number Plate Display Rules (HSRP)All vehicles must display High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) with standardised fonts, colours, and a chromium-based hologram. Fancy plates, sticker plates, plates with non-standard fonts, and obscured plates are illegal.₹5,000 for no number plate (Sec. 192). ₹500–₹5,000 for tampered/non-standard platesMV Act Sec. 39, 41

Two-Wheeler Rules

3 rules

Pillion rules, lane positioning, and modification laws specific to motorcycles and scooters.

Pillion Rider Rules for Two-WheelersA two-wheeler can carry only one pillion rider. Both the rider and pillion must wear ISI-certified helmets. Carrying more than one pillion is an offence under Sec. 194C.Extra (third) person on a two-wheeler: ₹1,000 + 3-month licence disqualification (Sec. 194C)MV Act Sec. 128, 129, 194D Two-Wheeler Lane Rules and PositioningTwo-wheelers should ride in the leftmost lane on multi-lane roads. Lane-splitting (riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic) is not explicitly addressed in Indian law but is treated as dangerous riding if it endangers others.A recorded warning, then ₹500–₹1,500 (Sec. 177)CMVR Rule 3 Motorcycle Modification RulesAny modification that changes a vehicle's structure, engine, exhaust, or dimensions from the registered specification requires prior RTO approval. Unapproved modifications make the RC invalid and void your insurance.₹5,000 first offence (Sec. 191)MV Act Sec. 52

Commercial Vehicles

5 rules

Licences, permits, speed governors, cargo rules, and passenger capacity for taxis, trucks, and buses.

Commercial Driving Licence RequirementsTo drive any vehicle for hire or reward, you need a commercial driving licence (CDL). The minimum age is 18 for light transport and 20 for heavy transport (trucks, buses). A CDL requires passing additional tests including a driving test with a heavy vehicle.Driving commercial vehicle without CDL: ₹5,000 (Sec. 3/181)MV Act Sec. 3, 4, 9 Goods Vehicle and Cargo Transport RulesEvery goods vehicle must carry a valid goods permit. Cargo must be secured with ropes or chains, must not protrude beyond the body without markings, and the total weight must not exceed the registered gross vehicle weight (GVW).Without permit: ₹10,000, ₹20,000 for a repeat (Sec. 192A)MV Act Sec. 66, 113, 194 Bus and Public Transport Passenger RulesEvery bus must carry a valid stage carriage or contract carriage permit. Seated capacity is painted on the bus exterior. Standing passengers are permitted in city buses up to a prescribed limit. Intercity/highway buses must not allow standees.Exceeding capacity: ₹200 per extra passenger (Sec. 194A)MV Act Sec. 66, 86, 128 Speed Governor / Speed Limiter RulesAll commercial transport vehicles must have a functioning speed governor (speed limiter). Trucks are limited to 60–80 km/h. Buses to 60–80 km/h. School buses to 40 km/h. Tampering with or removing the speed governor is a serious offence.Driving without speed governor or tampering: ₹5,000 (Sec. 112/192)MV Act Sec. 112 Taxi and Auto-Rickshaw RulesEvery taxi and auto-rickshaw must have a valid permit, a calibrated fare meter, and a displayed rate card. Refusal to hire without valid reason is a fineable offence. The driver must take the shortest practical route.Refusal of hire by a contract-carriage driver or permit holder: up to ₹50 for two- and three-wheelers, up to ₹500 for other vehicles (Sec. 178(3))MV Act Sec. 66, 178

Highway & Expressway

3 rules

Expressway restrictions, toll rules, median rules, and highway-specific driving laws.

Expressway Rules and RestrictionsExpressways (controlled-access highways) have additional rules: minimum speed limits (often 80–100 km/h), no pedestrians, no cyclists, no animal-drawn vehicles, no stopping on the carriageway, and mandatory toll payment.Wrong-way entry: ₹2,000–₹5,000National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules 2008 Toll Plaza and FASTag RulesUser fee at National Highway fee plazas is collected through FASTag or UPI; cash is no longer accepted. A vehicle without a valid, functional FASTag pays 1.25 times the toll by UPI. A toll that is recorded electronically but not paid is recovered through an e-notice.No valid FASTag: 1.25× the toll, paid by UPI (r.6(3A), from 10 Apr 2026)National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, rules 6(3A) and 14 (as amended 2026)Highway Median and Divider RulesHighway medians (dividers) separate opposing traffic flows. Crossing the median at any point other than a designated opening is treated as dangerous driving. Median-crossing accidents on highways have an extremely high fatality rate.Crossing median: Sec. 184 — ₹1,000–₹5,000 + imprisonmentMV Act Sec. 119, 184

Data sources

Motor Vehicles Act 1988, as amended by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019
Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 (CMVR)
IRC:67 Road Markings Manual, IRC:93 (Level Crossings), IRC:103 (Pedestrian Facilities)
MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways) Annual Report 2023
NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) Safety Guidelines