Traffic Authorities in India

Traffic Offences and Penalties in India

State Wise - Regional Transport Offices (R.T.O.) Series

Driving License in India

Frequently Used Forms at RTO's

Traffic Authorities in India

The transport Department is one of the largest revenue earning departments. dealing with various transport related matters like driving licenses, registration of motor vehicles, grant and renewal of permits and other regulatory and enforcement services. The transport department works under the provision of the section 213 of the MV Act, 1988. The transport department is primarily established for enforcement of the provisions of the motor vehicle act, 1988.

Working Authorities:

Transport Department works with two of the concerned authorities, under Section 68 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. These are discussed below:

1. State Transport Authority: The main functions of the State Transport Authority are:

o To co-ordinate and regulate the activities and policies of the Regional Transport Authorities.

o Entering into bilateral agreements with other States. o To decide the quota for counter signature permits. o Grant of All India and State wide permits.

2. Regional Transport Authority: The main functions of the Regional Transport Authority are:

o To exercise and discharge the powers and functions conferred on them under the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, which mainly relate to control of transport by way of grant of permits.

Services Provided by R.T.O:

Regional Transport Office provides the following services:

1. Related to Driving License:

o Issuing learner license. o Renewal of learner license. o Issuing driving license. o Renewal of driving license (issued in same and other office). o Endorsement in driving license. o Noting change of address in learner and driving license. o Issuing International driving permit. o Conductor license

And related services.

2. Related to Registration of Vehicles

o Temporary registration of vehicles. o Permanent registration of vehicles. o Transfer of ownership. o Entry of hypothecation/ hire-purchase/ lease agreement. o Termination of hypothecation/ hire-purchase/ lease agreement. o Change of address. o Issue of no objection certificate. o Issue of clearance certificate

And related transactions.

3. Collection of Tax

o Payment of tax

Enforcement

The services granted by these authorities are regulated, monitored and enforced by two of the Enforcement Agencies:

Enforcement wing of the transport department. Traffic police.

If in any case somebody violates the rules and regulations related to traffic laws – an offence then they are bound to issue Challans against the offender under some penal actions as per M.V Act, 1988.

Some Related Acts

M.V.A. Motor Vehicle Act, 1988

C.M.V.R. Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989

D.M.V.R. Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989

R.R.R. Rules of Road Regulation, 1989

Traffic Offences and Penalties in India

The Indian Road rules, titled "Rules of the Road Regulation", were brought into effect since July, 1989. These rules are germane to the Indian drivers (all inclusive of two, three and four wheelers), while on the road to ensure an orderly traffic and a safer journey. Violation of these "Rules of Road Regulation" is a punishable transgression as per the city specific traffic police rules and the "Motor Vehicle Act".

Enforcement of these traffic laws - rules, regulations and acts can bear out the road accidents. These laws are enforced by issuing challans in the name of the offenders and teaching them a lesson by making them pay penalties. An indicative list of the possible offences and their respective penalties is formulated below:

1. OFFENCES RELATED TO DOCUMENTS

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION

1.1 Driving without a Valid LicenseRs. 500/- and /or imprisonment ( 3 months)

3 r/w 181 MVA

1.2Allowing vehicle to be driven by a person who does not possess a Valid License.

Rs. 1000/- and/or imprisonment ( 3 months)

5 r/w 180 MVA

1.3Not carrying documents as required.

Rs. 100/- 130(3) r/w 177 MVA

1.4 Driving without Valid Insurance.Rs. 1000/- and/or imprisonment ( 3 months)

130 r/w 177 MVA

1.5 Driving without Valid Permit.Rs. 5000/- ( not less than Rs. 2000/-)

130 r/w 177 MVA

1.6 Driving without Valid Fitness.Rs. 5000/- ( not less than Rs. 2000/-)

130 r/w 177 MVA

1.7 Vehicle without R.C. Rs 2000/- 39 r/w192 MVA

2. OFFENCES RELATED TO DRIVING

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION

2.1.1 Driving by Minor . Rs. 500/- 4 r/w 181 MVA

2.1.2Allowing Unauthorized person to drive .

Rs. 1000/- 5 r/w 180 MVA

2.1.3 Driving without Helmet. Rs. 100/- 129 r/w177 MVA

2.1.4 Seat Belts not fastened. Rs. 100/-138(3) CMVR177 MVA

2.1.5 Rough/Rash/Negligent Driving . Rs. 1000/- 184 MVA

2.1.6 Dangerous or hasty Driving.Rs.1000/-and/or imprisonment ( 6 months)

112-183 MVA

2.1.7 Not Driving in Proper Lane. Court Challan 66 r/w 192 MVA

2.1.8Driving in the center and not to left side.

Rs.100/- 2 RRR r/w 177 MVA

2.1.9 Driving against One Way. Rs.100/- 17 (i) RRR 177 MVA

2.1.10Reversing without due care and attention.

Rs. 100/-MMVR 233177 MVA

2.1.11Taking “U” turn during outlawed hours.

Rs.100/-12 RRR177 MVA

2.1.12Failing to take precaution while taking a “Turn”.

Rs.100/-3 RRR177 MVA

2.1.13Failing to decelerate at intersection.

Rs.100/-8 RRR177 MVA

2.1.14Failing to carry on left of traffic island.

Rs.100/-2 RRR177 MVA

2.1.15 Carrying persons on Footboard. Rs.100/- 123-177 MVA

2.1.16Carrying persons causing hindrance to the driver.

Rs.100/- 125-177 MVA

2.1.17 Trippling. Rs. 100/- 128/177 MVA

2.1.18 Driving on Footpath. Rs.100/- RRR 177 MVA

2.1.19Stopping at pedestrian crossing or crossing a Stop Line.

Rs.100/- RRR 177 MVA

2.2 Road Marking Related Offences

2.2.1 Violation of Yellow Line. Rs. 100/- 119/177 MVA

2.2.2 Violation of Stop Line. Rs. 100/- 113(1)/177 DMVR

2.2.3 Violation of Mandatory Signs . Rs. 100/- 119/177 MVA

2.3 Number Plate Related Offences

2.3.1Use of Offensive Number Plate for vehicle used in driving.

Rs.100/-CMVR 105 (2) (ii) 177 MVA

2.3.2 Displaying 'Applied For'. Rs. 4500/- 39/192 MVA

2.4 Vehicle Light Related Offences

2.4.1Improper use of headlights/tail light for vehicle used in driving.

Rs.100/-CMVR 105 (2) (ii)177 MVA

2.4.2Using High Beam where not required.

Rs. 100/- 112(G) A DMVR177 MVA

2.5 Horn Related Offences

2.5.1 Driving without Horn. Rs. 100/- 119(1)/177 CMVR

2.5.2Improper horn usage while driving.

Rs.100/-CMVR 105 (2) (ii)177 MVA

2.6 Traffic Police Related Offences

2.6.1Disobeying Traffic Police Officer in uniform.

Rs. 100/-119 MVA22(a) RRR177 MVA

2.6.2 Driving against Police Signal. Rs. 100/- 119 r/w 177 MVA

2.6.3Disobeying manual Traffic Signal.

Rs. 100/-239 MMVR22(a) RRR177 MVA

2.7 Traffic Signal Related Offences

2.7.1Disobeying Traffic signal / Sign Board.

Rs. 100/-22(b) RRR239 MMVR177 MVA

2.7.2 Failing to give Signal. Rs. 100/-121 RRR177 MVA

2.7.3 Jumping Signal. Rs.100/- 119/177 MVA

2.8 Speed and Overtake Related Offences

2.8.1Exceeding the prescribed Speed Limits.

Up to Rs.1000/- 112-183 MVA

2.8.2 Abetment for Over Speeding . Rs.300/- 112/183(2) MVA

2.8.3 Overtaking perilously. Rs.100/- 6 (a) RRR r/w 177 MVA

2.8.4Failing to confer way to sanction Overtaking.

Rs.100/-7 RRR177 MVA

2.8.5 Overtaking from Wrong Side . Rs. 100/- RRR 6/1/177 MVA

2.9 Other Offences

2.9.1 Disobeying Lawful Directions. Rs. 500/- 132/179 MVA

2.9.2 Driving under influence of Alcohol / Drugs.

Rs.2000/-and/or imprisonment

185 MVA

( 6 months)

2.9.3Using Mobile Phone while Driving.

Up to 1000/- 184 MVA

2.9.4Leaving vehicle in unoccupied engine.

Rs.100/- 126-177 MVA

2.9.5Leaving vehicle in unsafe position.

Rs.100/- 122 177 MVA

2.9.6 In case of a minor Accident. Rs. 1000/- 184 MVA

2.9.7 Playing music while Driving. Rs. 100/- 102/177 MVA

2.9.8 Driving without Silencer. Rs. 100/- 120/190(2)/177CMVR

2.9.9Driving when mentally or physically unfit.

Court Challan 186 MVA

3. OFFENCES RELATED TO TOWING OF VEHICLES

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION

3.1 Two Wheeler. Rs.100/- RRR 177 MVA

3.2Car , Jeep, Taxi, Auto Rickshaw.

Rs.200/- RRR 177 MVA

3.3 Truck, Tanker, Trailor. Rs.600/- RRR 177 MVA

4. OFFENCES RELATED TO POLLUTION

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION

4.1 Smoking in Public Transport. Rs. 100/- 86(1)(5)/177 DMVR

4.2 Pollution Not Under Control. Rs. 100/- 99(1)(a)/177 DMVR

4.3 Fixing multi-toned/shrill horn. Rs.500/-119 CMVR 190(2) MVA

4.4 Blowing Pressure Horn. Rs. 100/- 96(1)/177 DMVR

4.5 Silencer/muffler making noise. Rs.500/-CMVR 120190(2) MVA

4.6 Smoky Exhaust. Rs.500/-115 CMVR190(2) MVA

4.7 Using horn in Silence Zone. Rs.100/-21(ii) RRR177 MVA

5. OFFENCES RELATED TO MOTOR VEHICLES

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION

5.1Using Vehicle in Unsafe Conditions.

Court Challan 192 MVA

5.2When motor vehicle is out of state for more than 12 months.

Rs.100/- 47-177 MVA

5.3Particulars to be printed on transport vehicles.

Rs.100/- 84(G)-177 MVA

5.4 Without Wiper Rs.100/-CMVR 1015,12 177 MVA

5.4 Without Side Mirror. Rs.100/- 5, 7/177 MVA

5.5 Defective tyres. Rs.100/- CMVR 94

5.6No indication board on left hand drive vehicle.

Rs.100/- 120, 177 MVA

5.7Sale of motor vehicle/alteration of motor vehicle in contravention of Act.

Rs.300/- 52/191 MVA, 32/192.66/192 MV Act

5.8Vehicles fitted with dark glasses/sun films.

Rs.100/-100 CMVR177 MVA

5.9Driving without proper number plate/ illuminating rear number plate.

Rs.100/-236 MMVR177 MVA

5.10Failing to display public carrier board.

Rs.100/-116 MMVR177 MVA

5.11Using private vehicle for commercial purposes.

Rs. 5000/-( not less than Rs. 2000/-)

-

5.12Any sort of misconduct with passengers, not wearing uniform/not displaying badge.

Rs.100/-MMVR 21(18)177 MVA

5.13 Overloading a goods vehicle.Rs. 2000/-plus Rs. 1000/- for every additional ton.

MMVR 93(u)(i)177 MVA

5.14Carrying goods in a dangerous or hazardous manner.

Imprisonment and/or fine of Rs. 3000/-

29 RRR177 MVA

5.15Infringement of permit conditions.

Imprisonment and/or fine of Rs. 5000/-( not less than Rs. 2000/-)

-

5.16 Use of Colored light on Vehicle Rs. 100/- 97(2)/177 DMVR

6. OFFENCES RELATED TO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION

6.1 Plying in 'NO ENTRY' Time Upto 2000/- 115/194 MVA

6. Violation of Time Table Court Challan 11/177, 2/177, 66/192 MVA

6.2High and Long / Load in Vehicles

Rs. 100/- 29 RRR/177 MVA

6.3Carrying animals in goods vehicles in contravention of rules.

Rs.100/-MMVR 83177 MVA

6.4Carrying persons dangerously or carrying persons in goods vehicles.

Rs.100/-MMVR 108177 MVA

6.5 Goods in Passenger Vehicles - -

6.6Dangerous projection of goods.

Rs.100/-229 MMVR29 RRR177 MVA

6.7 Carrying goods unsecured. Rs.100/-MMVR 202177 MVA

6.Carrying goods more than 11 feet high.

Rs.100/-MMVR 93(u) (i)177 MVA

6.Limit Of weight and limitation on Use.

Court Challan 113/194(1) MVA

6.Driver refuses to weigh vehicle.

Court Challan 114/194(2) MVA

6.9 Load on Tail Board. Rs.100/-MMVR 202177 MVA

6.10Misbehavior by Taxi/TSR Driver.

Rs. 100/- 11(3)/177 DMVR

6.11 Over Charging by Taxi/TSR Rs. 100/- 11(8)/177 DMVR

Driver.

6.12 Charging without Meter. Rs. 100/- 11(8)/177 DMVR

6.13 Refusal by Taxi/TSR Driver. Rs. 100/- 11(9)/177 DMVR

6.14 Driver without Uniform. Rs. 100/- 7/177 DMVR

6.14 Driver without Badge. Rs. 100/- 22(1)/177 DMVR

6.15 Conductor without Uniform. Rs. 100/- 23(1)/177 DMVR

6.16 Conductor without Badge. Rs. 100/- 22(1)/177 DMVR

6.17 Stopping without Bus stop Court Challan 66/192 MVA

6.18Power to detain Vehicle used in contravention of section 3.4,39 or 66(1) MV Act.

Court Challan 207(1) MVA

7. OFFENCES RELATED TO PARKING

S.NO OFFENCES MAXIMUM PENALTY SECTION

7.1Parking in the direction of flow of traffic.

Rs.100/-22(a) RRR177 MVA

7.2Parking away from footpath towards road.

Rs.100/-15(2) RRR177 MVA

7.3 Parking against flow of traffic. Rs.100/-15(2) RRR177 MVA

7.4 Parking causing Obstruction. Rs. 100/-15(2) RRR177 MVA

7.5 Parking on a Taxi Stand. Rs. 100/-15(2) RRR177 MVA

7.6Parking in not any prescribed manner.

Rs. 100/-15(1) RRR177 MVA

7.7 Parking at any Corner. Rs. 100/-15(i) RRR177 MVA

7.8Parking within 15 meters on either side of Bus Stop.

Rs. 100/-15(2) RRR177 MVA

7.9 Parking on Bridge. Rs. 100/-15(2) (i) RRR177 MVA

7.10 Parking at Traffic Island. Rs. 100/-15(i) RRR177 MVA

7.11 Parking in “No” Parking Area. Rs. 100/-15(2) RRR177 MVA

7.12Parked on Pedestrian Crossing.

Rs. 100/-15(2)(iii) RRR177 MVA

7.13 Parking on Footpath. Rs. 100/-15(2)(ii) RRR177 MVA

7.14 Parking in front of a gate. Rs. 100/-15(2)(viii) RRR177 MVA

7.15 Parking causing obstruction. Rs. 100/-15(1) RRR177 MVA

RRR: Rules of Road Regulations 1989 MVA: Motor Vehicles Act 1988 MMVR: Maharasthra Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 CMVR: Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989

Besides these provisions, it is mandatory for every driver driving, to carry the following documents while driving:

S.No Documents

1 Valid driving license.

2 Vehicle Registration Certificate.

3 Road Tax Token.

4 Pollution under Control Certificate.

5 Current Insurance Certificate.

Any driver can be held from his driving licence if falls in line with any of the given criteria:

S.No Criterion

1 Driving is dangerous to the public.

2 Under the age of 18 yrs.

3 Drunk or addicted to dugs.

4 Illegal driving license.

5 Driving a vehicle with a objectionable history.

Often, people feel exempted on paying challans, only to commit the offences time and again. Rather, they should take a lesson not to practice the mistake any more. After all this all is for a good faith for all. "Keeping an Eye on oneself" is indeed the best rule and best penalty.

State Wise - Regional Transport Offices (R.T.O.) Series

To keep a systematic record of the identity of the vehicles and their owners, each vehicle is given a unique number which is registered in the relevant Transport Authority according to the address of its owner. Each Transport Authority has been allotted specific series for registration of vehicles so that the vehicle can be traced to the owner easily and proper record is maintained in respect of each vehicle. Here is a list of registration numbers series of all the States in India for ready reference.

S.NO State R.T.O. Series

1 Andaman & Nicobar AN-01 to AN-02

2 Andhra Pradesh AP-01 to AP37D

3 Arunachal Pradesh AR-01 to AR-14

4 Assam AS-01 to AS-24

5 Bihar BR-01 to BR-47

6 Chandigarh CH-01

7 Chhattisgarh CG-01 to CG-

8 Dadra and Nagar Haveli DN-09

9 Daman and Diu DD-03 & DD-02

10 Delhi DL-1 to DL-9

11 Goa GA-01 to GA- 02

12 Gujarat GJ-01to GJ-20

13 Haryana HR-01 to HR-51

14 Himachal Pradesh HP-01 to HP-52

15 Jammu and Kashmir JK-01 to JK-14

16 Jharkhand JH-01 to JH-

17 Karnataka KA-01 to KA-40

18 Kerala KL-01to KL-15

19 Lakshadweep LD-01

20 Madhya Pradesh MP-01 to MP-28

21 Maharashtra MH-01 to MH-35

22 Manipur MN-01 to MN-04

23 Meghalaya ML-01 to ML-10

24 Mizoram MZ-01 to MZ-03

25 Mumbai MH-01 to MH-03

26 Nagaland NL-01 to NL-06

27 Orissa OR-01 to OR-18

28 Pondicherry PY-01 to PY-04

29 Punjab PB-01 to PB-56

30 Rajasthan RJ-01 to RJ-30

31 Sikkim SK-01 to SK-03

32 Tamil Nadu TN-01 to TN-74

33 Tripura TR-01 to TR-03

34 Uttar Pradesh UP-01 to UP-96

35 Uttaranchal UA-01 to UA-

36 West Bengal WB-01 to WB-79

Driving License in India

In India the minimum age required for driving is 16 years for motorcycles of 50cc or less and 18 for all the other vehicles.

Few Points to Remember

According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, a valid Driving Licence is necessary to drive any motor vehicle on public roads.

Driving License is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of Motor Vehicles Inspector's Office after the recipient has passed a driving test and has proved the required age.

The Driving License in India is segregated as Motorcycle License, Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) license, and Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) License.

Learner's License is issued after passing a theory test. The legislation of Driving License is done through the 'Rules of the Road Regulation' and the

Motor Vehicle Act 1988. The driver of the vehicle is required to keep the original copy of the license while driving.

Types of Driving Licenses in India

To drive a motor vehicle in any public place an effective Driving License is necessary. By effective Driving License it mean license issued to a person authorizing him/her to drive vehicle of that particular category. There are different types of licenses issued by the RTO offices. Here we will discuss each of them separately.

1. Learner Driving License

This is a temporary license that is valid up to 6 months from the date of issue. It is basically issued to learn driving of Motor Vehicles.

2. Permanent Driving License

Permanent driving license is issued to those who become eligible for it after thirty days (to apply within 180 days) from the date of issue of the learner license. Person suppose to get permanent driving license should be conversant about the vehicle systems, driving, traffic rules & regulations.

3. Duplicate Driving License

In case of loss, theft, or on mutilation, Duplicate License is issued. The documents to be produced are FIR of the lost license, challan clearance report from RTA Office (in case of Commercial licence renewal) and an application in Form LLD. The particulars are verified by the authority from the records. The duplicate license will have the valid period same as the previous license. If the license is lost and expired by more than 6 months it requires permission from Head Quarter of Transport Department.

It is recommended to keep a photocopy of the original license or particulars of license noted in order to make it easier for the issuing authority to locate the particulars from their record.

4. International Driving License

The motor licensing authority also issues International Driving License. The validity of this license is for one year. Person visiting the country is required to collect the license from there within one year period. Apart from address proof and birth certificate, one has to produce a valid passport and valid visa while applying.

5. Motorcyle License or Two-wheeler License

Two-wheeler license is issued by the Regional Transport Authority (RTO) to permit driving of only two-wheeler vehicles like bike, scooter and moped.

6. Light Motor Vehicle License (LMV)

Light Motor Vehicle License is issued to drive light vehicles like auto rickshaws, motor car, jeep, taxi, three-wheeler delivery vans, etc.

7. Heavy Motor Vehicle License (HMV)

Heavy Motor Vehicle License is issued to drive heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, tourist coaches, cranes, goods carriages, etc. A person with HMV license can drive light vehicles but Light Motor Vehicle License do not permit to drive heavy vehicles.

Frequently Used Forms at RTO's

Here few frequently used form at RTOs are mentioned so you can download to print and use any of them.

S.NO Form Number Form's Purpose

1 RTO Form No.1 Physical Fitness

2 RTO Form No.1A Medical Certificate

3 RTO Form No. 2 Application for Learning License

4 RTO Form No. 3 Learner's License

5 RTO Form No. 4 For Permanent License

6 RTO Form No. 9 For Renewal of License

7 RTO Form LLD For Duplicate License

8 RTO Form No. 20 For Registration of Vehicles

9 RTO Form No. 25 For Re- registration of Vehicles

10 RTO Form No. 26 For Duplicate Certificate of Registration

11 RTO Form No. 27 For New Registration from Other State

12 RTO Form No. 28 For No Objection Certificate

13 RTO Form No. 29 For Transfer of Ownership

14 RTO Form No. 30 For Transfer of Ownership

15 RTO Form No. 31 For Death Certificate

16 RTO Form No. 32 For Registration of Public Auction Vehicle

17 RTO Form No. 33 For Address change in Registration

18 RTO Form No. 34 For Hpothecation Endorsement

19 RTO Form No. 35 For Hpothecation Termination

20 RTO Form No. 60 For Income Tax Information

21 RTO Form No. 61 For Income Tax Exemption Case

22 RTO Application- IDP For International Driving Permit

23 RTO Application- PSV For Public Service Vehicle

24 RTO Application - AForm of Application for verification of the Antecedents

25 Police Report Police Report

26 Character Certificate Form of Verification Character and Antecedents

27 Driving Licence Documentation Driving Licence Documentation