Maharashtra ranks among the top Indian states for road accidents, with thousands of lives lost every year due to traffic violations. In response, the Indian government made critical amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019, significantly revising traffic rules and penalties across the country.
As one of the most populated and vehicle-dense states, Maharashtra has seen a sharp rise in road mishaps, primarily caused by speeding, reckless driving, and non-compliance with traffic regulations. The revised fines aim to instill safer driving habits and reduce fatalities.
| Offense | Fine | Applicable Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Without Seatbelt | ₹1,000 | Four-Wheelers |
| Riding Without Helmet | ₹1,000 | Two-Wheelers |
| Triple Riding on Two-Wheeler | ₹1,000 | Two-Wheelers |
| Driving Without Number Plate | ₹500 (1st) / ₹1,500 (repeat) | All Vehicles |
| Minor Driving a Vehicle | ₹25,000 | All Vehicles |
| Illegal Parking | ₹500 (1st) / ₹1,500 (repeat) | All Vehicles |
| Dangerous or Rash Driving | ₹5,000 (1st) / ₹10,000 (repeat) | All Vehicles |
| Jumping Traffic Signals | ₹5,000 (1st) / ₹10,000 (repeat) | All Vehicles |
| Using Mobile While Driving | ₹5,000 (1st) / ₹10,000 (repeat) | All Vehicles |
| Driving Without Insurance | ₹2,000 | All Vehicles |
| Drunk Driving | ₹10,000 | All Vehicles |
| Driving Without Registration | ₹2,000 | All Vehicles |
| Over-Speeding | ₹1,000–₹2,000 | Based on Vehicle Type |
| Carrying Explosives | ₹10,000 | All Vehicles |
| Unfit to Drive (Physical/Mental) | ₹1,000 (1st) / ₹2,000 (repeat) | All Vehicles |
| Blocking Emergency Vehicles | ₹10,000 | All Vehicles |
| Driving While Disqualified | ₹10,000 | All Vehicles |
| Racing | ₹5,000 (1st) / ₹10,000 (repeat) | All Vehicles |
| Overloading | ₹2,000 | All Vehicles |
| Driving Without Licence | ₹5,000 | All Vehicles |
| Not Updating Vehicle Owner Address | ₹500 (1st) / ₹1,500 (repeat) | All Vehicles |
| Using Black Film or Tinted Glass | ₹500 (1st) / ₹1,500 (repeat) | All Vehicles |
When Were the New Traffic Fines Enforced?
The updated penalties were officially adopted by the Maharashtra government in December 2019, following the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. Although initially hesitant—alongside states like Gujarat and Kerala—Maharashtra eventually aligned with the revised national traffic fine structure.
Were Any Fines Reduced?
Yes, some penalties were adjusted. For instance, the fine for driving without a valid licence was reduced from ₹5,000 to ₹1,000–₹2,000 for certain vehicles. Likewise, blocking emergency vehicles, once fined at ₹10,000, now attracts a lower penalty of ₹1,000 in specific cases.
However, there have been increases too—for example, the fine for minor drivers rose from ₹500 to ₹25,000, reflecting the seriousness of the offense.
How Are Traffic Fines Collected in Maharashtra?
Traffic fines in Maharashtra are collected via:
- On-the-spot payments to officers with e-challan machines.
- Online payment portals such as Parivahan or the Maharashtra State E-Challan Portal.
- In-person payments at traffic police stations with valid documentation.
In 2023 alone, Maharashtra contributed significantly to the ₹3,204 crore collected in traffic challans nationwide.
How to Check and Pay e-Challan in Maharashtra?
You can easily check and settle your challan online:
How to Check e-Challan:
- Visit Parivahan Website
- Click on “Check Challan Status”
- Enter your vehicle number or driving licence details
Alternatively, use:
- Maharashtra State Police E-Challan portal
- Maharashtra Transport Department’s official website
Traffic Rules for Four-Wheelers in Maharashtra
- Speed Limits: 100 km/h on highways, 60 km/h in cities
- Seatbelts Mandatory: For all passengers, front and back
- No Mobile Use: Unless using hands-free
- No Drunk Driving: Subject to heavy penalties
- Always Carry Documents: Licence, registration, insurance, PUCC
- Follow Lane Discipline and signal before turns