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Traffic Fines in Karnataka for Different Violations & Traffic Rules in 2024

Being the hub of notable industrial sectors, Karnataka attracts more people from other sections of India and worldwide. More people lead to more vehicles, which sometimes results in traffic violations. Hence, the government amended the Motor Vehicle Act in 2019, which initiated a couple of new traffic rules and regulations and increased traffic violation fines. 

The new traffic rules and fines are revised based on the type of offences committed, especially for individuals riding two-wheelers. 

Read on to learn all about the updated rules and Karnataka traffic fines.

Complete List of Traffic Fines in Karnataka in 2024

The table provides comprehensive information regarding fines imposed by the Karnataka Traffic Police and an up-to-date list of traffic violations.

Traffic Violations 

Traffic Fine / Penalty  Vehicle Type
Drink and Drive Offence  Court fine  All Vehicle Types
Riding/Driving Without a Valid Driving Licence  ₹1,000 - ₹5000  All Vehicle Types
Reckless or Dangerous Driving/Riding  ₹1,000  All Vehicle Types
Driving/Riding a Vehicle Without Registration  Court fine  All Vehicle Types
Overspeeding  ₹1,000 - ₹2,000  All Vehicle Types
Using Mobile Phone While Driving/Riding  ₹1,000  All Vehicle Types
Driving/Riding Without Valid Insurance  ₹1,000 - ₹4,000  All Vehicle Types
Riding Without Wearing a Helmet (Rider/Pillion Rider)  ₹500  Two-wheelers
Driving Without Wearing a Seatbelt  ₹500  Four wheelers
Offence Related to Air/Noise Pollution  ₹1,000  Two/three/four-wheeler/HTV/carriage
Overloading of Two-wheeler  ₹500  Two-wheelers
Racing on Public Roads  ₹5,000  All Vehicle Types
Driving During Disqualification  ₹10,000  All Vehicle Types
Not Following Lane Discipline  ₹500  All vehicles
Minor Driving/Riding a Vehicle  ₹5,000  All vehicles
Misbehaving With Traffic Police Officer  ₹2,000  Two/three/four-wheeler/HTV/carriage
Jumping Traffic Signal  ₹500  All Vehicle Types
Parking in No-parking Zone  ₹1,000  All Vehicle Types
Driving/Riding Without Number Plate  ₹500  All Vehicle Types
Driving/Riding When Physically/Mentally Unfit  ₹1,000  All Vehicle Types
Not Obeying/Obstructing the Instructions From Traffic Police  ₹1,000  All Vehicle Types
Offence Related to Stop Line  ₹1,000  All Vehicle Types
One Way Offence  ₹500  All Vehicle Types
Honking in Silence Zones  ₹500 - ₹1,000  All Vehicle Types
Jaywalking  Court fine  Pedestrians
Driving Without a Valid Permit  Court fine  All Vehicle Types
Offence Related to Alteration of Vehicle  Court fine  All Vehicle Types
Driving/Riding Without Emission  Court fine  All Vehicle Types
Certificate     
Obstructing Emergency Vehicles (Ambulance, fire engine, police vehicle, etc.)  ₹1,000  All Vehicle Types

When Were the New Traffic Fines Implemented in Karnataka?

The Karnataka state government changed the rules and regulations of the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019, which was enacted on September 1, 2019. 

These updated rules were followed in various regions and cities of Karnataka, including Bengaluru (Bangalore), Mysuru (Mysore), Mangaluru (Mangalore), Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi. Furthermore, due to the political pressure of different parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party Government in Karnataka revised some fines on traffic tribulations, which were reduced by 50% to 80%. 

Have Traffic Fines Been Reduced in Karnataka?

Yes, traffic fines have been reduced with the new changes and updates in the Motor Vehicles Act. For instance, driving without a genuine driving licence is reduced to ₹1000 and ₹2,000 for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, respectively, from ₹5,000, which was the earlier rate. 

Furthermore, previously, people driving without an authentic car insurance policy had to pay a penalty of ₹2,000, which is now reduced to ₹1,000 as per the latest update.

Traffic Fine Collection in Karnataka

In 2023, approximately 1,95,69,861 challans were disposed of in India, amounting to ₹ 32,04,44,50,545 revenue collected.

In Karnataka, traffic fine collection is rigorously enforced through digital systems and on-ground enforcement. Penalties are levied for speeding, improper parking, and helmetless riding violations. Online payment options streamline the process, ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.

How to Check e-Challan in Karnataka and Pay Online?

You can check your traffic challan in Karnataka and pay online in some easy ways mentioned below.

Process to Check e-Challan Online in Karnataka

  • If you prefer the online process, you can do so through the Parivahan website under “Check Online Services” tab. 

  • You can also check the Karnataka Government’s official website to know more about your e-Challan status.

Process to Pay e-Challan Online in Karnataka

  • You can easily pay your traffic fines online in Karnataka via the Parivahan website.

  • Conversely, you can pay your e-Challan through the Karnataka Government’s official website or KarnatakaOne portal service as well. 

On the other hand, you can also pay your fine in cash to a traffic police officer with an e-challan machine. Similarly, you can visit any traffic police station in your city with some necessary documents and submit your fine there.

Important Traffic Rules for Four-Wheelers in Karnataka

Mentioned below are the vital traffic rules that four-wheeler riders should follow at the time of hitting the road:

  • Use Seatbelts: Seatbelt use is essential, as it can protect you from severe injuries during accidents. Violation of this rule can lead to seat belt fines in Karnataka.

  • Avoid Using Phone while Driving: Never use your mobile while driving. Disregarding this rule can result in traffic fines in Karnataka.

  • Avoid Overspeeding: Avoid high-speed and aggressive driving, as these can cause accidents and result in hefty overspeeding challan. 

  • Carry Valid Papers: You must carry your valid driving license, vehicle registration certificate, and other important car papers while driving in Karnataka.

  • Avoid Changing Lanes: Avoid overtaking and changing lanes suddenly. Use the indicators before turning or changing lanes. Disobeying this rule can lead to car fines in Karnataka.

  • Avoid Driving When Intoxicated: Do not drive a car on the road/street in an intoxicated state as this might result in drink and drive fines.

Avail Car Insurance: Before driving a four-wheeler in Karnataka, make sure you buy a car insurance plan.

Important Traffic Rules for Two-Wheelers in Karnataka

Following are important traffic rules that the bikers and two-wheeler riders need to follow while hitting the road:

  • Wear Helmet: Always wear a helmet (headgear) while riding a bike in Karnataka as this can protect you from fatal head injuries in the event of a road accident.

  • Avoid Overloading: Do not ride a bike with more than one person as a pillion. This is because overloaded two-wheelers can come across accidental situations.

  • Refrain from Using Mobile Phones: Do not use mobile phones or any other gadgets while riding a two-wheeler, as this can lead to traffic challans in Karnataka. 

  • Don’t Drink and Drive: Do not ride a two-wheeler in a drunken state as this might lead to accidents or hefty traffic fines. 

  • Carry Valid Documents: Always carry all important papers while riding bikes, including your driving license, PUC certificate and other vehicle-related documents.  

  • Avail Bike Insurance: You must carry the bike insurance policy of your two-wheeler. If you do not have an insurance plan, it can lead to a traffic fine of ₹1000. 

Being a highly populated state, Karnataka has many important traffic rules that have become stricter recently to ensure safety. 

Thus, vehicle owners in this state need to conform to these traffic rules and regulations to enjoy a smooth driving experience. However, violating those rules can attract traffic fines in Karnataka. Hence, you should obey the traffic rules and take the necessary precautions while driving a car or a two-wheeler.

FAQs about Karnataka Traffic Fines & Traffic Rules in 2024

What do you mean by traffic fines in Karnataka?

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, traffic fines in Karnataka are money charged to the drivers of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, or four-wheelers by any senior traffic police officer or a sub-inspector of traffic police during a violation of traffic rules.

How much traffic fine is charged in Karnataka for not wearing helmets?

While hitting the road on a two-wheeler without wearing a helmet, the traffic police in Karnataka can charge a fine of up to ₹1000 and even a licence suspension of up to 3 months.

How can I check the status of traffic fines in Karnataka?

To check the traffic fines in Karnataka, visit the Parivahan website and click on the 'Check Online Services' option. Then, select 'Check Challan Status' and enter your challan number. You will be able to check the status of your traffic fine.

What is the fine for drinking and driving in Karnataka?

If anyone is caught intoxicated while driving in Karnataka, the traffic police may charge a hefty fine of up to ₹10,000 or imprisonment for six months or even both. If anyone repeats this crime for the second time, the fine will go to ₹15000, alongside imprisonment of up to 2 years.

What is the final date for the traffic fine rebate in Karnataka?

The Government of Karnataka has planned to provide a 50% discount on traffic fines until 9th September 2023. However, this discount applies only to those accidental cases registered on or before 11th February 2023.

How to get a rebate on traffic fines?

If the traffic fine has been recovered as a cash bail deposit and if the concerned individual appears in court, the fine could be refunded or deposited according to the court order.

How much is the traffic fines collection in Bengaluru?

The traffic police of Bengaluru have collected a substantial sum of ₹184.83 crore in traffic fines throughout 2023.

What will happen if an individual doesn't pay traffic fines in Karnataka?

If anyone doesn’t pay the traffic fines in Karnataka, that individual will be arrested and he/she will receive a summons from the court.

Do the pillion riders need to wear a headgear in Karnataka?

Yes, whether you are riding a bike, scooter, or pillion, wearing a standard full helmet is compulsory in Karnataka. If you violate this rule, it will attract traffic fines.

How can I pay traffic fines in Karnataka?

To pay traffic fines in Karnataka, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Navigate to the official Karnataka police website

Step 2: Select the "Pay Traffic Violation Fine." option. 

Step 3: Enter your car number and other details on the traffic challan 

Step 4: Once the status of your e-challan appears, you can click on “Pay Now” to clear the payment of the traffic fine.

What are the updated traffic rules in Karnataka?

The government of India shared an amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act, which added some new rules and regulations to reduce road accidents and streamline traffic systems. As per the new rules, traffic fines in Karnataka range between ₹500 and ₹15000, from minor cases to court-level cases.

What is the fine for parking a car in the ‘no parking’ in Karnataka?

Individuals parking their cars in Karnataka's ‘no parking’ zones have to pay a fine of ₹1000.

What is the highest traffic fine in Bengaluru?

The amount of traffic fines charged in Bengaluru for violating traffic rules and regulations depends on the type of crime committed by the car/two-wheeler driver. As of now, the highest traffic fine in Bengaluru is ₹ 10,000.

Which helmet has been banned in Karnataka?

The half-helmets that do not offer proper facial protection or do not provide complete skull protection due to the low-quality materials used in their manufacturing have been banned in Karnataka.

Is a double helmet mandatory in Karnataka?

Wearing a double helmet is obligatory for all two-wheeler riders while hitting the road in Karnataka.

Do I have to carry the Registration Certificate (RC) of the car while driving in Karnataka?

Yes, while driving in Karnataka, you need to carry the Registration Certificate (RC) on a mandatory basis. Failing to furnish this document during an inspection can lead to a traffic fine.

What is the time limit for paying an e-challan in Karnataka?

The traffic e-challans must be paid within 60 days from the day it has been issued. If the challan is not paid within the specified time frame, the case will go into the hands of the court.

Can I contest or dispute a traffic challan in Karnataka?

In order to contest a wrong e-challan, the car owner can file a complaint through the grievance system and present proof of innocence.

How do you check the acceptable traffic receipt issued by Karnataka police?

After its issuance by the Karnataka police department, you can check the traffic fine receipt online by going to the official portal of e-challan Karnataka and providing the challan number or vehicle number.