Tamil Nadu’s rich culture and dense forests make it a popular tourist destination. The growing IT sector, on the other hand, is attracting employees from different states. This is why this southern state is experiencing a surge in vehicles, increasing the need to follow traffic rules in Tamil Nadu to ensure a safe driving environment.
Traffic fines and rules promote safe driving behaviours for the safety of everyone on the road. Here’s all the information regarding updated traffic fines in Tamil Nadu, rules, and the process for paying traffic challans online.
Updated Traffic Rules in Tamil Nadu 2025
Starting from 1st December 2024, Tamil Nadu traffic police will crack down on traffic rule violations. The State of Tamil Nadu has implemented new traffic rules and revised fines for several traffic violations as part of the national initiative to make the roads safer. Below is an updated list of fines and penalties for the traffic violations in Tamil Nadu:
Increased Fines
- Driving without a legal license: Rs. 5,000 (formerly Rs. 2,500).
- Jumping signals: Rs. 1,000.
- Loud horns: Rs. 500.
- Penalty for using a mobile phone while driving: Rs. 1,000 for first-time offenders and Rs. 10,000 for repeat offenders
- Obstructing emergency vehicles: Rs. 10,000.
- Rash driving: Rs. 1,000 – Rs. 10,000 (formerly Rs. 400)
- Illegal automobile races: Rs. 5,000 (first time) and Rs. 10,000 (second time).
- Riding without a helmet: Rs. 1000 (formerly Rs. 100).
- Misuse of horns: Rs. 1,000 for the first infringement, Rs. 2,000 for the second.
List of Common Traffic Violations and Penalties in Tamil Nadu
Despite its rich cultural heritage and legacy, as well as its great hospitality, Tamil Nadu is regarded as a dangerous place to drive. In 2024, Tamil Nadu had more than 10,066 fatal accidents reported, accounting for 10,546 deaths.
For the same reason, the Tamil Nadu government imposes strict traffic laws and stiff fines and penalties in order to improve road safety and encourage responsible driving. Here is a list of all the common traffic violations and penalties in Tamil Nadu:
1. Driving Under the Influence
The punishment for a first-time offender is a fine of Rs. 10,000 or imprisonment for 6 months. The penalty imposed for repeat offenders is a fine of Rs. 15,000. This offence has very serious implications for the safety of roads.
2. Speeding
The penalty for speeding is a fine of Rs. 1,000 for LMV and Rs. 2,000 for MMV. Drivers in Tamil Nadu must always drive within speed limits to avoid accidents and fines.
3. Driving Without a License
You’ll have to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000 if you are caught driving without a genuine and authentic license. It makes drivers more accountable and keeps other people safe.
4. Driving Without Insurance
First-time offenders receive a fine of Rs. 2,000 and or 3 months imprisonment for driving without vehicle insurance. If you get caught once again, then you’ll attract a fine of Rs. 4,000.
5. Jumping Red Light
This violation will be penalized with a fine of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000, discretionary disqualification of license and imprisonment for 1 year. This offence poses a danger to all drivers and passengers.
6. Driving Without a Helmet
A person who drives without a helmet has to pay a fine of Rs. 1000 and gets his/her driving license cancelled for three months. Wearing helmets is compulsory for riders because it can save their lives in accidents.
7. Rash Driving or Speeding
The fine for rash driving is Rs. 5,000. Such a practice puts the driver and other road users at risk. A fine of Rs. 5,000 is attracted for racing or over-speeding.
Traffic Offenses and Fines
| Offense | Penalty/Fine |
| Driving Under the Influence | Rs. 10,000 or 6 months in prison; Rs. 15,000 or 2 years in prison for repeat offenders. |
| Overloading Pillion Riders | Rs. 2,000, license disqualification, and/or 3 months of community service |
| Exceeding Speed Limits | Rs. 1,000 for LMV; Rs. 2,000 for MMV |
| Reckless Driving | First Offense: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000, license suspension, and/or 6 months to 1 year in prison;Second Offense: Rs. 10,000, license suspension, and up to 2 years in prison |
| Driving without a License | Rs. 5,000 |
| Driving without Insurance | Rs. 2,000 and/or 3 months in prison, community service; Rs. 4,000 for repeat offenders |
| Running a Red Light | Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000, license suspension, and/or 6 months to 1 year in prison |
| Riding without a Helmet | Rs. 1,000 and 3 months license suspension |
| Riding without a Permit | Up to Rs. 10,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment |
| Driving by a Juvenile | Rs. 25,000, 3 years imprisonment, vehicle registration cancellation for 1 year, and ineligible for a driving license until the age of 25 |
Document-Related Offenses
| Offense | Penalty/Fine |
| Driving without a Valid License | Rs. 5,000 |
| Driving without Valid License | Rs. 5,000 |
| Driving without Valid Insurance | Rs. 2,000 and/or 3 months in prison, community service; Rs. 4,000 for repeat offenders |
| Driving without a Permit | Rs. 10,000 and/or up to 6 months in prison with community service |
| Driving after License Disqualification | Rs. 10,000 |
Driving-Related Offenses
| Offense | Penalty/Fine |
| Violating Road Regulations | Rs. 500 |
| Disobeying Authorities | Rs. 2,000 |
| Not Wearing Seatbelts | Rs. 1,000 |
| Reckless/Negligent Driving | Rs. 1,000 |
| Racing or Speeding | Rs. 5,000 |
| Not Yielding to Emergency Vehicles | Rs. 10,000 |
| Improper Lane Driving | Court Challan |
Road Marking Offenses
| Offense | Penalty/Fine |
| Crossing Yellow Line | Rs. 100 |
| Crossing Stop Line | Rs. 100 |
| Violating Mandatory Signs | Rs. 100 |
Other Driving Offenses
| Offense | Penalty/Fine |
| Offensive Number Plate | Rs. 100 |
| Using High Beam Unnecessarily | Rs. 100 |
| Driving without a Horn/Improper Use of Horn | Rs. 100 |
| Running Red Light | Rs. 100 |
| Exceeding Speed Limits | Up to Rs. 1,000 |
| Driving without a Silencer | Rs. 100 |
| Driving when Unfit | Court Challan |
Traffic Penalties in Tamil Nadu
Penalties and traffic fines have historically served as effective deterrents for increasing road safety and improving traffic laws. To ensure order and safety, the Telangana State Transport Authority (TSTA) enforces different penalties for four-wheelers and commercial vehicles.
Traffic Penalties for Four Wheelers
In the state of Tamil Nadu, four-wheeler drivers have to pay the following fines and penalties for violations such as:
- Driving without seat belts: Rs. 1,000
- Driving under the influence: Rs. 10,000
- Overspeeding: Rs. 2,000
- Driving without insurance: Rs. 2,000
Traffic Penalties for Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles’ fines are higher as these vehicles can pose a significant danger to road safety:
- Overloading: Up to Rs. 2,000
- Without valid permit: Up to Rs. 10,000
- Not meeting the safety standards: Rs. 5,000
Tamil Nadu Traffic Challan Payment
Tamil Nadu state offers drivers the choice to pay the challan in both online and offline modes based on their convenience and choice of payment.
How to Pay Tamil Nadu Traffic Challan Online?
Tamil Nadu state offers you the choice of paying the challan online via Parivahan and the State website.
Online Mode – Parivahan
Here is how you can pay the Tamil Nadu challan via the Parivahan website:
- Visit the official Parivahan website on your browser.
- Enter the e-challan number, vehicle number, or driver’s license number.
- Enter the CAPTCHA code and click “Get Details.”
- Click “Check Challan Details” and see your pending fines.
- Proceed to payment through net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI.
- Download the payment receipt for your records.
Tamil Nadu Police Traffic Portal
The Tamil Nadu Police Traffic Portal also has an easy challan payment process for traffic fines in Tamil Nadu:
- Go to the Tamil Nadu Police Traffic Services website.
- Click on the “Pay Traffic Fines” section.
- Enter your vehicle number or challan ID to fetch details.
- Make the payment through secure online modes.
How to Pay Tamil Nadu Traffic Challan Offline?
If you don’t prefer paying challan online, you can also pay it offline. Find a Chennai Traffic Police officer carrying an e-challan device. Give them your vehicle registration, DL, or challan number. Pay the fine in cash and receive a receipt.
Proceed directly to the Chennai Police Headquarters and pay the penalty in cash. You can also send the e-challan amount to the Chennai Traffic Police Department’s postal address via demand draft, pay order, or cheque.
How to Avoid Traffic Violations in Tamil Nadu?
Traffic violations in Tamil Nadu can be easily avoided if you keep the following tips in mind:
- Always wear safety gear: Use helmets while riding two-wheelers and seat belts while driving four-wheelers.
- Speed limit: You must drive your vehicle within the prescribed limits set by Tamil Nadu state for your type of vehicle.
- No distraction: You must avoid using mobile phones while driving as they can draw your attention away from the road and lead to accidents.
- Traffic signals: Jumping signals may result in huge fines and accidents. You can avoid these challans by following the traffic signals.
- Carry documents: Always carry a copy of your updated insurance, registration, and permit documents with you.
- Road markings: Lane discipline and following road signs are important for safety. This is why you must adhere to road markings and signals.
- Do not overload: Be it passengers or cargo, ensure your vehicle is within the allowable limit and not overloaded.
Summary
Knowing the new traffic rules in Tamil Nadu and the fines for violations is very important for safe driving in Tamil Nadu. Higher fines and increased enforcement aim to reduce accidents and promote better adherence to road rules. Besides avoiding challan, you can also ensure your own safety by following the traffic rules in Tamil Nadu.
If you have already received a challan for violating the traffic rules, you can check your e-challan status and pay the traffic fines in Tamil Nadu online. Paying them on time could save you from legal complications. Following the traffic rules in Tamil Nadu will save you from fines and ensure safety for all road users.
FAQ’s
Q. What are the fines for drunk driving in Tamil Nadu?
You will have to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000 and/or undergo imprisonment for 6 months for the first time. It will be Rs. 15,000 and/or 2 years for subsequent cases for repetition.
Q. How can I pay traffic fines online in Tamil Nadu?
You can pay the traffic fines and challan on the Parivahan portal or on the Tamil Nadu Transport and Road Safety website by using challan or vehicle details.
Q. What if I am caught driving without a helmet?
You will be fined Rs. 1,000, and your driving license can also be suspended for three months in Tamil Nadu.
Q. Do traffic violations become more expensive for repeat offenders?
Yes, a repeat offender usually faces an increased fine, a longer license suspension period, or even jail.
Q. What should I do to avoid traffic violations?
Always keep valid documents, follow the speed limit, obey the traffic signals and respect the road safety norms.
