West Bengal received over 8.5 crore domestic and 1 crore international tourists in 2022 and is forecasted to see an increase of 25-40% in 2025-26. Besides this, thousands of new vehicles and drivers get added to the roads of West Bengal every year. The traffic rules in West Bengal help ensure safety of everyone on the road.
Following the traffic rules becomes more important due to the increasing number of vehicles and accidents on the road. Failing to do so also attracts hefty traffic fines in West Bengal. Here is a complete guide to the traffic rules in West Bengal.
Updated Traffic Rules in West Bengal 2025
The state of West Bengal follows the traffic rules set under the guidelines of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. To conform with the national regulations and tackle the increased road accidents, the state government has increased fines and traffic rules in West Bengal over the years.
The updated traffic rules in West Bengal are established to enforce strict guidelines, ensuring the safety of the driver, passengers, and pedestrians. The authorities have imposed clear guidelines, and violating them results in penalties, license suspension, or even imprisonment. The penalties are a means to influence people’s driving behaviour and adhere to the traffic rules.
The penalty for driving without a license has increased several folds. The government has issued strict rules concerning smartphone usage and compulsory safety gear, with set fines. Getting caught without helmets or seat belts while driving results in a fine of Rs. 1,000, with a possibility of license suspension as well.
The use of a mobile phone while driving is also a serious offence that can invite a penalty of up to Rs. 5,000. Several other relatively new traffic rules have also been issued. It includes mandating Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and no honking in silent zones.
List of Common Traffic Violations and Penalties in West Bengal
The government has issued various traffic rules and regulations over the years to tackle traffic violations in West Bengal. Listed below are some of the common traffic violations in West Bengal with their penalties:
1. Driving Without a Valid License
A valid driving license is proof of the driver’s ability to drive safely and know traffic rules, road signs, and more. The penalty for driving without a license in West Bengal is Rs. 5,000. In West Bengal, it can also require the driver to appear in court in severe situations.
2. Speeding Violations
Overspeeding is one of the common traffic violations in West Bengal. For a first offence, the penalty is Rs. 1,000 for small vehicles and Rs. 2,000 for other vehicles (medium and heavy). Moreover, the penalty doubles for repeated offences, amounting to Rs. 2,000 for small vehicles and Rs. 4,000 for others.
3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Drunk driving is among the most serious traffic violations in West Bengal. The penalty for first-time offenders is Rs. 10,000 or up to 6 months in jail. Given the severity of the violation, the government has imposed a fine of Rs. 15,000 or up to 2 years of confinement for subsequent offences.
4. Driving without a Seat Belt and Helmet
Driving without a seat belt when driving a four-wheeler and a helmet when driving a two-wheeler puts the driver and passenger in danger. Traffic violations in West Bengal attract a fine of Rs. 1,000 for driving without a seat belt and helmet.
5. Using a Mobile Phone when Driving
Using a mobile phone when driving a vehicle not only distracts the driver, but also endangers the safety of everyone on the road. This violation of traffic rules attract a fine of Rs. 5,000 for first offence and Rs. 10,000 for repeat offenders.
Overview of Traffic Violations and Penalties in West Bengal
| Traffic Offence | Penalty |
| Driving without a Driving License | Rs. 5000 |
| Overspeeding (two/three/four wheelers) | Rs. 1000 (first offence); Rs. 2000 (repeated offence) |
| Overspeeding (Bus/HGV/MGV) | Rs. 2000 (first offence); Rs. 4000(repeated offence) |
| Driving without registration | Rs. 5000 (first offence); Rs. 10,000(repeated offence |
| Driving with no insurance | Rs. 2000 or up to 3 months of jail (first offence)Rs. 4000 up to 3 months of jail (repeated offence) |
| Illegal racing/ dangerous driving | Rs. 5000 (first offence)Rs. 10,000 (if the offence is repeated within 3 years period) |
| Drinking and driving | Rs. 10,000 or up to 6 months of jail (first offence)Rs. 15,000 up to 2 years of jail (repeated offence) |
| Red light jumping | Rs. 1000 (first offence)Rs. 2000 (repeated offence) |
| No helmet (2-wheeler) | Rs. 1000 (with the possibility of license suspension) |
| Not wearing a seat belt (4-wheeler) | Rs. 1000 |
| Driving while being unfit; mentally or physically | Rs. 1000 (first offence)Rs. 2000 (repeated offence) |
| Using mobile phones while driving | Rs. 5000 for first offenceRs. 10,000 for repeat offenders |
| Operating a vehicle with disqualified status | Rs. 10,000 |
| Not having PUC certificate | Rs. 2000 |
| Not giving passage to emergency vehicles like ambulance | Rs. 10,000 |
| Violating traffic signal rules | Rs. 500 (first offence)Rs. 1500 (repeat offence) |
| Violating U-turn related rules | Rs. 500 (first offence)Rs. 1500 (repeated offence) |
| Disobeying official orders | Rs. 2000 |
| Changing lanes without giving indicator | Rs. 500 (first offence)Rs. 1500 (repeated offence) |
| Violating air & noise pollution, and safety control | Rs. 10,000 |
| Driving on footpath (2 wheeler) | Rs. 500 (first offence)Rs. 1500 (repeated offence) |
| Violating stop line related rules | Rs. 500 (first offence)Rs. 1500 (repeated offence) |
| Underage driving | Rs. 5000 |
| Overtaking other vehicles | Rs. 500 (first offence)Rs. 1500 (repeated offence) |
| Damaged number plate on vehicle | Rs. 500 (first offence)Rs. 1500 (repeated offence) |
| Installing excessive lighting on vehicle | Rs. 500 (first offence)Rs. 1500 (repeated offence) |
Traffic Penalties in West Bengal
Passenger and commercial vehicles both have different impacts on the road and traffic. This is why the traffic rules in West Bengal impose different fines for four wheelers and commercial vehicles.
Traffic Penalties for Four Wheelers
Here is a list of traffic penalties that the West Bengal state imposes on four-wheelers:
| Traffic Offence | Penalty |
| Driving without a valid driving license | Rs. 5,000 |
| Overspeeding | Rs. 1000 (first offence); Rs. 2000 (repeated offence) |
| Driving without registration | Rs. 5000 (first offence); Rs. 10,000(repeated offence |
| Driving with no insurance | Rs. 2000 or up to 3 months of jail (first offence)Rs. 4000 up to 3 months of jail (repeated offence) |
| Dangerous driving | Rs. 5000 (first offence)Rs. 10,000 (if the offence is repeated within 3 years period) |
| Drinking and driving | Rs. 10,000 or up to 6 months of jail (first offence)Rs. 15,000 up to 2 years of jail (repeated offence) |
| Red light jumping | Rs. 1000 (first offence)Rs. 2000 (repeated offence) |
| Not wearing a seat belt | Rs. 1000 |
| Using mobile phones while driving | Rs. 5000 for first offenceRs. 10,000 for repeat offenders |
| Carrying excess load | Rs. 1,000 (First offence)Rs. 2,000 (Repeat offence) |
Traffic Penalties for Commercial Vehicles
The following is a list of traffic fines that West Bengal state imposes on commercial vehicles:
| Traffic Offence | Penalty (in Rs.) |
| Driving without a valid driving license | Rs. 5,000 |
| Driving without registration | Rs. 5000 (first offence); Rs. 10,000(repeated offence |
| Driving without a valid Certificate of Fitness | Rs. 10,000 |
| Driving without valid permit | Rs. 10,000 |
| Overloading | Fine as per notification |
| Plying vehicle without valid permit | Rs. 10,000 |
West Bengal Traffic Challan Payment
Any traffic violation in West Bengal will result in a challan. Traffic fines in West Bengal can be paid online or offline.
How to Pay West Bengal Traffic Challan Online?
For the convenience of the general public, the government has initiated an online way of paying traffic fines in West Bengal. Here are the steps:
- Visit the official website of Pariwahan eChallan or the West Bengal Traffic Police website.
- Next, enter the Challan Number, Vehicle Number or DL Number. It is followed by Captcha verification.
- Click ‘Get Detail’.
- Review the challan details and pending fines.
- Select the challan and make the payment using the desired payment method (UPI, cards, and more).
- Once the payment is done successfully, the user will receive a confirmation message with a transaction ID.
How to Pay West Bengal Traffic Challan Offline?
Traffic fines in West Bengal can be paid through an offline method in cash. Payment of pending challans can be made easily by visiting your local police station.
It is essential to carry all the required documents, such as your driving license, identity proof, printed copy of the challan, or any other related documents. You are required to submit all the documents and make the payment in cash. The police official will provide a receipt confirming the challan payment.
How to Avoid Traffic Violations in West Bengal?
Given the surge of road accidents and traffic violations in West Bengal, it was pivotal for the government to implement strict rules. Following are some measures you can implement to avoid such violations:
- Always wearing helmets and seat belts: One of the essential traffic rules in West Bengal is to wear helmets on two-wheelers and seat belts in four-wheelers. This is essential for the safety of both the driver and passenger.
- Driving within Speed Limits: The majority of road accidents in the state are caused by overspeeding. Being cautious of your driving speed will help you remain safe and avoid high penalties.
- Keeping Documents Handy: The Absence of documents like a driving license, insurance certificate, vehicle registration, and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate can lead to hefty fines. Always carry all these documents while driving.
- Following Traffic Rules: The government has issued strict traffic rules in West Bengal. Negligence of any kind will lead to traffic violations. Every citizen needs to be informed and familiarized with traffic violations in West Bengal.
- Limit Distractions: Avoid using smartphones for calling or messaging while driving at all times. The penalty for such a violation can go up to Rs. 5000.
Summary
The government of West Bengal has set strict rules and regulations throughout the state to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens. Continuous updates in the traffic rules are meant to improve driving behaviour. The traffic police of West Bengal are standing strong, ensuring that people practice safe driving and imposing fines on those found violating the rules.
It is advisable that you follow the traffic rules and always carry your driving license, vehicle registration, and PUC certificate with you. Traffic fines in West Bengal can be paid online or offline.
FAQ’s
Q. What should I do after receiving a ticket for a traffic violation in West Bengal?
The traffic police issue a challan whenever someone is found violating the traffic rule. You get a certain time period within which you’re required to pay the fine that can be paid in both online and offline modes.
Q. What is the time period for paying e-challan in West Bengal?
The given time duration for settling the traffic fines in West Bengal is 60 days. Within the specified time, the challan needs to be paid before it is sent to court for further processing.
Q. How can I check my West Bengal challans online?
Head to Pariwahan eChallan, where you can simply enter the Challan Number, Vehicle Number, or DL Number and access all the challan-related details. To make the payment, click the challan you want to make the payment for and process.
Q. How much is the penalty if I overspeed in West Bengal?
As per the traffic rules in West Bengal, the fine for first-time overspeeding offence is Rs. 1000 for two/three/four wheelers. It is increased to Rs. 2000 for subsequent offences.
Q. What is the penalty if I’m caught driving without a license in West Bengal?
You will have to pay a fine of Rs. 5000 if you’re driving without a license in West Bengal.
