RTO Rules and Traffic Penalties in India (2026)

Driving beyond statutory speed limits specified for light motor vehicles (LMVs) or heavy commercial transport.

Riding a two-wheeler without an ISI-certified helmet. Applies to both rider and pillion passenger.

Operating a motor vehicle without holding a valid driving license or driving while disqualified.

Driving or riding as a passenger in a four-wheeler without fastening seatbelts while the vehicle is in motion.

Holding, talking, or texting on a mobile phone while driving (only hands-free navigation usage is permitted).

Driving under the influence of alcohol (Blood Alcohol Content > 30 mg per 100 ml blood) or drugs.

Failing to stop at red traffic lights, disobeying traffic signals, or rash driving at intersections.

Failing to pull over to the side of the road to grant unobstructed right-of-way to ambulances or fire engines.

Operating a vehicle without an active Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate confirming emissions are within legal limits.

Vehicles emitting dense black or white smoke on public roads, even if carrying an unexpired PUC certificate.

Removing or modifying factory-fitted emission components like catalytic converters, DPF filters, or EGR valves.

Plying non-BS-VI diesel or non-compliant petrol vehicles in restricted urban zones during high AQI emergency restrictions (GRAP Stage III/IV).

Operating a vehicle on public roads that has never been registered with an RTO.

Driving a vehicle whose registration certificate has expired (private vehicle RC validity is 15 years, renewable every 5 years thereafter).

Using tampered, forged, non-HSRP (High-Security Registration Plate), or altered registration number plates.

Plying a new vehicle on an expired temporary RC (temporary registration is valid for 1 month only).

Failing to submit Form 29 & Form 30 to transfer vehicle registration within 30 days of sale.

Driving an out-of-state vehicle for over 12 months in a new state without obtaining an NOC and re-registering locally.

Operating a motor vehicle without an active third-party insurance cover.

Plying a vehicle after the motor insurance policy has lapsed without renewing coverage.

Carrying or presenting forged or fraudulent motor insurance documents to traffic authorities.

Failing to produce physical or digital insurance proof when requested by an authorized officer during routine inspection.

Using multi-tone pressure horns or honking in silent zones near hospitals or courts.

Carrying extra passengers exceeding seating capacity mentioned in RC.

Transporting cargo exceeding gross vehicle weight (GVW) limits.