Without Driving Licence Fine: The Challan You Need to Pay Under New Motor Vehicle Act for Driving Without a Licence

There may be an instance where you end up breaking the traffic rules and regulations like not carrying a driving licence while driving a vehicle. In this scenario, a challan is issued against the person as a penalty for violating the traffic law. You can submit the challan for driving without a licence either offline or online. It is crucial to abide by the traffic rules, however, in case you have violated them, you are likely to face consequences or punishment according to the type of violation. Get complete details about the challan you need to pay under New Motor Vehicle Act for driving without a licence.

What is Fine for Driving Without a Licence?

According to the Motor Vehicle Act, driving a vehicle without a licence is a serious traffic violation and hence illegal in India. Lately, the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 has been amended as a result of which the traffic fines have been increased. Driving without a licence can now attract a fine up to Rs 5000 which was earlier only Rs 500.

Along with this, the traffic police can also seize the vehicle. However, the penalty may vary from one state to another. In some states, driving without a licence can also draw a punishment of up to three months imprisonment.

Without Driving Licence Fine in Different States

The penalty for driving a vehicle without a valid licence was Rs 500 however, with the amendment in the Motor Vehicles Act, the challan for this traffic violation has been increased. The challan rates vary from one state to another and the table below illustrates the fines for some of the states:

Repercussions of Not Having a Licence While Driving

According to the Motor Vehicle Act, it is mandatory for every motor vehicle driver to own a valid driving licence in India. In case a person is found driving a vehicle without a licence, he/she is likely to face the below-mentioned repercussions:

• Fine/challan

If you are caught driving without a licence in India, the traffic police may release a challan against your name. The challan issued by the local police needs to be submitted within the grace period. The challan can be paid offline at the traffic police station or online from the transport website of the state.

• Imprisonment

Apart from the challan of up to Rs 5000, you can also draw a punishment of three months imprisonment. According to the Motor Vehicle Act, nobody is allowed to drive a vehicle on public roads without a driving licence. Parents or guardians can be punished if their children are found driving a vehicle on roads without a DL.

• Insurance Claims

As per the Motor Vehicle Act, a person driving a vehicle without a licence cannot claim the insurance. If you caused an accident and were not carrying a DL, you are not eligible for third party claims. Any such insurance claims will be rejected by the insurance company and you are liable to pay the amount for the damage caused to the third party.

• Seizure of vehicle

Your vehicle can also be seized by the traffic police if you are found driving without a valid licence or with an expired licence. You can only get hold of the vehicle by paying the fines to the concerned authorities. Any damage to the vehicle, while it is seized, is not covered by the insurance companies.

Tips to Avoid Driving Without Licence Fine by Traffic Police

A person while driving a vehicle should act responsibly and should follow all the traffic rules and regulations set up according to the Motor Vehicle Act. Traffic violations can be avoided and here are some tips to avoid the fines:

• Always carry the driving licence and other vehicle-related documents
• Store e-copies of all your vehicle documents in DigiLocker or mParivahan app
• Do not carry an expired driving licence
• Renew the driving licence within the grace period