TN · TN
Traffic Fines in Tamil Nadu
Written and checked byManju Shekhar· Motor Law & Compliance· Updated 23 May 2026
18 violations with penalty amounts as per MV Act 2019 and Tamil Nadu state modifications.
Traffic Police: 044-23452365
Tamil Nadu (RTO code TN, capital Chennai) is one of the states that rolled several MV Act 2019 penalties back toward their pre-amendment levels, so a number of fines here are lower than the central schedule. Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai see the most active enforcement.
Because Tamil Nadu's amounts diverge from the national baseline for several offences, it is important to confirm the state-specific figure rather than assuming the central one. The table below shows the applicable Tamil Nadu fine and MV Act section for each violation.
| Violation | Section | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Driving without licence | Sec. 181 | ₹5,000 |
| Driving without insuranceRepeat: 5× base premium or ₹10,000. A civil penalty with no jail term since 15 Aug 2026 | Sec. 196 | 3× base premium or ₹5,000, whichever is higher |
| Drunk driving | Sec. 185 | ₹10,000 |
| Overspeeding | Sec. 183 | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
| Red light jumpingDeemed dangerous driving by the Explanation to Sec. 184 | Sec. 184 | ₹1,000–₹5,000 |
| No seatbelt | Sec. 194B | ₹1,000 |
| No helmet+ 3-month DL suspension | Sec. 194D | ₹1,000 |
| Using mobile phone | Sec. 184 | ₹5,000 |
| Dangerous driving | Sec. 184 | ₹1,000–₹5,000 |
| No PUC certificate+ 3-month DL disqualification; jail only for a repeat offence | Sec. 190(2) | Up to ₹10,000 |
| Overloading (goods) | Sec. 194 | ₹20,000 + ₹2,000/tonne |
| No number plate / fancy plate | Sec. 192 | ₹5,000 |
| Racing on public roads | Sec. 189 | ₹5,000 |
| Juvenile drivingVehicle registration cancelled 12 months | Sec. 199A | ₹25,000 |
| Wrong side driving | Sec. 184 | ₹1,000–₹5,000 |
| Triple riding | Sec. 194C | ₹1,000 |
| No parking violationFirst contravention: a recorded warning (since 15 Aug 2026) | Sec. 177 | ₹500 |
| Obstructing emergency vehicleRepeat: up to 6 months and/or up to ₹10,000 | Sec. 194E | ₹10,000 |
Notes for Tamil Nadu
- ·Tamil Nadu has reduced some MV Act 2019 penalties to pre-amendment levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for drunk driving in Tamil Nadu?
Drunk driving attracts a fine of ₹10,000 under Section 185 of the MV Act, plus up to 6 months imprisonment for a first offence.
What is the fine for not wearing helmet in Tamil Nadu?
Riding without a helmet attracts ₹1,000 under Section 194D, plus disqualification from holding a licence for three months.
How can I check pending challans in Tamil Nadu?
Visit echallan.parivahan.gov.in and enter your vehicle number or DL number. You can also use the mParivahan app. Traffic Police helpline: 044-23452365.
Are traffic fines in Tamil Nadu different from central fines?
Yes — states can modify MV Act 2019 penalties under Section 200, and Tamil Nadu has done so for some offences. Tamil Nadu has reduced some MV Act 2019 penalties to pre-amendment levels.