Traffic Fines Soar in India: Rs 12,000 Crore Challans Issued in 2024
Traffic Fines Soar in India: Rs 12,000 Crore Challans Issued in 2024
30 MAY, 2025: According to a recent Cars24 report, around Rs 12,000 crore worth of traffic challans were issued across India in 2024. However, Rs 9,000 crore of these fines remain unpaid. With about 8 crore challans issued last year and only 11 crore car owners in the country, it means almost every second vehicle on Indian roads was fined at least once.
Gurugram leads with approximately 4,500 challans issued daily, highlighting some of the worst offenders.
The report also points out that traffic violations vary across cities. In Bengaluru, two-wheelers paid Rs 3 lakhs in fines for roughly 500 violations last year. Similarly, Noida collected over Rs 3 lakh in just one month from helmet-related violations alone.
Why Do Drivers Keep Violating Rules?
A Cars24 survey of 1,000 drivers revealed that many do not see fines as a strong deterrent. While 60.3% claim to follow traffic rules, 20.4% admit they would still take risks even if fines were doubled. Moreover, 14.2% confessed to negotiating their way out of fines, and 38.5% admitted to paying bribes once or twice. Around 15.9% said they have bribed officials more frequently.
Common Traffic Violations
Overspeeding was the most frequent offense, accounting for 49% of violations. Non-compliance with helmet or seatbelt rules made up 19%, followed by signal jumping and wrong-side driving at 18%. Obstructive parking was responsible for 14% of violations.
Four-Wheelers Are the Main Offenders
Contrary to popular belief, four-wheelers accounted for the majority of traffic fines in 2024. About 55% of challans were issued to cars, while 45% were for two-wheelers.
The report highlights the need for stricter enforcement and awareness to reduce traffic violations and improve road safety across India.
