India has implemented new, harsher motor vehicle fines beginning of March 1 in a sweeping crackdown on careless driving and traffic norm violations.

In addition to being more expensive, these new sanctions also impose community service and jail time, sending a strong message that traffic violators will not be tolerated.

Drunk Driving? A Fine Of ₹15,000 And Jail Time

Be ready to pay ₹10,000 and/or serve six months in jail if you are found to have driven under the influence. The previous charge of ₹1,000 has been sharply increased to ₹1,500, and repeat offenders now risk a fine of ₹15,000 and a maximum prison sentence of two years.

No Helmet

Once only a 100 fine, riding without a helmet now costs 1,000, and the authorities may revoke your licence for three months. Similarly, there is now a ₹1,000 punishment for failing to wear seat belts.

Using a Phone While Driving

To highlight the danger of distracted driving, the penalty for using a cell phone while driving has increased dramatically from ₹500 to ₹5,000.

Missing Documents?

In addition to a potential three-month jail sentence and community work, driving without a valid licence or insurance now carries penalties of 5,000 and 2,000, respectively. Repeat insurance offenders risk penalties of ₹4,000. Lacking a certificate for pollution? Ten thousand naira and/or six months in jail and community service!

Triple Riding, Dangerous Driving, And Racing

There is now a ₹1,000 punishment for triple riding a two-wheeler and a ₹5,000 fine for reckless driving or racing. It will cost you ₹10,000 if you don’t surrender to emergency vehicles like ambulances.

Signal Jumping And Overloading

Overloading trucks will be penalised a startling ₹20,000, a huge increase from the previous ₹2,000 penalty for signal jumping, which is now a ₹5,000 penalty.