From August 15, Drive Without Renewing Licence, But Repeated Honking Now Punishable | Raipur News

Last Updated:August 11, 2026, 10:09 IST

A new set of motor vehicle rules is coming into force in Chhattisgarh. From licence renewals to insurance penalties, here’s what drivers need to know

New Traffic Rules: Repeat traffic violations, smoke-emitting vehicles, driving without third-party insurance and dangerous driving could result in financial penalties.

Raipur News: Significant changes to motor vehicle rules will come into effect in Chhattisgarh from August 15, introducing revised provisions covering driving licences, vehicle documents, traffic violations, insurance and compensation for road accident victims.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification implementing changes to the Motor Vehicles Act under the Public Trust (Amendment) Act, 2026.

The revised provisions are expected to provide some relief to vehicle owners while introducing stricter penalties for certain offences, including driving without valid third-party insurance and dangerous driving.

30-Day Relief After Driving Licence Expiry

Under the new provision, a driving licence will not become invalid immediately after its expiry. The licence will remain valid for 30 days after the expiry date, giving motorists additional time to apply for renewal without immediately losing its validity.

Drivers will also be able to apply for licence renewal up to one year before the existing licence expires.

If the renewal application is submitted within the prescribed period, the validity of the renewed licence will be considered from the date on which the old licence expired.

The period for submitting documents for certain vehicle registration certificates has also been extended. The deadline has been increased from 14 days to 30 days.

First Traffic Offence To Attract Warning

The amended provisions also introduce a warning mechanism for certain traffic violations that do not have a specific penalty prescribed under the law.

For a first offence, motorists will receive a warning. However, a second or subsequent offence will attract a fine ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500.

The provision also covers unnecessary or persistent honking and the use of horns in designated no-horn zones.

Motorists found violating these provisions for the first time can receive a warning, while repeat offences may attract the prescribed penalty.

Smoke-Emitting Vehicles To Face Fines For Repeat Offences

The new rules also address vehicles found emitting smoke. A vehicle owner or driver can receive a warning for a first offence. For a second offence, the penalty will range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.

The provision is aimed at dealing with vehicles that continue to violate pollution-related requirements despite an earlier warning.

Higher Penalty For Driving Without Third-Party Insurance

Driving a vehicle without valid third-party insurance will now attract a significantly higher penalty. The fine will be three times the base insurance premium or Rs 5,000, whichever is higher.

For repeat offenders, the penalty will rise to five times the base insurance premium or Rs 10,000, whichever is higher.

The revised provision is intended to strengthen compliance with mandatory third-party motor insurance requirements.

More Support For Road Accident Victims And Families

The new rules also offer relief to people injured in road accidents and the families of those killed.

If the government provides an ex-gratia payment to a victim or their family after a death or serious injury, that amount will not be deducted from the compensation awarded in the motor accident claim. In simple terms, victims or their families can receive the government assistance as well as the compensation they are entitled to.

The rules also give victims more time to file a compensation claim in genuine cases. While the usual deadline is six months from the accident, a claim can still be accepted after six months if there is a valid reason for the delay. However, the claim can be accepted only up to a maximum of 12 months from the accident.

Dangerous Driving And Other Offences

Driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition on the road can attract a fine of up to Rs 5,000 under the new provisions. The rules also allow only certain offences to be settled through compromise. These include offences such as:

• Driving without a licence
• Overspeeding
• Racing
• Driving without vehicle registration
• Failing to give way to an ambulance

The provision is intended to allow selected offences to be settled through compromise while retaining penalties and legal action for other violations.

What Drivers Need To Know From August 15

The changes will bring a mix of relief measures and stricter enforcement for motorists in Chhattisgarh. Drivers will get additional time after their licences expire, while the renewal window will be extended to one year before expiry. Vehicle document submission deadlines will also be longer in certain cases.

At the same time, repeat traffic violations, smoke-emitting vehicles, driving without third-party insurance and dangerous driving could result in financial penalties.

The revised provisions will come into effect from August 15, marking a significant change in how several motor vehicle-related violations, documentation requirements and accident compensation provisions are handled in the state.

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What are the key changes for vehicle owners from August 15?

From August 15, vehicle owners in Chhattisgarh will have a 30-day grace period to renew their driving licences after expiry, an increase from the previous 14 days. The period for submitting vehicle registration documents in certain cases has also been extended from 14 to 30 days.

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