Traffic Rule Violations in Shimla to Get Costlier as Fines Rise Sharply
Violating traffic rules in Shimla will now come with a much heavier price tag, as the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced steeper penalties and stricter provisions to regulate vehicle movement and improve pedestrian safety in the city.
The new rules come into effect after the Governor approved an amendment bill passed during the recent Budget Session. The Law Department has since issued a formal notification, signaling the government’s intent to tackle growing congestion and ensure safer roads in the state capital.
Under the revised provisions, driving on restricted roads without a valid pass can now attract a fine of up to ₹10,000, a significant jump from earlier penalties. For entering prohibited roads, violators will have to pay ₹5,000, compared to the earlier fine of ₹3,000.
In a move to further tighten enforcement, the amended law also introduces jail provisions, with simple imprisonment ranging from 10 to 15 days, depending on the seriousness of the violation. Officials say the aim is to discourage unnecessary vehicle movement, especially in Shimla’s already congested and narrow roads.
The government has also revised charges related to vehicle passes. For restricted roads, the processing fee has increased from ₹100 to ₹500, while the pass issuance fee has jumped from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 for private vehicles. Similar hikes have been made for prohibited roads, where the issuance fee has gone up to ₹5,000.
Temporary passes have also become costlier. The application fee has been raised from ₹200 to ₹1,000, and the daily charge has increased from ₹100 to ₹500, applicable for up to seven days.
The amended law also penalizes misuse or violation of pass conditions, imposing a fine of ₹2,000. Failure to pay fines can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 days, while other violations under the Act can result in penalties of ₹3,000 or up to 15 days in jail. For more serious offences, fines can now go as high as ₹15,000, a substantial increase from earlier limits.
To ensure quicker enforcement, the government has empowered police officers of the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and above to settle cases on the spot by collecting up to 50% of the prescribed fine.
Shimla has long struggled with traffic congestion, limited road space and increasing vehicle numbers, especially during peak tourist seasons. The administration believes that these stricter rules will help reduce unnecessary traffic, protect pedestrian spaces and bring better discipline on the roads.
With these changes, authorities hope to strike a balance between urban mobility and safety, encouraging residents and visitors alike to follow traffic regulations more responsibly.
