Fine for Using Phone While Driving in India: What You Need to Know

In today’s world, mobile phones are essential for communication, navigation, and even entertainment. However, using them while driving has become a leading cause of road accidents in India. In response, the government has introduced strict laws and heavy penalties to reduce distracted driving and improve road safety.

Let’s break down the legal consequences, penalties, and insurance implications of using a mobile phone while driving in India.

Legal Framework: What the Law Says

Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

This Act forms the backbone of traffic laws in India. Initially, it did not include mobile phone usage as a specific offence, simply because mobile phones were not yet widespread. However, under:

• Section 184, using a mobile phone while driving is classified as negligent driving, which is punishable.

• Section 177 allows the authorities to fine drivers for violating road safety norms in general.

2019 Amendment: Stricter Penalties

To deal with the rising number of phone-related accidents, the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 introduced:

• Heavier fines

• License suspension

• Possible imprisonment for repeat offenders

This update emphasizes safer roads and discourages mobile phone use behind the wheel.

Penalties for Using Mobile Phones While Driving

Fines and Legal Punishments

• First-time offence: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 fine

• Repeat offence: Up to ₹10,000 fine and/or 1 year of imprisonment

Note: Fines may differ by state. Some states like Maharashtra or Delhi impose higher penalties to discourage repeat violations.

Other Consequences

• License Suspension: Especially for repeat offenders

• Demerit Points: Accumulating too many points can affect license renewal

• Increased Insurance Premiums: Car insurance companies view mobile use as risky behaviour and may raise your premium

Why Are the Penalties So Strict?

Alarming Statistics

• Over 13,000 road accidents in India each year are linked to mobile phone distractions

• Nearly 4,000 fatal crashes annually are caused by drivers using phones

• Phone use cuts driver reaction time by up to 50%, increasing the chance of a crash

These stats make distracted driving one of the top causes of road fatalities in the country.

Government Initiatives

Smarter Enforcement

• Police use CCTV cameras, AI-based traffic monitoring, and automated e-challans to catch violators

• Traffic departments in major cities have scaled up digital surveillance

Public Awareness Campaigns

• The government promotes road safety through TV, radio, and social media campaigns

• Driving schools now include mobile phone safety education as part of their curriculum
  
  

What Is Allowed?

Hands-Free Devices

Using Bluetooth headsets or in-car voice systems is legal only if:

• The phone is mounted and not held in your hand

• You do not interact with the screen while driving

Note: Even hands-free usage is still mentally distracting, so caution is advised.

Navigation Use

Mobile phones can be used for GPS only if:

• The phone is mounted securely

• The destination is set before you begin driving

• You do not touch the phone during the drive

Typing addresses or holding the phone for directions is still illegal and dangerous.

Impact on Insurance and Liability

1. Insurance Claims

Mobile phone use while driving negatively affects insurance coverage, possibly resulting in rejected claims. If the driver causes an accident while using a mobile phone, an insurance claim can be denied because insurance companies consider this behaviour negligent. The driver must pay all vehicle repair and medical expenses without any insurance assistance.

2. Legal Liability in Accidents

Any driver who operates their vehicle with a mobile phone during an accident faces legal responsibility for causing harm to other parties in the accident. The driver faces criminal prosecution, particularly when their mobile phone use leads to fatalities during a crash. The offender might receive court compensation orders for paying expenses, including medical bills, punitive fines, and damages.

According to Indian law, using mobile phones for communication behind the wheel constitutes a major traffic violation, which carries severe penalties. To deter drivers from taking their eyes off the road, heavy fines, license suspension, and potential detention are combined. 

Selective obedience to traffic laws and progress in awareness requires drivers to respect road security above all else. The practice of leaving mobile phones unused prevents traffic accidents, safeguarding both drivers and their passengers as well as other road users.