Shimla Traffic Fines 2026: Himachal Pradesh Hikes Penalties up to INR 15,000 for Driving on Restricted Roads, Imprisonment Provisions Added
Driving on restricted or prohibited roads in Shimla just got significantly more expensive. The Himachal Pradesh government has overhauled its traffic penalty framework for the state capital, with the Governor giving assent to an amendment bill passed during the Budget Session of the Vidhan Sabha. The Law Department has issued a formal notification in the Official Gazette, bringing the revised provisions into immediate effect.
Driving on restricted or prohibited roads in Shimla just got significantly more expensive. The Himachal Pradesh government has overhauled its traffic penalty framework for the state capital, with the Governor giving assent to an amendment bill passed during the Budget Session of the Vidhan Sabha. The Law Department has issued a formal notification in the Official Gazette, bringing the revised provisions into immediate effect.
Why Has Himachal Pradesh Tightened Shimla Traffic Rules?
Shimla's narrow roads have been under increasing vehicular pressure, posing serious challenges to pedestrian safety and traffic management. The amended law is designed to discourage unnecessary vehicle movement in congested areas, strengthen enforcement of existing traffic regulations, and bring greater order to the hill city's road network. Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi: Route, Travel Time, Toll and Key Features.
New Fine Structure for Restricted and Prohibited Roads
Under the revised provisions, driving on restricted or sealed roads without a valid pass now attracts a fine of up to INR 10,000. Violations involving prohibited roads carry a penalty of INR 5,000. Both represent a sharp increase from the earlier uniform fine of INR 3,000. For serious offences, the maximum penalty has been raised from INR 2,500 to INR 15,000.
The amended law also introduces provisions for simple imprisonment ranging from 10 to 15 days depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Failure to pay fines can result in 10 days of simple imprisonment, while violations of other provisions may attract penalties of INR 3,000 or imprisonment of up to 15 days. Ganga Expressway Opens: Enjoy 15 Days of Toll-Free Travel From Meerut to Prayagraj; Know How Much You Will Save.
Pass Fees Revised Across All Categories
Under Section 6 covering restricted roads, the processing fee for private vehicle passes has been increased from INR 100 to INR 500, while the pass issuance fee has jumped from INR 2,000 to INR 10,000. Under Section 7 for prohibited roads, the processing fee rises from INR 100 to INR 500 and the issuance fee from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000.
Temporary pass provisions under Section 8 have also been revised. The application fee increases from INR 200 to INR 1,000, and the daily fee rises from INR 100 to INR 500 per day for up to seven days. Violators of pass conditions face an additional penalty of INR 2,000.
On-the-Spot Compounding by Police
In a significant operational change, the amended law now empowers uniformed police officers of the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and above to compound offences on the spot by collecting 50 percent of the prescribed fine amount, enabling faster enforcement and immediate case settlement on Shimla's roads.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 14, 2026 09:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
