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Road accidents in Nepal have been increasing every year due to speeding, carelessness, drunk-driving, and poor lane discipline. To reduce accidents and improve road safety, the Nepal Traffic Police, under the Traffic Management Act & Vehicle and Transport Management Rules, strictly enforces traffic laws, fines, and the Driving License Points System.
Traffic law enforcement in Nepal aims to:
Reduce accidents and fatalities
Promote safe and responsible driving
Keep roads organized and predictable
Encourage disciplined public behavior
Hold drivers legally accountable
Major Traffic Rule Violations in Nepal
Below are the most common and most strictly punished—traffic violations in Nepal.
1. Drunk Driving (Drink & Drive)
Driving under the influence is one of the most serious offences.
Penalty:
Fine: NPR 1,000 – NPR 1,500 (subject to increase depending on BAC level)
Mandatory 1-hour traffic class
Penalty points added
Repeat offenders may face license suspension
Drunk driving is tied to a large percentage of road accidents; hence enforcement is extremely strict.
2. Driving Without a License
One of the most dangerous violations.
Penalty:
Fine: NPR 1,000
Vehicle detained
Court case for severe situations
No claim of insurance in accidents
If caught multiple times, jail sentence may apply.
3. Riding Without Helmet / Driving Without Seatbelt
Essential safety requirements.
Penalty:
Helmet not worn: NPR 1,000 fine
Seatbelt not worn: NPR 1,000 fine
Nepal Traffic Police treats helmet and seatbelt violations very seriously.
4. Lane Discipline Violation
Changing lanes randomly, blocking overtaking lanes, or zig-zagging.
Penalty:
Fine: NPR 1,500
3 penalty points added
Lane discipline is crucial on highways and city routes.
5. Speeding (Over Speed)
Penalty:
Fine: NPR 2,000 – NPR 5,000 depending on zone
Points added
Risk of court case if injury occurs
6. Mobile Phone Use While Driving
Penalty:
Fine: NPR 3,000
Immediate seizure of license (in some cases)
Texting or calling while driving increases accident risk significantly.
7. Vehicle Pollution / Smoke Emission
Penalty:
Fine: NPR 5,000
Vehicle must undergo maintenance and pollution check
Nepal has increased focus on air quality enforcement.
8. No Vehicle Documents
Missing bluebook, expired bluebook, or missing insurance documents.
Penalty:
Fine: NPR 500 – NPR 1,000
Vehicle detention until documents are produced
9. Traffic Light Violation
Penalty:
Fine: NPR 3,000
Points added
Signal jumping is a high-risk offence.
10. Overloading / Overspeed in Public Vehicles
Penalty:
Fine: NPR 1,000 – NPR 3,000
Vehicle seized for repeated offences
Action on transport company
11. Parking Violations (No Parking Zone)
Penalty:
Fine: NPR 1,000
Vehicle may be towed
Driving License Points System in Nepal (2025 Updated)
Nepal Traffic Police uses a demerit points system to monitor repeated offenders.
You lose points for violations such as:
Lane discipline violation
Drunk driving
Mobile phone use
Overspeed
Disobeying traffic police
If a driver reaches 12 penalty points:
- Driving license is suspended for 6 months
If points continue after suspension:
- License may be permanently cancelled
This system pushes drivers to follow rules consistently, not just avoid fines.
Legal Actions for Serious Violations
Some violations lead directly to legal cases, not just fines:
Accident causing injury:Court case + compensation + possible imprisonment
Hit & run:Severe criminal charge
Driving a vehicle without registration:Vehicle seizure + legal case
Fake license or number plate:Immediate arrest
Nepal Traffic Police collaborates with local police and courts to enforce these actions.
Updated Traffic Fine List Summary (2025)
| Traffic Violation | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| No Helmet / No Seatbelt | NPR 1,000 |
| Drunk Driving | NPR 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Lane Violation | NPR 1,500 |
| Mobile Use | NPR 3,000 |
| Speeding | NPR 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Signal Crossing | NPR 3,000 |
| Pollution Violation | NPR 5,000 |
| Overloading | NPR 1,000 – 3,000 |
| No Bluebook | NPR 500 – 1,000 |
| Driving Without License | NPR 1,000 |
Fines may be revised depending on Nepal Traffic Police policy updates.
Tips to Avoid Traffic Fines in Nepal
Always carry license, bluebook, insurance
Wear helmet & seatbelt
Avoid using mobile phones while driving
Maintain lane discipline
Respect traffic police instructions
Keep pollution documents updated
Never drink and drive
Regularly service your vehicle
Conclusion: Safe Driving Is a Shared Responsibility
Nepal’s updated traffic rules, fines, and points system exist for one reasonto save lives. Every driver on the road has a responsibility to follow traffic rules, respect police instructions, and drive with discipline.
By understanding the legal consequences and penalties, drivers can avoid fines and contribute to safer roads across Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What are the fines for violating traffic rules in Nepal?
Fines range from NPR 500 to NPR 5,000 depending on the violation. Serious offences like speeding, mobile use, and signal crossing carry higher penalties.
2) How many points will suspend a driving license in Nepal?
If a driver accumulates 12 penalty points, their license is suspended for 6 months.
3) What happens if someone drives without a license in Nepal?
They face a NPR 1,000 fine, vehicle seizure, and potential legal case if repeated.
4) Is drunk driving a criminal offence in Nepal?
Yes, repeated drunk driving can lead to court cases, license cancellation, and imprisonment if it results in injuries.
5) What is the fine for using a mobile phone while driving?
The fine is NPR 3,000, and license may be seized immediately.
6) Can traffic police seize the vehicle on the spot?
Yes, for serious violations such as no documents, dangerous driving, hit & run, or refusal to cooperate.
7) Are fines higher for public vehicles?
Yes, public transport operators face stricter penalties for overloading, route violations, and unsafe driving.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as legal advice, advertisement, personal communication, solicitation or inducement of any sort from the firm or any of its members. The firm shall not be liable for consequences arising out of any action undertaken by any person relying on the information provided herein.