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Sealed road driving driving without authorization in Shimla, violation may cost Rs 10,000 & Jail
Shimla, May 14,
Driving on Shimla’s sealed roads without authorisation may now cost violators Rs 10,000 and even lead to simple imprisonment of up to 10 days, after Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta gave assent to the Shimla Road Users and Pedestrians (Public Safety and Convenience) Amendment Bill, 2026 on Wednesday.
The amendment, passed during the recent Budget session of the Vidhan Sabha, significantly tightens penalties for unauthorised vehicular movement in the state capital’s restricted and pedestrian-only zones, including the historic Mall Road area.
Under the new provisions, plying a vehicle on a sealed road without a valid pass will invite a penalty of Rs 10,000. In case of non-payment, the offender may undergo simple imprisonment of up to 10 days. Similarly, driving on restricted roads without a valid permit will attract a fine of Rs 5,000.
The amended law also prescribes a fine of Rs 2,000 or imprisonment up to 10 days for violating terms and conditions of vehicle passes. Other violations under the Act may lead to penalties of Rs 3,000 or imprisonment extending up to 15 days.
Also read Shimla sealed, restricted roads: Rs 10,000 fine, new pass system in Amendment Bill 2026
The legislation authorizes police officers not below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector to compound certain offences on the spot after collecting prescribed compounding charges.
The state government defended the stricter provisions, stating that low penalties under the earlier law had failed to deter violations and contributed to increasing traffic congestion in Shimla’s core pedestrian areas. According to the statement of objects and reasons attached to the Bill, the rise in vehicle passes over recent years had diluted the vehicle-free character of the Mall Road and other sealed stretches.
The amended law also formalizes procedures for issuance and renewal of passes for vehicles allowed entry into restricted areas. Authorities believe the revised penalties and stricter enforcement mechanism will help restore pedestrian safety and regulate traffic movement in the hill town.
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