Beware of people playing loud music in the car! Heavy challan will be issued, fine of ₹ 1 lakh may be imposed along with jail:

Auto Desk, New Delhi. Who doesn’t love going on a long drive while listening to their favorite songs in their car? But, if you exceed the volume of your car’s music system, this hobby can land you straight behind the bars. In the year 2026, the traffic police has made the rules regarding noise pollution and road safety extremely stringent. Playing loud music in the car is no longer just a ‘public nuisance’ but a serious legal offence, for which you may have to pay a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.

Entertainment or crime? When can the police issue your challan?

Often a question arises in the minds of car drivers whether playing songs inside the vehicle is prohibited? The direct answer is no. If you are sitting in your car and listening to music at such a volume that is limited only to your cabin, then it is not a crime.

The trouble starts when the noise coming out of your car windows starts causing trouble to other people on the road. According to the law, if the music is so loud that the driver cannot hear the siren of the ambulance coming from behind or the horns of other vehicles, then the police can take immediate action.

Loud music in residential areas: 5 years in jail and ₹1 lakh fine

If you are caught playing loud music in a colony or residential area, then strict action can be taken against you under the Environment Protection Act.

Strict punishment: In serious cases of noise pollution, there is a provision of jail up to 5 years and fine up to Rs 1 lakh.

Vehicle confiscation: Not only can the traffic police issue you a heavy challan, but the music system of your vehicle or the entire vehicle can also be seized on the spot.

Mathematics of decibel: Know what is the legal limit of sound

The Government of India has set a certain limit of noise for different areas. If your car noise exceeds these limits, you may get on the radar:

Residential areas: 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels after 10 pm.

Silence Zone: Playing music or unnecessary honking of horns is completely prohibited within 100 meters of hospitals, schools and courts.

Expert advice for safe driving

Road safety experts believe that loud music distracts the driver’s attention (Distracted Driving), due to which the chances of an accident increases manifold. For a safe journey, always keep the volume of music at such a level that the outside noises remain audible. Remember, your entertainment shouldn’t cause headaches or accidents for someone else. Next time before increasing the volume, take care of the law and your safety.