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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter V

Section 119

Duty to Obey Traffic Signs

Control of Traffic
Fine: ₹500–₹10,000Compoundable: YesEndorsement: Yes (for signal jumping)
BARE ACT PROVISION

Legal Text

Every person driving a motor vehicle in a public place shall, while driving or using such vehicle, comply with the instructions conveyed by a traffic sign.

Simplified Explanation

Section 119 creates the affirmative duty to obey all traffic signs — complementing Section 116's authority to erect signs. The provision applies to all road users (not just drivers) and covers all prescribed traffic signs including traffic signals (lights), mandatory signs, cautionary signs, and markings on the road. The most commonly violated and most seriously penalised provision under Section 119 is signal jumping (running a red light), addressed by the specific Section 194B penalty: ₹5,000 for first offence, ₹10,000 plus driving licence confiscation for subsequent offences — among the highest penalties in the MVA for a non-injury violation. The introduction of automated red light cameras has dramatically increased the detection rate for signal jumping, converting it from a frequently violated norm to an actively enforced rule in major cities.

Historical Context

Red light jumping is identified as a major cause of severe accidents at urban intersections. The 2019 Amendment's dramatic increase in signal jumping penalties (from ₹100 to ₹5,000) and the installation of automated enforcement cameras have produced measurable compliance improvements in cities like Delhi and Hyderabad.

Critical Changes

Section 194B added by 2019 Amendment — specific penalty for signal jumping: ₹5,000 / ₹10,000.

Licence confiscation on second offence of signal jumping.

Automated red light cameras provide photographic evidence of violations.

Practical Scenarios

"Jumping a red light at a Bengaluru intersection — Section 119/194B: ₹5,000 fine."
"Entering a road marked 'No Entry' — Section 119/177: ₹500 fine."
"Second red light violation in a year — ₹10,000 + 3-month licence confiscation."

Common Queries

Under Section 194B (added by 2019 Amendment): ₹5,000 for the first offence. For a second or subsequent offence: ₹10,000 plus driving licence confiscation for up to 3 months.
Yes — e-challans from automated red light cameras are legally valid under the 2019 Amendment. You will receive notice by post/app and must pay within the specified period or appear before the court.