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Traffic Rules Every Car/Bike Driver should know in India
India is home to 22 cars for every 1000 individuals (source).Although this ratio is just a fraction of the figure in countries like the USA and UK, it still represents a massive number of vehicles, considering India’s population.
With so much traffic on the country’s roads, the traffic authorities often face immense difficulties in maintaining law and order.
Many new drivers tend to be unaware of these rules, while others simply violate the laws without thinking about the safety of others. If you are planning to start driving in a few days, here are some of the basic rules that you must know of, along with the repercussions of disobeying them.
Let’s hit the road, shall we?
7 Most Important Traffic Rules to follow in India
Listed below are some of the most common traffic laws that every driver should know about the country. They are also some of the rules that witness the most violations as well.
1. Do Not Drink and Drive
A statistic reveals that around 19 Indians are killed daily due to drunk-driving road accidents (source)
As per the current law, the blood alcohol limit permissible for driving is up to 0.03%, which is equivalent to 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
If an individual fails to pass this BAC test, he/she can be fined between Rs.2000 and Rs.10000, based on the final blood alcohol limit.
Moreover, such individuals may also be sentenced to a prison term ranging between 7 months and four years.
2. Always Own Valid Car Insurance Policy
According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, all motor vehicles in India need to possess valid third-party insurance coverage at all times.
If you are not careful and the insurance policy lapses, you could be penalised for driving a vehicle without such a protection plan.
The traffic authorities charge a fine of Rs.2000 for a first-time offence of this nature. However, repeat offences can lead to penalties of up to Rs.4000.
3. Wear your seatbelt while Driving a Car
If you are new to driving, get in the habit of securing the seat belt as the first thing you do upon entering your vehicle. Doing so will not only help you avoid traffic violations, but it will also save your life in case of mishaps.
If you are caught driving without this seat belt around your waist and chest, traffic cops can fine you up to Rs.1000 for this violation on the spot.
So, be a hero and wear your seat belt!
4. Riding a Two-Wheeler without a Helmet On
One must wear a helmet at all times while riding a two-wheeler. One distinction to notice here is that the law states that all individuals on a two-wheeler must put on helmets and not just the driver.
Penalties for non-compliance with this rule come in the form of fines of up to Rs.1000.
In serious cases, traffic authorities may decide to suspend your license for a period of up to 3 months as well.
5. Using a Mobile Phone while Riding
As per the new Motor Vehicle rules in effect from Oct 1, 2020, drivers can only use their phones as a navigational tool while on the wheel.
If you are caught using the phone in any other fashion while driving, get ready to pay a fine of up to Rs.5000. A one-year prison sentence also applies to such traffic violators.
Get off your phone for a while and focus on the road!
6. Over Speeding
Drivers should never exceed the recommended speed guidelines on roads, as doing so will draw the ire of traffic cops.
As per a report, 66% of accidents in 2018 were caused due to speeding on Indian roads. (source)
The fine charged for speeding varies as per the size of your vehicle, typically ranging between Rs.1000 and Rs.2000.
7. Jumping the Red Light
If you do not intend to bear penalties of up to Rs.5000 and a one-year prison sentence, ensure you stick to the various traffic signals during a drive, even if you are in a hurry. Remember the old saying, ‘better late than never.’
8. Following the Rules of “No Entry” Zone
A “No Entry” zone is usually marked with a specific signal, which you can easily spot while driving. These are usually created for one-way traffic movement. Avoid entering such zones, as you might end up colliding with other cars and causing accidents.
These are some of the most basic traffic laws for drivers. As a person behind the wheels, you need to follow several others as well.
Drive safe and adhere to all laws!
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Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to use hands-free mode to take calls while driving?
With Bluetooth earpieces and other such innovations, it is possible for individuals to receive phone calls without touching their smartphone.
However, even using a hands-free mode is considered illegal while driving, as it diverts the driver’s attention from the road. This can cause accidents and other mishaps as well.
How can you avoid penalties when your car insurance policy expires?
A valid motor insurance plan is mandated for every car and bike in India. If your policy expires, you are liable to pay significant fines to the tune of up to Rs.4000.
Thus, the only way to avoid such penalties would be to renew your plan before the old one expires.
I am currently learning how to drive. Do I require a license as well?
Learners need to avail a specialised learner’s driving license, depending on the class of vehicle you are practising on. You can acquire your standard driver’s license after qualifying for it through a driving test. Nevertheless, learners without a learner’s license will need to bear penalties as well.
What is the maximum penalty for speeding?
The penalty for speeding on Indian roads depends on the size of your vehicle. For instance, if you are driving a light motor vehicle while speeding, you would need to pay fines of up to Rs.1000.
On the other hand, for medium passenger vehicles, this fine would be up to Rs.2000.