Traffic Rules in India

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The tragic accident on the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, where a car entered the highway from the wrong side and collided with another vehicle, resulting in the death of 6 people, underlines the critical importance of following traffic rules in India.

The terrible accident on the Mumbai-Nagpur highway is a wake-up call for all of us. It shows us that following traffic rules is very important. Not following the rules can cause great harm to people, and it can devastate families and communities. To keep our roads safe, everyone needs to know the traffic laws and the police need to make sure people follow them. This way, we can avoid these accidents and keep everyone safe.

Stats of Traffic Rules in India

The number of road accident deaths in India has increased by 84% between 2014 and 2018, with the average daily fatalities rising from 34 to 62. Road accidents cost India 3-5% of its GDP every year.
In 2018, a total of 1,51,417 people lost their lives in 4,67,044 road accidents across India. This translates to 415 people dying daily and 17 lives lost every hour on Indian roads.
Violations of traffic rules are a major contributor to these accidents. Speeding, drunk driving, traffic light violations, not wearing helmets/seatbelts, and using mobile phones while driving are some of the key factors.
In 2022, over-speeding accounted for 77% of accidents and 77.9% of fatalities on National Highways under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Other violations like drunk driving, driving on the wrong side, and jumping red lights contributed to another 9% of accidents and 9.7% of fatalities on NHAI-managed National Highways.
Two-wheelers were involved in the highest number of accidents (63,115) and fatalities (25,228) on National Highways in 2022, followed by cars, taxis, and vans.
The number of challans issued has been rising. In 2022, over 4.73 crore challans were issued, reflecting a rise in enforcement after stricter penalties were introduced under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019
The desired impact on road safety has yet to be fully achieved due to a lack of consistent implementation across states.

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General Traffic Rules in India

Here are some general traffic rules in India that apply in most places:

Driving Rules

Drive on the right side of the road (left side in countries like the UK)
Obey all traffic signs, signals, and road markings
Use turn signals when changing lanes or turning
Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and emergency vehicles
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Do not use a cell phone while driving unless it’s hands-free
Using mobile phones while driving is prohibited unless using hands-free devices.
Distracted driving due to mobile phone usage can result in penalties and fines.

Speed Limits

Adjust your speed based on weather, traffic, and road conditions
Obey posted speed limits and slow down in school zones and construction areas
Drive at a speed that allows you to maintain control of your vehicle

Intersections and Turns

Come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs
Yield to oncoming traffic when making left turns
Use the correct turn lane when turning
Do not make U-turns where prohibited

Passing

Pass on the left side of the vehicle you are overtaking
Do not pass on a hill, curve, or intersection
Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk

Parking

Park in designated parking spots or areas
Do not park in handicap spaces unless you have a permit
Do not park in front of fire hydrants, driveways, or blocking traffic

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Pedestrians

Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk
Watch for pedestrians when turning

Bicycles

Treat bicycles as vehicles and allow them to share the road
Give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing
Watch for bicyclists when turning or opening car doors

Vehicle Registration and Insurance

All vehicles must be registered with the appropriate regional transport office (RTO).
Motor insurance, including third-party liability coverage, is mandatory for all vehicles.

Rules for pedestrians

Follow the traffic signal rules
Avoid using a cell phone on the road
Watch while crossing the road
Always use Zebra crossing

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Traffic Fines in India

Penalty	Fine (From September 2019)
Rs.500 – Rs.1,000	Road Rules Violation
First-time offense – Rs.500 Second time onwards – Rs.1,500	General Offence
Rs.2,000	Ignoring authorities’ commands or refusing to provide requested information
Rs.2,000	Traveling without ticket
Rs.5,000	Driving a Vehicle Without a Licence or PermitDriving without licence
Rs.10,000	Driving with a suspended license
For light motor vehicles – Rs.1,000 – Rs.2,000Medium passenger and goods vehicle – For a subsequent or repeat offense, fines ranging from Rs.2,000 to Rs.4,000 and DL impoundment may be imposed	Over speeding
First-time offender – 6 months to 1 year in prison, as well as a fine of between Rs.1,000 and Rs.5,000Second-time offender – A fine of up to Rs.10,000 or a sentence of up to two years in jail	Rash driving
First-time offender – Rs.10,000 or a maximum of six months in jailSecond-time offender – Rs.15,000 and/or a maximum 2-year sentence in prison	Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or another substance
Rs.5,000	Driving Unauthorised Oversized Vehicles
First-time offender – Rs.1,000Second-time offender – Rs.2,000	Driving While Physically/Mentally Unfit
First-time offender – Rs.5,000 or a maximum of 6 months in jailSecond-time offender – Rs.10,000 or a year in prison, whichever comes first	Offences Related to Accidents
First-time offender – Rs.2,000 and/or up to three months in prisonSecond-time offender – Rs.4,000 and/or up to three months in prison	Using an uninsured vehicle or one without car insurance
First-time offender – Rs.5,000 or a maximum of three months in prisonSecond-time offender – Rs.10,000 and/or up to a year in prison	Speed testing and Racing
Rs.10,000 and/or up to six months in prison	Vehicle Without Permit
Rs.20,000 and Rs.2,000/extra ton	Overloading
Rs.1000/extra passenger	Passengers overloading
Rs.1,000	Failure to wear a seatbelt
Rs.2,000 and a three-month license suspension	Two-wheeler overloading
Rs.1,000 and a three-month license suspension	Failure to wear a helmet
The Guardian or Owner shall be deemed guilty and subject to a fine of Rs.25,000 and a sentence of three years in prison.	Juvenile offences

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Offenses Related to Documents

Offenses	Section	Penalty
Vehicle without RC	S. 39 r/w S. 192	INR 2,000
Permitting the vehicle to a person who does not possess a valid license	S. 5 r/w S. 180	INR 1,000 (or imprisonment of 3 months)
Not carrying proper Documents	S. 130(3) r/w S. 177	INR 100
Driving without a valid permit	S. 130 r/w S. 177	Up to INR 5,000
Driving without Valid fitness	S. 130 r/w S. 177	Up to INR 5,000

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Tackling Traffic Troubles in India

India’s roads are full of activity, but crowds can often make travel a nightmare. Here’s a look at some effective solutions for Traffic Rules in India:

Flyovers in busy areas, improved road design, and better traffic management systems can significantly ease congestion and improve traffic flow.
Investing in a strong public transport network with frequent buses, metro, and trains provides a convenient alternative to private vehicles, reducing overall traffic volumes.
Constructing dedicated footpaths and mandatory parking spaces creates a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging more people to walk or cycle for short trips.
Strict enforcement of traffic laws, including penalties for violations, discourages reckless driving and promotes a culture of road safety.
While a congestion tax on private vehicles can be a deterrent, its feasibility requires careful consideration.
Investing in the development of smaller towns and cities can create more job opportunities and social infrastructure, reducing the pressure on crowded megacities.

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Common Myths About Traffic Rules In India

Traffic rules are essential for maintaining order and safety on the roads, yet many myths and misconceptions persist among Indian drivers.

Myth 1: There’s No Need to Follow Traffic Lights After 10 PM

Traffic lights are operational 24/7 and must be obeyed at all times. Even if the lights are blinking red or yellow at night, drivers must still stop, look, and proceed with caution.

Myth 2: Reversing on a One-Way Road is Not an Offense

Driving in the opposite direction on a one-way road is strictly prohibited and considered a punishable offense.

Myth 3: Parking is Allowed Anywhere Without a “No Parking” Sign

Vehicles cannot be parked in front of hospitals, schools, bus stops, main roads, near traffic signals, or zebra crossings, even without a “No Parking” sign. Violators may face fines and have their vehicles towed.

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Myth 4: Overtaking is Only Permitted on the Right

You can overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signaling a right turn and there’s enough safe space. Otherwise, stick to overtaking on the right.

Myth 5: Using High Beams is Acceptable at All Times

Use high beams only on unpaved areas or highways for better visibility. When approaching oncoming traffic or driving in well-lit areas, switch to low beams to avoid blinding other drivers.

Myth 6: Drinking and Driving is Okay if You’ve Had Food

Consuming food does not significantly reduce the absorption of alcohol. Driving with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit of 0.03% is a serious offense, regardless of whether you’ve had food.

Myth 7: Hands-Free Calling is Safe and Legal

Don’t use mobile devices, even hands-free, while driving. It’s distracting and illegal. For your safety, avoid phone calls completely when behind the wheel.