10 Essential traffic rules for car and bike owners to follow in India

Knowing traffic rules in India is essential for road safety, whether you are a novice or a seasoned driver. This is because traffic laws serve to silently conduct road behaviour in India and around the world, and disobeying them is illegal. Keeping peace and order on the country’s roads can be a challenge for the traffic authorities because of the volume of traffic on the highways.

A large number of new drivers tend to be uninformed of these restrictions, while others simply break the law without regard for the safety of other road users. You should be aware of the following basic regulations before you get behind the wheel in a few days, as well as the ramifications of breaking them.

Are you ready to take off?

1. It is illegal to drink and drive

Around 19 Indians each day are murdered in drunk driving incidents, according to statistics. There is currently a legal limit of 0.03 per cent, or 30 milligrammes of alcohol per 100ml of blood, for driving. An individual might be fined between Rs.2000 and Rs.10000, depending on the ultimate blood alcohol limit, if they fail this BAC test. More than that, such individuals might be punished to prison terms ranging from six months. If the same individual is caught twice then the fine is up to Rs.15,000 and two years of imprisonment. 

2. Have a valid auto insurance policy 

A valid third-party insurance policy is required by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 for all motor vehicles in India, at all times. Drivers who drive a vehicle without such a protection plan may be penalised if their insurance policy expires. First-time offenders are subject to a fine of Rs. 2000. Recurring infractions, on the other hand, might result in a fine of up to Rs.4000  2 and 3 wheelers will have to pay Rs. 1000, LMV (Light motor vehicle) has to pay Rs. 2000 and HGV & others Rs. 4000.

3. Do not drive without a seatbelt

If you’re a new driver, get into the habit of fastening your seat belt as soon as you get into your car. Not only will this help you avoid breaking traffic rules, but it could also save your life in the event of an accident. You might be fined up to Rs.1000 all over India and Rs. 500 in Karnataka for driving without a seatbelt around your waist and chest if you are caught by traffic cops on the scene. In other words, buckle up!

4. Bike riding without a helmet

When riding a two-wheeler, one must always wear a helmet. Notably, the regulation requires everyone on a two-wheeler to wear a helmet, not only the driver. For non-compliance with this law, fines of up to Rs.1000 are imposed.

Authorities may suspend your driving privileges for as long as three months in severe situations.

5. Cell Phone Use While Riding

Section 184 (c) of the Motor Vehicle Act prohibits the use of portable communication devices (cell phones) by drivers and passengers. A fine of Rs. 1,500/- will be levied on two and three-wheelers, Rs. 1,500/- on light-duty vehicles, and Rs. 5,000/- on other vehicles. Such traffic rules violators might also be sentenced to a year in prison. Take a break from your phone and focus on the road for a while!

6. Excessive speeding

As a result, drivers should never go faster than the posted speed limit on the route. While the amount of the fee varies depending on the size of your car, it’s usually around Rs.1,000 to Rs. 3,000.

7. Violation of the Red Light

The penalties for signal jumping have been increased as a result of a change to the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA). Now, red light jumping carries a fine of Rs. 1,000 instead of Rs. 100-300. There are 6 months to one-year imprisonment if you cause an accident due to skipping a red light. When driving, even if you’re in a rush, pay attention to the traffic signals and obey traffic rules. Just remember, it’s better to be on time than not. These are just a few of the most basic traffic laws. As a driver, you must also adhere to a number of additional rules. Drive carefully and obey all traffic laws!

8. No parking rules

In addition, the motorist is recommended not to park their car in an area where there may be a road crossing or a fire hydrant on a footpath or near traffic lights or on a pedestrian road. 1,500/- for LMV and Rs. 5,000/- for other vehicles are the fees. In the case of a second or subsequent offence, a heavy Rs. 10,000 fine is imposed. 

9. Driving on the wrong side of the road

One-way roads should not be reversed. Wrong-side-of-the-road driving carries a fine of up to Rs 500 and/or up to 3 months in prison. Wrong-side-of-the-road driving carries a fine of up to Rs 500 and/or up to 3 months in prison.

10. Driving after being dismissed

If you drive despite being disqualified, you will now be fined Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 500.