Traffic Rules In India That Everyone Should Know

know About Indian Traffic Rules

In a country where vehicles are in rampant use, following the traffic rules becomes a necessity. Amitabh Kant of ET Auto stated that India houses 22 cars for every 1000 individuals in the population. While the average percentage of Indian households owning a car stands at 7.5%, 49.5% of the average Indian household makes space for a two-wheeler. As of 2020-21, India had around 1,52,71,519 vehicular units. Though it is lower by 29.85% compared to that of 2019-20, the numbers are still magnanimous.

Apart from the conventional fuel-run vehicles, electric bikes and electric scooters are an integral part of today's time. Thus, the number is ever-increasing which leads to Indian roads facing traffic jams often. Consequently, such a huge number of vehicles within the Indian territory makes it necessary to have an efficient traffic system in place.

While India has an efficient traffic system with minimal flaws, the primary path to its fruitful execution lies among the common masses. Nevertheless, Indian roads are home to numerous notorious and irresponsible individuals who care less about obeying the traffic rules and breaking the same seems to be their birthright. Often such traffic violations lead to fatal accidents and unwanted traffic jams that mess up the day’s schedule of numerous work-going people.

The traffic police face the maximum trouble while indulging in traffic management and keeping notorious or unwanted activities under check. For those who do not know about the basic traffic rules and the ones who might need a revision, the following are some basic rules to look at.

Critical Indian traffic rules that you must know

• Defer from drinking and driving

One of the biggest night-time menaces in India is the problem of drink and driving. Numerous individuals drive their cars or ride their e bike and e scooty under the influence of alcohol. Such discrepancies often lead to fatal accidents and countable damage to private and public property.

Statistics reveal that almost 19 Indians lose their life on roads daily due to drink and driving irresponsibility. The current law draws a boundary where 0.3% or 30mg alcohol in every 100ml of human blood is the maximum quantity permissible. The traffic police pertain to the Blood Alcohol Level test for finding out the intoxication levels among night crawlers. The test includes a meter where the driver needs to blow air for the machine to determine the results.

Failing the test can land the violator with a fine ranging from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 10,000. A prison sentence between seven months to four years might also be on cards.

• Have a valid car insurance policy at your disposal

The motor vehicles act of 1988 makes it mandatory for all car owners to have third-party coverage during operation. The insurance coverage appears to be that protective barrier to help you with financial inputs after some unforeseen circumstances. Such insurance coverages include financial aid after a car or vehicular accident. The same works for two-wheelers like e-bikes and e-scooters in India. Not having an authentic insurance policy and the concerned papers while travelling can land you with a fine of Rs. 2,000 for the first time. Repeated offences can lead to a fine as high as Rs. 4,000.

• Put on the seat belt while driving cars

People often take their safety and security casually while driving on roads. Putting on the seatbelt can help you remain u harmed during some accident or sudden bump. The protective measure is an integral part of the Indian traffic rule and should be the first thing you do when you enter your vehicle every day.

Provided any police officer catches you driving without a seatbelt, you might need to pay a fine of Rs. 1000. Here, paying the fine is not as important as safeguarding your life against road mishaps.

•  Always put on a helmet while riding a two-wheeler

While seatbelts are a protective measure during car rides, helmets are a necessity while riding your two-wheelers. Every time you take your e-bikes or e-scooters to work or a leisure ride, remember to put on the helmet. Having a helmet for yourself and the pillion rider will safeguard your head and cranium during accidents.

Non-compliance to such traffic directives might cause you to pay a fine of Rs. 1,000 and even have your license suspended for three months.  

• Avoid using a mobile phone while driving or riding.

Using a mobile phone while riding your e-bike or driving your car can put you in a blind spot for fatal accidents. The motor vehicles act of October 2020 allowed the use of mobile phones for navigational purposes. Provided you get caught talking on the phone or using it for leisure activities while driving, get prepared to face the consequences. 

A fine of Rs. 5,000 or rigorous imprisonment of up to a year might be on the books. Thus, avoid such embarrassing or fatal circumstances by not using your mobile phones while riding.

•  Over Speeding

Every road or highway has a maximum speed limit board in them. Staying under the maximum speed limit should be a responsible act for all Indian citizens. 2020 witnessed over 3.54 lakh road accidents among which 60% occurred due to overspeeding. 

The traffic police can charge you with a fine between Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 for putting your and other commuter's life at stake.

• Not Following the red light

People in India are guilty of jumping the red light often. People have reasons like hurriedness or lack of patience to jump the red lights. Little do they understand that such instances can put their lives in danger.

Besides the fatality chances, the police can charge a fine of Rs. 5,000 or maybe put you through embarrassing one-year imprisonment.

Final Thoughts

The traffic rules are in force to ensure orderly plying of vehicles and avoiding unwanted circumstances. Following the traffic rules would safeguard you and your family's life. The fines and penalties might be controlling measures, but the responsibility lies with you. Thus, ensure that you abide by the rules every time you take your e-bike, e-scooter or your car out on the roads.