06 May, 2024

Traffic Rules Every Car Driver Should Know in India

One of the most prevalent issues in big cities all over the world is traffic. Every day, traffic congestion is a problem in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, and other places in India. The government faces several challenges in the urban transportation system because it calls for modern vehicles and modern roadways intended for public transportation. While there are numerous causes of traffic jams, the only emotions left after being caught in it for a while are annoyance and rage. In India, there are some major traffic regulations that every citizen should follow, especially when it comes to driving. 

Many young and experienced drivers are unaware of these restrictions, and some of them willfully break the rules without thinking about the safety of other people. If you want to start driving in the near future, you should be aware of these basic regulations and the consequences of breaking them. There are some fundamental guidelines that you should be aware of if you intend to start driving or if you already drive.

Below are some of the most common traffic laws nationwide that all drivers should know. These are also among the regulations that are frequently violated.

• Drinking and driving is prohibited: It is against the law to operate a motor vehicle when intoxicated. This law protects the public safety on the roads by preventing drunk driving-related collisions. The ingestion of alcohol impairs an individual's judgment, coordination, reaction time, and perception, all of which are crucial for safe vehicle operation. In addition to putting the life of the driver in jeopardy, drunk driving puts other road users, pedestrians, and passengers at serious risk.  The BAC is used to measure the drunk driving limit. The level of alcohol in your blood is known as BAC. It gives a percentage measurement of the alcohol content. Let's assume that your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08, or 0.08 grams per 100 milliliters. Presently, it is illegal to drive after intoxication or drug use, as well as to exceed the legal limit. Driving while intoxicated is illegal in India according to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Section 185.
• Wearing seat belt and helmet: When a vehicle is in motion, all passengers, especially the driver, must fasten their seat belts. Wearing a seat belt significantly reduces the risk of injury during an accident. The primary purpose of the seat belt is to protect the driver from the impact forces of a collision, thereby minimizing the severity of injuries and aiding in their ability to exit the vehicle in case of damage. Similarly, helmets serve to safeguard the head and spinal cord of motorcycle riders in the event of a crash, akin to how seat belts protect occupants in cars. Adhering to this recommended traffic regulation is essential for personal safety, despite variations in helmet usage laws across different states. Every state in India has a ₹1,000 punishment for not wearing a seat belt. To guarantee the safety of drivers and passengers, this punishment is imposed in addition to the stringent application of rear seat belt usage.
• When riding a two-wheeler, a helmet is required at all times. One thing to keep in mind in this situation is that the law requires everyone riding a two-wheeler, not just the driver, to wear a helmet. Penalties for breaking this law might cost you up to Rs. 1000 in fines. Traffic authorities may also choose to suspend your license for a maximum of three months in extreme circumstances.

 Also Read: Life-saving Benefits of Wearing a Seat Belt

• Using mobile phones while driving: This law was recently implemented because the government believed that using a phone while driving distracted drivers and increased the risk of accidents. The risky nature of talking on the phone while driving, especially for two-wheeler drivers, puts their lives in grave danger. Using a phone while operating a vehicle can cause distractions and can even cause collisions. It is strongly advised against using a phone while operating a vehicle. If you are found to be using your phone while driving, you will also be subject to steep fines. In such circumstances, you would have to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000.
  
• Overspeeding: Over-speeding is a major cause of accidents on Indian roads. Depending on traffic volume and time of day, major public roads have set speed limits. As a result, we ought to respect them and adhere to the speed restrictions. It's strictly forbidden for kids to race vehicles or motorcycles with excessive horsepower on public roads. Over-speeding-related losses are not covered by auto insurance. The fine for exceeding the posted speed limit is Rs. 1,000 for light motor vehicles and Rs. 2000 for medium to heavy motor vehicles.
• Insurance policy and valid license: According to the legislation, every car must have current insurance coverage on it at all times. Having at least third-party insurance is adequate as it protects you from any accidents involving third parties. In the event that you do not have insurance, you may have to pay Rs. 4,000 for the second instance and Rs. 2,000 for the first. Utilizing a valid driving license when operating a vehicle is one of India's most significant traffic laws. There are two types of copies you can carry: digital and physical. There will be a Rs. 5,000 fine for not doing so.

Read to know: How to Save Money on Your Car Insurance?

• Traffic signals and signs: Drivers must adhere to road indicators, signage, and traffic signals, which include yielding signs, stop signs, red lights, and other directional markers. When making turns, changing lanes, or executing any driving manoeuvre, it is essential to use turn signals or indicators. This practice minimizes the risk of accidents by informing other drivers of your intentions. In addition to a fine of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000, license suspension and/or a maximum sentence of six months in jail are further penalties for running a red light. At zebra crossings, vehicles are required to give way to pedestrians. If people are crossing the street or waiting to cross, vehicles need to stop completely.

It is essential for everyone to be educated about and diligently adhere to traffic laws as responsible members of society. It is also important to take note of the various penalties stipulated in the amended Motor Vehicles Act of 2019. Following traffic rules reduces the likelihood of being involved in accidents or confrontations with law enforcement, promoting physical and mental well-being for drivers and passengers alike. Compliance with traffic regulations promotes smooth and efficient traffic flow, minimizing congestion and delays, which saves time and reduces stress for everyone on the road.