Traffic Rules
· Keep on your left, allowing the vehicles from the opposite direction to pass.
· Give way to traffic on your right, especially at road junctions and round abouts.
· While turning either left or right, give way to vehicles going straight.
· While turning left, keep to the left side and turn close to the left side of the road to which you enter.
· Slow down at the junctions, intersections and pedestrian crossings. Also slow down near school zones, temple areas etc., where a lot of pedestrians and vehicle traffic move. Give signals before you make any manoeuvre, indicating your intention, so that the other road users can adjust accordingly.
· Always use a helmet if on a two-wheeler and always check that the strap is fixed properly.
· Stick to the given speed limte and remember that speed limit is related to the traffic condition.
· Keep enough distance from the vehicle ahead to avoid collision.
· Yellow lines should not be crossed under any condition.
· At junctions or intersections, never park the vehicle beyond the stop line.
· At pedestrian crossings always remember that the pedestrian has the right of way.
· At the signal, do not stop your vehicle on the Pedestrian Crossing.
· Two-wheelers are meant only for two. Third person is not allowed, even children.
· Do not start your vehicle on the amber light. Wait for the light to turn green.
· Overtake only from the right side of a vehicle. Never overtake on bridges, narrow roads, junctions, school zones and pedestrian crossings.
· Do not drive in a zig-zag manner.
Automobile Tips
· Avoid distractions like speaking on the phone, talking to fellow passengers and listening to music while driving.
· Lane Driving is ALWAYS Sane Driving.
· Never Drink and Drive.
· Avoid Road Rage.
· Adhere to maximum speed limits
· Never Jump a Red Light.
· Stick to the Rules and Regulations as laid down by the motort vehicles
There is a variation in the Speed Limits for different kinds of vehicles in the states of India
Driving Speed in India
National Maximum Speed Limit for a Light Motor Vehicle & a Transport Vehicle is 65 Km/Hr.
Light Motor Vehicle & a Transport Vehicle | 65 |
Motor Cycle | 50 |
Medium or Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicles | 65 |
Medium or Heavy Goods Vehicle | 65 |
Vehicle drawing a Semi-Trailer | |
Articulated Vehicle, which is Heavy Goods Vehicle or Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle | 50 |
Vehicle drawing not more than one Trailer ( two in case of Artillery equipment) | |
Light Motor Vehicle drawing a Single Trailer, the trailer being two wheeled and the gross vehicle weight of the trailer not exceeding 800 kilograms. | 60 |
Light Motor Vehicle drawing a Single Trailer, the trailer has more than two wheels or a gross vehicle weight of the trailer not exceeding 800 kilograms. | 50 |
Medium Goods Vehicle or Medium Passenger Motor Vehicle drawing a single Trailer. | 45 |
Heavy Goods Vehicle Or Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle drawing a single Trailer | 40 |
Heavy Goods Vehicle or Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle drawing a single Trailer and used by the Fire Brigade | 50 |
Residual Category that is, any case not covered by any of the abovementioned categories | 30 |
Traffic Lights
Red is for STOP, green for GO and yellow for GET PREPARED, either to stop or to go.
Red | The color 'red' on the signal light indicates to stop well before the stop line and not to crowd the intersection. Turn left in a red signal only when there is a sign to do so. While turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles coming from other directions. |
Amber (Yellow) | The amber (or yellow) light indicates to clear the road when the signal is changing from green to red. If, by mistake, caught in the amber signal in the middle of a large road crossing, continue with care and do not accelerate in panic. |
Green | The signal light 'green' set you to go but be careful while on the start of move. Check whether vehicles from other directions have cleared the road. Suppose you want to turn left or right, check the signal whether it allows or not separately. If yes, turn but yield the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles from other directions. |
Steady Green Arrow Signal | This indicates to proceed with caution in the direction the arrow points. Remember to yield to all pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection. |
Flashing Red Signal | Flashing red means to come to a complete stop. Do not forget to yield to all other traffic and to pedestrians. Proceed only when the way is clear. |
Flashing Amber Signal | Flashing amber indicates to slow down and proceed with caution. |
Traffic Violations
Traffic Violations Law lead to punishment. The penalty can be a fine or even imprisonment. The violation can be overspeeding, racing in a public road, dangerous driving, drunken driving, unattended vehicle or any other act that is a hindrance to a smooth traffic. The following are few of the traffic violations according to the Motor Vehicle Act.
· Driving a vehicle under the influence of liquor (Sec. 185 Motor Vehicle Act).
· Driving without valid Driving Licence (See. 3 rd with Sec. 181, Motor Vehicle Act).
· Driving at Speeds that exceed limits (Sec. 183, M.V.Act)
· Driving with only one light in front (Rule 37 (xii) read with Sec. 177, Motor Vehicle Act).
· Using dazzling lights (Rule 405 read with Sec. 197, M.V. Act).
· Using the horns in a forbidden area (Rule 403 read with Sec. 177, Motor Vehicle Act).
· Use of air horn / musical horn (Rule 402 Motor Vehicle Act).
· Parking in no parking areas (Rule 37(x)read with Sec. 177, M.V. Act).
· Vehicle emitting excess smoke (Rule 115 (I) C.M.V. Rule).
· Failure to give proper signals (Sec. 121 read with Sec. 117, M.V.Act).
· Rash driving (Sec. 184, M.V. Act).
· Failure to stop vehicle when required by any Police Officer in Uniform (Sec. 132 read with Sec. 177, M.V. Act).
· Non-compliance of directions given by any Police Officer in the regulation of traffic in public places (Sec. 119, M.V. Act read with 179, M.V. Act).
· Failure to observe the rule of the road (Rule 37(i) read with Sec. 177 M.V. Act).
· Violations of all restrictions, (Rule 411 read with Sec. 177 M.V. Act).
Vehicle Papers
What are vehicle papers? What automotive papers to carry while you are on drive? Know what auto paper in India to carry? Learn everything in details here in this section because while on the move, it is very important to keep the necessary papers in the vehicle for the purpose of being checked by the traffic police or otherwise required at any time. The following are the necessary documents to be kept in the non-transport vehicle:
· Valid Driving License
· Proof of valid certificate of registration
· Proof of valid certificate of insurance
· Proof of tax payment
· Fitness certificate
· Pollution Under Control (P.U.C) certificate
· Insurance cover note, tax payment receipt and renewal of registration certificate (if required) are valid evidence.
· Xerox copies of the original documents (attested by a gazetted officer) are also acceptable. However if the demanding authority wants to see the original documents, the owner must produce them within 15 days.
· A Xerox copy of the driving license is not acceptable
Measures Taken While Driving
· Always concentrave on driving, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel.
· Don't drive in a distracted mood.
· If possible do not involve yourself in convesations with co-passengers.
· Use your horn sparingly and only to remind others of your presence.
· Don't drink and drive.
· When entering a roadway or changing lanes, allow other drivers to maintain speed.
· Do not eat or drink while driving. Always consume food when the car is safely stopped.
· Drive in the right or middle lane. Pass on the left.
· Signal several hundred feet before turning or changing lanes.
· Respect pedestrian right-of-way in cross walks.
· Don't block intersections.
· Obey speed limits.
· Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
· Stop at stop signs and red lights. Don't run during yellow light.
