If a driver is in the path of an approaching a Fire Service Vehicles & Ambulance that is displaying a flashing blue or red light or sounding an alarm, the driver must move out of the path (As per the Rules of the Road Regulations 1989) of the vehicle as soon as the driver can do so safely. No rules for Police and VIP vehicles.
The driver, and the person seated in the front seat or the persons occupying front facing rear seats must wear seat Belts. It has been estimated that seatbelts reduce the risk of death for a front seat car occupant by about 50%.
Stop your vehicle before the white line. Do not stop it over the "zebra" crossing.
Allow smaller vehicles to go through the intersection before you turn left.
Increase your speed in the acceleration lane, give indicator and merge with the traffic. Signal, move into the slowing lane and then reduce speed. Slow moving vehicles should not stand in front of fast moving vehicles.
Use dipper and change to low beam when vehicle comes from the opposite direction.
Steps for changing lanes:
1. Check for a space in traffic where you can enter safely.
2. Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change. Give an indicator in the direction you want to move.
3. Recheck to ensure the way is clear and that no one is coming at a fast speed from behind.
4. Turn steadily into the new lane.
Points to consider while overtaking a vehicle:
1. Use your right-turn indicator to show that you want to overtake. Check the way ahead and behind is clear before overtaking.
2. Watch out for scooters or motor cycles that may be hidden from view in front of the vehicle you are about to overtake. Watch for vehicles that may be turning right in front of you.
3. After overtaking, give indicator that you want to get back into the lane you started from. Change lane when you can see all the front of the vehicle you are passing in your rear view mirror. Never cut off a vehicle by suddenly moving in front of it.
4. Do not race if the vehicle you are passing speeds up. Get back into your original lane.
Overtaking at night:
1. Switch your headlights to low beams as you approach a vehicle from behind.
2. Switch your high beams on and off quickly to warn the driver ahead that you are going to overtake
3. Check your mirrors and blind spot, and pull out to overtake. As you move besides the vehicle you are overtaking, switch on your high beams so that you can see more of the road ahead. of the vehicle you are about to overtake. Watch for vehicles that may be turning right in front of you.
4. When you can see all of the front of the vehicle you are overtaking in your rear view mirror, pull back into the left lane. Give indicator so the other driver knows you are getting back into the lane.
Straddling a Line: When driving on a road marked with Lane Lines, you must keep your vehicle entirely within a lane.
Broken Lane Line: When lanes are marked by broken lines the driver may change lanes when it is safe to do so by indicating the intention through proper signal.
Single Continuous Line: You must keep to the left of these lines. You must not cross these lines to overtake or make a U-Turn but may cross them to enter or leave the road or to go past an obstruction.
Solid and Dotted Line: Traffic having continuous line on its side cannot cross or straddle the line.
Solid Lane Line: The lanes near intersections are often marked by Solid Lane Lines where no lane changing is permissible.
You are permitted to cross single or double continuous lines in order to avoid an obstruction - This does not include a slower moving vehicle or a vehicle stopped in a line of traffic, but may include a fallen tree, a crashed vehicle, or a car that has broken down or is illegally parked. Before crossing the line, you must have a clear view of the road ahead and it must be safe. You must also be very sure that you cross safely because the onus is on you to take the risk of danger into account.
The lanes near intersections are often marked by Solid Lane Lines where no lane changing is permissible. The traffic driving along such lanes bound by solid lines has to move along the same direction or the direction indicated by road marking arrows thus a No-Lane changing zone is created near intersection to prevent last minute change of direction by the traffic that may obstruct the smooth flow of traffic & cause accidents.
Yellow Edge Lines: You must not stop or park your vehicle in any area where a continuous yellow edge line is applied even to pick up or set down passengers or goods.
Three-point Turn: Make a three-point turn to change directions on a narrow road. A three-point turn starts from the extreme left side of the road. Signal for a right turn. When the way is clear in both directions, move forward, turning the steering wheel sharply right towards the curb on the far side of the road. When you have reached the right side of the road, stop, and put the vehicle into reverse. Signal a left turn. After checking that the way is still clear, turn the steering wheel sharply to the left, while backing up slowly to the other side of the road. Stop. Shift to forward gear and check traffic. When the way is clear, drive forward
Narrow Bridge: Slow down the vehicle while crossing a narrow bridge.
CONTROLLED INTERSECTION (STOP OR GIVE WAY SIGN): The driver must stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, the driver must stop before entering the intersection and must give way to a vehicle in the intersection.
ROUNDABOUT: If you are about to enter the round-about, give way to traffic on your right. The rule applies to those cars also that have to turn left after entering the round-about.
GIVE WAY SIGN: The driver must Give Way to vehicle on the right. The driver is not required to give way if: (a) an oncoming vehicle turning right at the intersection and the stop sign/ line, give way sign/line applies to the driver of the oncoming vehicle
(b) a vehicle using a slip lane at the intersection to make a left turn.
(c) a vehicle making a U-turn.
UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION (NO SIGN/SIGNAL): A driver at an intersection (except a T-intersection or roundabout) without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line, must give way in accordance with this rule.
If the driver is going straight ahead, the driver must give way to any vehicle approaching from the right, unless a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the approaching vehicle.
If the driver is turning left, the driver must give way to any vehicle approaching from the right, unless a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the approaching vehicle any pedestrian at or near the intersection on the road the driver is entering.
If two vehicles are facing green lights the driver who has to turn right should give way to the vehicle approaching from the opposite direction and going straight.
T CROSSING: A driver at a T-intersection without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line, must give way in accordance with this rule.
If the driver is turning left (except if the driver is using a slip lane) or right from the terminating road into the continuing road, the driver must give way to:
(a) any vehicle traveling on the continuing road
(b) any pedestrian on the continuing road at or near the intersection.
If the driver is turning right from the continuing road into the terminating road, the driver must give way to:
(a) any oncoming vehicle that is traveling through the intersection on the continuing road or turning left at the intersection; and
(b) any pedestrian on the terminating road at or near the intersection.
If the driver is turning left from the terminating road into the continuing road using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:
(a) any vehicle traveling on the continuing road
(b) any pedestrian on the slip lane.
If the driver is turning from the continuing road into the terminating road using a slip lane, the driver must give way to:
(a) any vehicle approaching from the right; and
(b) any pedestrian on the slip lane.
RIGHT OF WAY TO PEDESTRIAN:
If the driver is not going straight but turning left, right or making a U–turn, he must give way to any pedestrian at or near the intersection on the road the driver is entering.
A driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing.
A driver must give way to any pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing.
A driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must not overtake or pass a vehicle that is traveling in the same direction.
Driver turning right from a road into a road-related area giving way to an oncoming vehicle that is going straight ahead and to a pedestrian on the footpath.
NARROW BRIDGE/ROAD: Giving way at a give way sign at a bridge or length of narrow road - A driver approaching a bridge or length of narrow road with a give way sign must give way to any oncoming vehicle that is on the bridge or length of road when the driver reaches the sign.
Others:
You can turn left on a red light if there is no signal for the left direction. Come to a complete stop, give way and then turn left.
You can U-Turn in an intersection, even if No Right-Turn is allowed. Before making a U-turn, make sure there is no sign saying not to.
There is no Speed limit for a Light Motor Vehicle other than a Transport Vehicle (as fixed by the Central Government in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 112 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988), unless a Speed Limit board is in display. The maximum speed limit for a Motor Cycle is 50Kmph.
As per the provisions of sub-rule (2) of Rule 100 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 the glass of the windscreen and rear window of every motor vehicle has to be such and be maintained in such a condition that the visual transmission of light is not less than 70%. The glasses used for side windows have to be such and be maintained in such condition that the visual transmission of light is not less than 50%.
Do not take reverse in curves.
No driver of a motor-vehicle shall use or answer the cell phone while driving the vehicle.
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not park his vehicle on the wrong side of the road or opposite another parked vehicle or where parking is prohibited or near a road crossing or bend or on a footpath or away from the edge of the footpath or blocking entrance to premises. The vehicle should not be parked around 15m from a Bus Stop or Corner in both sides.
The letters & figures in the Registration Mark (Number) displayed to the front & to the rear of the Motor Car Number Plate should be in English and the figures in Arabic Numerals and the height of letters and numerals should be 2.5 inches. (Letters: 4.5 cm high / 1 cm thick, Numerals: 6 cm high / 1 cm thick, Space between letters / numerals should not be less than 1 cm). The plate should not have any line, logo, symbol, or colour, or any other kind of marking on it.
Turn on headlights around 30 minutes before sunset and keep them on until 30 minutes after sunrise. Turn on your lights when fog or rain reduces your visibility to less than 100 meters.
If you are traveling on a highway and using highbeam headlights, switch to lowbeams within 150 metres of an oncoming vehicle. Switch to your lowbeams when you are less than 60 metres behind another vehicle.
Whenever you follow another vehicle, you need enough space to stop safely if the other vehicle brakes suddenly. A safe following distance is at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This is calculated as 22m at 40kmph, 42m @ 60kmph and 88m @ 90kmph.
Let pedestrians safely cross roads at zebra crossings where there are no traffic lights. Drivers, including cyclists, must stop and let all pedestrians cross. Pedestrians have the right of way.
If the traffic signal has changed from GREEN to AMBER (Yellow) at a Signal, the Car that has crossed the Stop Line must drive forward cautiously through the crossing in the direction indicated by the signal. The driver of Car that has not crossed the Stop Line must brake and stop the car before the Stop Line.
Following the Supreme Court order in 1989, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended in 1994, to make it mandatory on both the driver/owner of the vehicle to take the accident victim to the nearest doctor, and the doctor to treat the victim without waiting for any formalities. The provisions of Section 134, Motor Vehicles Act 1988 read as follows-
Duty of driver in case of accident and injury to a person - When any person is injured or any property of a third party is damaged, as a result of an accident in which a motor vehicle is involved the driver of the vehicle or other person in charge of the vehicles –
a. Unless it is not practicable to do so on account of mob fury or any other reason beyond his control, take all reasonable steps to secure medical attention for the injured person (by conveying him to the nearest medical practitioner or hospital, and it is shall be the duty of every registered medical practitioner or the doctor on the duty in the hospital immediately to attend the injured person and render medical aid or treatment without waiting for any procedural formalities). All hospitals and doctors are required to provide immediate medical aid to all the cases, whether medico–legal or not.
b. Give on demand by a police officer any information required by him, or , if no police officer is present, report the circumstance of the occurrence, including the circumstances, if any, for not taking reasonable steps to secure medical attention as required under clause (a) at the nearest police station as soon as possible, and in any case within twenty-four hours of the occurrence;
c. Give the following information in writing to the insurer, who has issued the certificates of insurance, about the occurrence of the accident, namely :-
i. Insurance policy number and period of its validity;
ii. Date, time and place of accident;
iii. Particulars of the persons injured or killed in the accident;
iv. Name of the driver and the particulars of his driving license.
Is failure to comply with this action punishable?
Yes under Section 187 of MV Act, 1988 whoever fails to comply with the provisions of the clauses of Section 134, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extent to 6 months.
The Court can disqualify the person concerned from holding driving license apart from imposing any other punishment. For the following offences, disqualification is mandatory:
i) not stopping the vehicle when required to do so by any Police Officer not below the rank of Police Sub-Inspector in uniform if the vehicle is involved in a road accident (Section 132)
ii) not shifting the victim of the accident in which his or her vehicle is involved to the nearest Hospital/ Medical Practitioner (Section 134)
iii) not giving, on demand by a Police Officer, any information required by him (Section 134)
iv) not reporting the occurrence of accident to insurer (Section 134)
v) driving by a drunken person or by a person under the influence of drugs (Section 185)
vi) driving dangerously (Section 184)
vii) racing and trials of speed (Section 189)
viii) using vehicle without registration (Section 192)
It’s compulsory for the driver of a motor vehicle to keep the “Tool kit” prescribed by the manufacturer and also the Medical “First aid box”. For transport vehicles, a fire extinguisher is mandatory.
It’s compulsory for the driver to keep spare headlamps for all motor vehicles except motor cycles.
Signaling by the driver regarding his intentions to stop or take a left or right turn is mandatory. If he does not do so, the driver can be prosecuted. (Section 121)
Smoking is illegal while driving.
Using any Spotlights, search lights, fancy lights, mercury lamps are expressly forbidden.
Every motor vehicle, except motor cycles, must be fitted with a rear view mirror in such a way that the driver has a clear vision of the traffic behind. (CMVR 1994-Rule 125)
No TV / Video display should be placed in a vehicle in a manner that it may distract the driver. The music played in the vehicle must be kept at low levels of sound so as not to distract other drivers on the road. (CMVR 1994-Rule 162)
It is mandatory for the driver of a motor vehicle to carry a valid driving license (original) and a copy of the Vehicle Registration Certificate, Road Tax Token, Pollution under Control Certificate and Current Insurance Certificate. However he does not need to procure the 'Pollution under Control Certificate' till one year from the date on which the motor vehicle was first registered.
TRAFFIC RULES Source: Indian Motor Vehicle Act 1989
SECTION 177:
First Offence: Rs. 300/- Second offence or subsequent offence: Rs. 600/-
1. Failure to produce Driving License on demand by a police officer in uniform.
2. Holding more than one DL
3. Unaccompanied L Driver
4. L Driver carrying unqualified Passenger
5. L Driver-w/o L Plates
6. Road Tax not paid
7. Carrying more than capacity on RD/Triple Riding on 2-Wheeler
8. Failure to report change of address/ Fact of transfer of vehicle within prescribed period.
9. Plying a vehicle with Registration Mark of other State for more than 12 Months.
10. Contravening Height Restriction.
11. Contravening Length Restriction.
12. Contravening Width Restriction.
13. Contravening Load Restriction.
14. Overcharging by TSR/Taxi
15. Misbehavior by TSR/Taxi Driver
16. TSR/TAXI Charging w/o Fare Meter
17. Traveling on Running Board
18. Obstruction of control of Driver by Passenger sitting in front etc.
19. Disobeying Police Signal
20. Violation of Mandatory Signs-No Left Turn/No Right Turn/Compulsory Turn/One-way Traffic/No Entry Sign or Wrong Side Driving/Entry/Turn.
21. Jumped Red Light.
22. Violation of Yellow Line
23. Did not stop on the Stop Line/ Zebra Crossing Line.
24. Taking U-Turn where prohibited
25. Driving vehicle backwards (reversing) more than necessary for turning.
26. Overtaking in No Overtaking Zone
27. Obstructing Overtaking
28. Crossing a Divided Road/ Central Verge where no proper crossing is provided.
29. Failing to yield the right-of-way at intersection/Roundabout/Pedestrian Crossing.
39. Unauthorized Lane Changing/ Zigzag Driving.
40. Failure to make prescribed Signal on prescribed occasions-while Turning/while Overtaking etc.
41. Failing to lower Head-Light Beam.
42. Abrupt Brake w/o sufficient reason.
43. Wrong Parking/ Dangerous Parking.
44. Class of Vehicle not entitled to use Parking Place.
45. Unattended Vehicle with engine running.
46. Towing Cyclists.
47. Improper Towing of Disabled Vehicles.
48. Carrying Explosive/Inflammable/Dangerous Substance on Public Service Vehicle.
49. Driver (Male) w/o Helmet or Turban / Helmet not fastened/Helmet not of BIS Standards.
50. Driver (Female) w/o Helmet
51. Pillion Rider (Male) w/o Helmet.
52. Pillion Rider (Female) w/o Helmet
53. Unauthorized use of Red/Blue Beacon Light.
54. Unauthorized use of Sun Film/ Tinted Glasses/Curtain.
55. Unauthorized use of Spot Light/Search Light/Dazzling Light/Unnecessary use of Fog Light
56. Smoking while driving.
57. Playing music at High Pitch.
58. Blowing Pressure Horn/ Multi-toned Horn.
59. Blowing Horn needlessly/continuously.
60. Sounding the Horn in Silence Zone.
61. W/o First Aid Box.
62. W/o Fire Extinguisher Public Service Vehicles.
63. 4-Wheeler w/o Seat Belts.
64. Driver not Using Seat Belt.
65. Front Seater w/o Seat Belt
66. Motor cycle w/o proper rear-wheel-guard for the pillion rider.
67. Number Plate not according to Pattern/W/o Number Plate/Registration Mark Obscured.
Section 3: It is an offence to drive a vehicle without Driving License.
Section 4: Age limit for obtaining driving license -
Two Wheelers below 50 CC -16 years
Other Motor Vehicles - 18 years
Transport Vehicle - 20 years
Section 5: Owner not to allow any person to drive the vehicle without Driving Licence ( D.L ). Example - If son/daughter is driving a vehicle owned by parent without D.L, parent can be prosecuted, though the parent may not be present at the time of the offence.
Section 19: The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) can disqualify persons from holding driving licence or revoke the same if the person
- is a habitual criminal or habitual drunkard
- is a habitual addict to any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance within the meaning of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act, 1985 (61 of 1985)
- is using or has used a motor vehicle in the commission of a cognizable offence
- has by his previous conduct as driver of a motor vehicle shown that his driving is likely to be attended with danger to the public
- has committed any such act which is likely to cause nuisance or danger to the public.
Section 20: On conviction of an offence under Motor Vehicles Act or an offence in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used, the Court can disqualify the person concerned from holding driving licence apart from imposing any other punishment.
For the following offences, disqualification is mandatory -
i) not stopping the vehicle when required to do so by any Police Officer not below the rank of Police Sub-Inspector in uniform if the vehicle is involved in a road accident (Section 132)
ii) not shifting the victim of the accident in which his or her vehicle is involved to the nearest Hospital/ Medical Practitioner (Section 134)
iii) not giving, on demand by a Police Officer, any information required by him (Section 134)
iv) not reporting the occurrence of accident to insurer (Section 134)
v) driving by a drunken person or by a person under the influence of drugs (Section 185)
vi) driving dangerously (Section 184)
vii) racing and trials of speed (Section 189)
viii) using vehicle without registration (Section 192)
Section 21: If a person already convicted once for dangerous driving under Section 184, again indulges in dangerous driving causing death or grievous hurt and if a case is registered for the second offence, the driving licence of the person is automatically suspended for a maximum period of 6 months or till disposal of the case in the Court.
Section 22:
i) If a person is convicted for second time for dangerous driving under Section 184, the Court can cancel the driving licence
ii) If a person is convicted for the second time for drunken driving under Section 185, the Court shall cancel the driving licence of the person concerned
Section 39: No person shall drive any motor vehicle and no owner shall cause or permit any vehicle to be driven without proper registration and display of the registration mark. If a vehicle is plying without proper registration, owner can be prosecuted though he/she may not be present at the time of offence.
Section 49: The change of address recorded in the Registration Certificate shall be reported within 30 days of any such change.
Section 50: Transfer of ownership should be reported within 14 days of the transfer if the vehicle is sold within the State and 45 days if the vehicle is sold outside the State.
Section 51: Ownership of a motor vehicle held under the hire purchase or lease or hypothecation agreement cannot be transferred without a written consent of the person to whom the vehicle is hypothecated.
Section 52: No owner of a vehicle shall so alter the vehicle that the particulars contained in the Certificate of Registration are no longer accurate. Such alteration can be made only with notice and prior approval of the Regional Transport Officer.
Section 53: If a vehicle is not in a fit condition to be used on the public road or is being used for hire without valid permit, the registration certificate can be suspended by the Regional Transport Officer.
Section 115: In the interest of public safety or convenience or because of the nature of any road or bridge, movement of certain types of vehicles can be restricted or prohibited. If the period of restriction is less than one month, no notification is necessary.
Section 119: Every driver shall drive the vehicle in conformity with the traffic sign boards and shall comply with all the directions given to him by any Police Officer for the time being engaged in the regulation of traffic.
Section 121: Signaling by the driver regarding his intentions to stop or take a left or right turn is mandatory. If he does not do so, the driver can be prosecuted.
Section 122: Leaving a vehicle at rest on any public place in such a way as to cause or likely to cause danger, obstruction or undue inconvenience to other road users is an offence. Such vehicles can be towed away by Police and charged for towing as well as this offence.
Section 127:
i) If a vehicle is left unattended on a public place for more than 10 hours or found parked in a No Parking Zone, it can be ordered to be towed away by a jurisdictional Police Officer in uniform
ii) If a vehicle is parked unattended in such a manner as to create a traffic hazard, it can be immediately removed by towing as ordered by any jurisdictional Police Officer
iii) The charges of towing away have to be paid by the owner besides any other penalty
Section 128: Carrying more than one pillion rider on a two-wheeler is an offence.
Section 129: It is mandatory to wear a helmet of ISI standard while riding a motor cycle in public place. However, the State Government can make rules as it may think fit. There are decided cases in the Courts that any act aimed at doing good is not violative of any fundamental right.
Section 130: The driver of a motor vehicle in any public place shall, on demand by any Police Officer in uniform, produce his Driving Licence, Registration Certificate, Insurance Certificate, Fitness Certificate and the Permit can be demanded in this manner by Officers of Motor Vehicles Department only.
Section 133: It is the duty of the owner of a Motor Vehicle which is involved in any offence to give all information regarding the name and address of and the licence held by the driver or the conductor on demand by any Police Officer.
Section 136: All vehicles involved in road accidents have to be inspected by the authorized Officers of Motor Vehicles Department.
Section 140: Where death or permanent disablement of any person has resulted from a road accident, the owner of the vehicle involved shall be liable to pay compensation in respect of such death or disablement irrespective of his/her fault. The compensation for death shall be Rs. 50,000/- and for permanent disablement Rs. 25,000/-.
In such claims, the claimant shall not be required to plead and establish that the death or permanent disablement was due to any wrongful act, neglect or default of the owner of the vehicle involved. The claim shall not be defeated by reason of any wrongful act, neglect or default of the person in respect of whose death or permanent disablement, the claim has been made. Besides the owner of the vehicle, the Insurance Company is also liable under this section.
Section 146: No vehicle shall be used on the road without proper Insurance Certificate. The responsibility lies with the owner of the vehicle.
Section 158: Any person driving a motor vehicle in any public place, shall, on being required by a Police Officer in uniform, produce:
1. certificate of Insurance
2. certificate of registration
3. driving licence
4. in case of transport vehicles, also the certificate of fitness and the permit
Section 160: For the purpose of claiming compensation in a road accident, information regarding the vehicle involved, the driver, injured, property damaged can be obtained from the Police Officer incharge of the concerned Police Station on payment of the prescribed fee.
Section 161: In respect of death of any person resulting from a hit and run road accident, a compensation of Rs. 25,000/- is paid. In respect of grievous hurt, the compensation to be paid is Rs. 12,500/-. This compensation is to be paid by the District Magistrate concerned.
Section 179: Disobedience to orders of the competent authority, obstruction to discharge of official duty or refusal of information to the authority concerned can result in fine upto Rs. 500/-.
Section 180: If a owner permits any unauthorised person to drive the vehicle without driving licence, the owner is liable for imprisonment upto 3 months or fine upto Rs. 1,000/- or both.
Section 181: Driving without valid and proper driving licence can result in imprisonment upto 3 months or fine upto Rs. 500/- or both
Section 182: If a person who has been disqualified for holding or obtaining a driving licence either drives a motor vehicle or applies for or obtains a driving licence with-holding the information regarding disqualification, the person can be imprisoned upto 3 months or punished with fine upto Rs. 500/- or with both.
Section 182(a): Whoever alters the construction of the vehicle without prior approval of the competent authority shall be punishable with fine of Rs. 1,000/- for the first offence and with a fine of Rs. 5,000/- for any subsequent offence.
Section 183:
i) If a driver of a motor vehicle contravenes the speed limit, he/she shall be punishable with fine upto Rs. 400/- for the first offence and Rs. 500/- for the subsequent offence.
ii) If the owner causes the driver to contravene the speed limit, he/she shall be punishable with fine upto Rs. 300/- for the first offence and Rs. 500/- for subsequent offence.
Section 184: Whoever drives a motor vehicle at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances of the case including nature, condition and use of the place where the vehicle is driven and the amount of traffic which actually is at the time or which might reasonably be expected to be in the place, shall be punishable for the first offence with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and for any second or subsequent offence if committed within three years of the commission of a previous similar offence with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees or with both. The driver can be arrested on the spot.
Section 185: Punishment for drunken driving is imprisonment upto 2 years or fine upto Rs. 3,000/- or both. The driver can be arrested on the spot.
Section 186: If a person drives a vehicle when mentally or physically unfit to drive, he/she shall be punishable for the first offence with fine upto Rs. 200/- and Rs. 500/- for subsequent offence.
Section 187: If a driver or a owner fails to report involvement of his/her vehicle in an accident and give the required information to the Police Officer concerned, he/she shall be punishable with imprisonment upto 3 months or fine upto Rs. 500/- or both in addition to the punishment for the accident, in case convicted. For the subsequent offence under this section, the imprisonment can be upto 6 months and fine amount upto Rs. 1,000/-
Section 188: Whoever abets the commission of offence under Section 184, 185 and 186 shall be punishable for the same punishment as the accused himself / herself.
Section 189: Whoever without the written consent of the State Government permits or takes part in a race or trial of speed of any kind between motor vehicles in any public place shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or with a fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or with both.
Section 190: Punishment for violation of the standards prescribed in relation to road safety, control of noise and air pollution is fine amount upto Rs.1000/- for the first offence and Rs. 2000/- for the subsequent offence.
Section 192: Using a vehicle without registration can result in minimum fine amount of Rs. 2000/- and maximum upto Rs. 5000/-. For subsequent offence, the fine amount can be upto Rs. 10,000/- with a minimum of Rs. 5000/-
The punishment is not applicable for vehicles used in an emergency for the conveyance of persons suffering from sickness or injuries or for the transportation of food or material to relieve distress or of medical supplies for a like purpose.
Section 192(a): Using vehicle in contravention of permit condition can result in fine upto Rs. 5000/- but not less than Rs. 2000/- for the first offence and imprisonment upto 1 year but not less than 3 months or with fine amount upto Rs. 10,000/- but not less than Rs. 5000/- or both for the subsequent offence.
Section 194: Driving vehicle exceeding permissible weight can result with a punishment of Rs. 2000/- and an additional amount of Rs. 1,000/- per tonne of excess load together with the liability to pay charges of off-loading the excess load.
Section 196: Driving uninsured vehicle can result in punishment in imprisonment upto 3 months or fine upto Rs. 1000/- or both.
Section 197: Whoever takes or drives away any motor vehicle without having either the consent of the owner thereof or other lawful authority shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or with both.
Section 200: The offence under the following sections can be compounded by the Police Officers:
Sections 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 186, 189, 190, 191, 192, 194, 196 or 198.
Section 201: Whoever keeps a disabled vehicle on any public place in such a manner so as to cause impediment to the free flow of traffic, shall be liable for penalty upto to fifty rupees per hour so long as it remains in that position.
Section 202:
i) A Police Officer in uniform may arrest without warrant any person who in his presence commits an offence punishable under Section 184 (dangerous driving) or Section 185 (drunken driving) or Section 197 (taking vehicle without authority).
ii) A Police Officer in uniform may arrest without warrant any person who has committed an offence under this Act, if such person refuses to give his name and address.
Section 203: If a person required by a Police Officer to provide a specimen of breath for a breath test, refuses or fails to do so and the Police Officer has reasonable cause to suspect him of having alcohol in his blood, the Police Officer may arrest him without warrant except while he is at a hospital as an indoor patient.
Section 206:
1) Any Police Officer or other person authorised in this behalf by the State Government may if he has reason to believe that any identification mark carried on a motor vehicle or any licence, permit, certificate of registration, certificate of insurance or other document produced to him by the driver or person in charge of a motor vehicle is a false document within the meaning of Section 464 of the Indian Penal Code, seize the mark or document and call upon the driver or owner of the vehicle to account for his possession of or the presence in the vehicle of such mark or document.
2) Any Police Officer or other person authorised in this behalf by the State Government may, if he has reason to believe that the driver of a motor vehicle who is charged with any offence under this Act may abscond or otherwise avoid the service of a summons, seize any licence held by such driver and forward it to the Court.
3) A Police Officer or other person seizing a licence under sub-section (2) shall give to the person surrendering the licence a temporary acknowledgement therefore and such acknowledgement shall authorise the holder to drive until the licence has been returned to him or until such date as may be specified by the Police Officer or other person in the acknowledgement, whichever is earlier.
Section 207: Any Police Officer or other person authorised in this behalf by the State Government may, if he has reason to believe that a motor vehicle has been or is being used in contravention of the provisions of Section 3 or Section 4 or Section 39 or without the permit required by sub-section (1) of Section 66 or in contravention of any condition of such permit relating to the route on which or the area in which or the purpose for which the vehicle may be used, seize and detain the vehicle, in the prescribed manner and for this purpose, take or cause to be taken any steps he may consider proper for the temporary safe custody of the vehicle.
From my experiences of India the rules seem to be as follows, and work perfectly!
1. Right of way is always proportionate to vehicle, and/or persons size, from largest down to smallest. Exceptions are VIP's, police, gansters, elephants.
2. Do not look before pulling out into traffic or you may miss a chance to have an accident.
3. Sound horn as often as possible to confuse everyone about what and where other drivers are.
4. Do not stay within marked lanes, or on your own side of the road.
5. Never use rear view mirrors (if fitted, remove or bend back so they're unusable)
6. Always stop in such a way as to cause maximum disruption to all traffic, and take your time before moving on. (specialty of VIP or aspiring middle classes, but does cross class boundaries too)
7. When passing take as long as possible, especially approaching blind corners and crests of hills on the wrong side of the road.
8. Intersections are for mingling with other drivers, people, livestock etc so that traffic flow is impeded to the maximum possible extent.
Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Posts: 1788 Location: Bloomington, IL
Pete Wilson wrote:
1. Right of way is always proportionate to vehicle, and/or persons size, from largest down to smallest. Exceptions are VIP's, police, gansters, elephants.
We Indians tend to think that roads are for our use only, not to be shared.
And yes you are right, I have also seen many people with their RVM folded, I must say only fools drive with folded mirrors.
In fact, the circulation is very fluid. In town, most people don't drive very fast, this allows last second lane changing, pedestrian bypassing and soft intersection mingling.
I think one of the rules should be: if you don't have to stop, then don't! Horn Please!
I was in Rajasthan last year and in Kerala this year. "Incredible India" is a good way to describe this beautiful country.
Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 6250 Location: Mumbai, India
Pete Wilson wrote:
From my experiences of India the rules seem to be as follows, and work perfectly!
1. Right of way is always proportionate to vehicle, and/or persons size, from largest down to smallest. Exceptions are VIP's, police, gansters, elephants.
2. Do not look before pulling out into traffic or you may miss a chance to have an accident.
3. Sound horn as often as possible to confuse everyone about what and where other drivers are.
4. Do not stay within marked lanes, or on your own side of the road.
5. Never use rear view mirrors (if fitted, remove or bend back so they're unusable)
6. Always stop in such a way as to cause maximum disruption to all traffic, and take your time before moving on. (specialty of VIP or aspiring middle classes, but does cross class boundaries too)
7. When passing take as long as possible, especially approaching blind corners and crests of hills on the wrong side of the road.
8. Intersections are for mingling with other drivers, people, livestock etc so that traffic flow is impeded to the maximum possible extent.
I had a good laugh after reading this!
When I was in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. - my first reaction was -- where are all the people gone! There was so pin-drop-silent on the roads itslef.
Next time when you come to my country, Have a nice stay here and drive safe!
When I was in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. - my first reaction was -- where are all the people gone! There was so pin-drop-silent on the roads itslef.
One could experience the same in India. But only after midnight
One more observation:
> even if there is a pedestrian crossing present, most of the walkers will not mind crossing the busy road directly to save a few precious seconds. If a vehicles hits somebody its always the bigger one's fault.
