Traffic & Road Safety Rules in India

Road accidents are among India's largest causes of death, so following road safety rules are important. Our roadways are getting increasingly clogged with vehicles every hour, so understanding and respecting all road safety rules in India is extremely vital.

 

Some of the key rules include keeping to your left while driving, slowing down near a street or crossing a junction, and making way for cyclists on the road. It is also essential to respect safety rules like the STOP sign and keep on the right side while overtaking or driving on a mountain. Never drive in the reverse direction, honk or speed up unnecessarily.

 

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Categories of Traffic Signs in India

In India, traffic signs are broadly split into three categories: mandatory signs, cautionary signs and informative signs.

1. Mandatory Traffic Signs

As the title suggests, this set of road traffic signs are obligatory for drivers to follow. The purpose of mandatory traffic signboards is the smooth functioning of traffic on the road. In fact, violating any mandatory traffic signs is punishable by law. Check out the mandatory traffic signs in India below.

Source: Bank Bazaar

2. Cautionary Traffic Signs

The goal of cautionary traffic signs is to warn drivers of any potential threat on the road ahead, like road work, potholes, and speed bumps. While these things are not inherent, accidents could occur if one doesn’t slow down their vehicle. Hence, you must take cautionary road traffic signs as seriously as the mandatory ones. They are displayed below.

 

Source: Bank Bazaar

3. Informative Signs

Informative signs serve to aid any drivers without a map or knowledge of the facilities available in the area they are driving in. They can help guide drivers by offering directions or telling them about hospitals, public phones, and parking spots in the area. Informative signs are displayed below.

 

Source: Bank Bazaar

Traffic Rules in India

Traffic rules are officially listed in the 1989 ‘Rules of Road Regulations.’ They are as follows:

  • Keep to your left if driving on a two-way street or road so that vehicles coming in the opposite direction can pass using the right lane smoothly.

  • If you want to turn left ahead, you must stay on the left side before taking a turn.

  • If you want to turn right ahead, you must be at the centre of the road and then gradually take a broad right turn.

  • When you are coming towards a road intersection, road junction, or pedestrian crossing, you must slow down your vehicle.

  • If being overtaken by a vehicle, you must not increase the speed of your vehicle or, in any way, prevent the vehicle that is attempting to overtake you.

  • Overtaking is prohibited in the following cases:
    - If passing would, in any way, be dangerous for other travellers on the road.
    - If passing is near a bend, hill, corner, or point, as it may lead to a critical accident without clear sight of the road in front.
    - If the driver upfront has not signalled the driver behind.

    - When trying to overtake a vehicle that’s already being passed by the third vehicle.

  • For those driving two-wheelers, you and your pillion must wear a helmet.

  • Parking is not permitted on the top of a hill, footpath, and road for pedestrians. The same isn't permitted near traffic lights, a crossing on the road, the entrance of a building, or if it covers a fire hydrant.

  • Your temporary or permanent Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) must always be displayed on the front and back of your vehicle.

  • Only a single pillion is permitted per two-wheeler.

  • Drivers must make way for any cyclists on the road.

  • The head or tail lights of your vehicle should never be obstructed.

  • Driving in the reverse direction is punishable by law on a one-way road.

  • When overtaking another vehicle, one must not go beyond the yellow line.

  • One must respect the STOP sign on roads and not stop beyond the sign.

  • Honking should only be carried out if necessary.

  • When driving on a mountain or hill, your vehicle must be towards the right side of the road.

  • One cannot load the vehicle with certain goods, like Inflammable and explosive goods.

  • Overtaking must only be carried out from the right side.

     

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Conclusion

Although the importance of following traffic rules and regulations is stressed regularly, one can’t ignore the number of daily road accidents and injuries in India. The rising road accident numbers also highlight the importance of purchasing motor insurance. In fact, third-party cover is not only mandatory in all states but also integral to protecting yourself from any road accidents.

You can consider obtaining your vehicle’s motor insurance at Bajaj Markets. By opting for the motor insurance policy on Bajaj Markets, you get access to numerous benefits—swift claim settlements, cashless claims at a network of garages all over the country, and 24/7 assistance whenever you need it. Get your vehicle insured at Bajaj Markets today.

Traffic, Rules, Signs, and Violations in India - FAQs

  • ✔️Is it necessary to have your driving licence while driving?

    Yes. In case you are found guilty of not carrying your driving licence while driving, you may have to pay a fine or be imprisoned.

  • ✔️Is it necessary to wear seat belts while driving?

    As per the traffic rules, the driver and the person seated in the front seat must always wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion.

  • ✔️What is the punishment for drunken driving?

    If you are found guilty of drunken driving, you may have to pay a hefty fine or may be imprisoned. The punishment depends upon the amount of alcohol consumed and the frequency of occurrence of such an offence.

  • ✔️What are traffic signal rules?

    Traffic signal rules are followed to keep a smooth and consistent flow of traffic. The basic traffic light rules that you must know while you are at a traffic signal are:

    • At the traffic signal, a red light means stop, that is you need to bring your vehicle to a complete halt.

    • At a yellow traffic light sign, you must slow down your vehicle.

    • The green traffic light sign means you can keep driving.

  • ✔️What are the documents to be carried by a driver when driving?

    A driver must carry the following documents while driving:

    • Driving licence

    • Registration certificate

    • Taxation certificate

    • Emission test certificate

    • Insurance certificate

    • Fitness certificate and permit (in case of transport vehicles)

  • ✔️How can I buy car insurance online?

    You can buy car insurance online by following these steps:

    • Visit the official website of a car insurer or an insurance provider such as Bajaj Markets.

    • Click on the car insurance option. Enter your car’s registration number and your contact number.

    • Enter your personal details and choose the type of coverage you want.

    • Complete the payment of the insurance premium through any mode of payment. You will receive an active car insurance policy for your car once you pay the premium.

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