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Know the risks of unsafe riding practices and important bike riding rules for motorcycle safety.
Two-wheelers are the most popular form of transport in India as they are very economical and good for navigating through dense traffic in India. However, two-wheelers and bikes are also prone to accidents, much more than any other form of transport. People driving two-wheelers need to be extra careful to avoid accidents. We have compiled a list of bike and two-wheeler safety tips that you should follow to ensure you do not get into any mishaps.
Every motorcyclist in India must follow basic traffic norms to ensure safety and avoid penalties. Below are key bike riding rules to remember:
A helmet is mandatory for both the rider and pillion passenger, with fines up to ₹1,000 and possible licence suspension if violated.
An expired or missing licence can lead to fines up to ₹5,000 and legal consequences.
At least a third‑party cover is compulsory, as riding uninsured may incur about ₹2,000 or more. This can lead to possible vehicle impounding or jail in repeat cases.
Limits vary by road type (urban, expressway, NH); exceeding these can attract ₹1,000–₹2,000 fines and licence suspension.
Driving after alcohol or drug use may lead to ₹10,000 penalty, licence revocation, and legal action.
Always signal lane‑changes or turns and maintain visibility via rear‑view mirrors.
Triple riding is prohibited and fines may reach ₹2,000 plus licence suspension.
Riding in flip‑flops, chappals or sandals is prohibited and may attract penalties.
No signal jumping, one‑way signs, no‑entry zones, and pedestrian crossings must be respected at all times.
Avoid blocking footpaths or traffic; failure to comply may result in fines or vehicle towing.
To help you stay safe and confident while navigating traffic, here are 10 crucial bike safety tips every rider should follow:
Always Wear a Helmet: The most important two-wheeler safety tip is to wear a helmet whenever you are driving, even for a short ride. The traffic laws have also made it mandatory for two-wheeler owners to wear helmets while driving. A brain injury can make you paralysed or worse, put you in a vegetative state. In the case of a fall or accident, a helmet will protect the most important part of your body, your head from getting injured.
Keep a Safe Distance From Other Vehicles: Do not drive or stop close to other vehicles and always ensure that you maintain a safe distance between vehicles. Don’t change lanes after every mile and keep your distance while overtaking other vehicles on the road. Never attempt to cut ahead when there is a very small space between two vehicles. Keeping a safe distance will ensure you will have time to react and stop your vehicle in the case of any mishap.
Be Careful of Damaged Roads: Rural roads in India, especially in the monsoon season, are unkempt and often have a lot of potholes. You should be driving slowly and extra carefully on a road with many potholes as there are chances of hitting a pothole and falling.
Follow Traffic Rules: Traffic rules are made to protect drivers and vehicles from getting into accidents. Make sure you are aware of all the traffic laws of your state or city and follow them strictly to reduce your chances of getting into an accident.
Drive at a Safe Speed: Many bike enthusiasts who own expensive sports bikes like to drive at dangerously fast speeds on city roads. However, driving at fast speeds on crowded city roads is a recipe for disaster and accidents. Make sure you are following the speed limits of your area and drive at a steady speed to avoid any collisions.
Go Through a Bike Safety Course: If you are new at riding bikes, it is a good idea to attend a bike safety course that will teach you all about safe driving practices.
Wear Reflective Clothing: If you are driving through a remote location where there are minimal lights, people may not be able to see you from a distance. In such a situation, you should wear a reflective jacket for other drivers to see you even in the dark. This can help you avoid accidents.
Maintain Your Bike: You should make sure that your bike and all its parts are functioning properly before you head out for a ride. A good idea is to take your bike for servicing every few months and get everything tuned up to perfection. A bike with loose brakes or engine problems can be a cause of accidents. Hence, make sure your bike is always in top shape.
Be Aware of the Weather Conditions: Any adverse weather conditions like heavy rains can ruin your driving experience. For bikers, it’s even more dangerous as the visibility is low. Hence, before you head out to travel distances, check the weather conditions and be prepared.
Wear Motorcycle Gear: Appropriate riding gear includes riding jackets, goggles, gloves, helmet and riding pants. Riding gear is made with the intent to protect the rider from injuries, so even if you get into an accident, your injuries would be minimal.
Read also: Monsoon Riding Tips to Keep you Safe This Rainy Season
While third-party bike insurance is mandatory for vehicle owners in India, comprehensive bike insurance can provide an advanced level of protection to you and your bike. A comprehensive insurance cover with additional riders like the accidental cover, own damage cover, etc, can be highly effective at mitigating repair or medical-related expenses. Repairing bikes and two-wheelers in the case of an accident can cost you a lot. A comprehensive bike insurance plan will save you a significant amount of money on these costs.
Following the above-given safety tips while driving a two-wheeler or a bike will ensure you do not get into accidents. However, you cannot predict the behaviour of other drivers even if you drive perfectly. Comprehensive bike insurance is an important tool to get coverage against unexpected accidents and vehicle damage. You can check out the various bike insurance plans available at Bajaj Markets and choose a plan that fits your needs.
Comprehensive bike insurance offers more than just basic coverage. Here are general features and add-ons that make comprehensive bike insurance a valuable tool for enhanced safety and financial security:
Coverage Beyond Accidents: Comprehensive bike insurance not only covers damages from accidents but also protects against theft, fire, natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
Third-Party Liability Included: Unlike third-party insurance, comprehensive plans cover damages or injuries caused to others in an accident involving your bike.
Add-ons for Customised Protection: Options like zero depreciation, emergency roadside assistance, engine and gearbox protection, and personal accident cover offer tailored safety and cost benefits.
Access to Cashless Garages: Many comprehensive policies provide access to large networks of cashless garages, simplifying repair processes and reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Owning a safe and reliable motorcycle is essential to minimise risks like impairments in rider judgment and reduce the likelihood of fatalities caused by accidents at red lights and on busy roads.
Here are key financing options to consider when purchasing your bike:
Two-wheeler loans from banks and NBFCs typically fund up to 100% of the on-road price with interest rates starting as low as 0.99% for bikes, making high-quality safety features more affordable.
For example, let’s say you wanted a premium motorcycle equipped with advanced safety features like ABS and traction control. Using a two-wheeler loan from your bank funding 100% of the on-road price at a low interest rate of 0.99%, you will be able to afford the bike without a hefty upfront payment. This ensures safer riding for you without financial strain.
Manufacturer financing programs often offer low or zero-percent interest rates during promotional periods, enabling riders to access advanced safety technology without large upfront costs.
Let’s say you plan to buy a motorcycle during a festive season sale. The manufacturer’s zero-percent interest promotional financing allows you to purchase a model with cutting-edge safety technologies. These include LED headlights and enhanced braking systems without paying extra interest, spreading the cost comfortably over several months.
Dealership financing provides convenience, with instant approvals and flexible EMIs, helping budget for essential protective gear alongside the bike. For instance, you can buy your bike through dealership financing with instant loan approval and flexible EMIs. This arrangement is made to help you budget not only for the bike but also for essential protective gear like a helmet and jacket. This improves your overall safety riding without financial pressure.
For those with credit impairments, some lenders provide tailored loans, though these may come with higher rates, still a worthwhile step to own a dependable two-wheeler and avoid hazardous situations. Let’s say, despite a past credit impairment, you manage to secure a tailored two-wheeler loan with a slightly higher rate. This accessible financing enables your ownership of a reliable motorcycle, helping you avoid risky public transport. As a result, it reduces your chances of accidents caused by unsafe alternatives.
Electric bike loans encouraged by government incentives promote safer, eco-friendly riding options, reducing risks related to visibility and control. For example, let’s say you opted for an electric bike aided by a government-subsidised loan. The electric two-wheeler’s enhanced visibility and easier control reduces your risk on busy roads while supporting eco-friendly transportation, aligning with both safety riding principles and environmental goals.
Adhering to the essential safety riding tips and bike riding rules discussed above greatly reduces your risk on the road. However, the unexpected behavior of other drivers and unpredictable road conditions can still lead to accidents or damage, even for the most careful riders. That’s why securing comprehensive bike insurance is crucial as it provides financial protection against unforeseen incidents. It is made to cover repairs and medical costs that can arise from accidents. For added peace of mind, explore the diverse range of bike insurance plans available at Bajaj Markets and select a policy that best suits your needs, ensuring complete protection every time you ride.
Here’s what you can remember for your safety while riding. These will help you prevent accidents and unnecessay repair costs that could result from the lack of caution:
Maintain your bike regularly.
Drive within speed limits.
Follow all traffic rules.
Here is a list of don'ts when riding a motorcycle:
Do not drive over the speed limit.
Do not try to do any stunts on your bike.
Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:
Reckless driving.
Speeding.
Driving under the influence of alcohol.
Yes, carrying mandatory bike documents such as Driving License, Registration Certificate, Insurance Policy, and Pollution Under Control Certificate is legally required under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Adhering to these bike riding rules is crucial for safety riding and to avoid fines or legal issues during road checks.
No, listening to music with headphones while riding is discouraged as it impairs your awareness of traffic sounds like horns or sirens, violating essential safety riding principles. Complying with bike riding rules means maintaining full sensory awareness to reduce accident risks.
