The rules and regulations for Indian drivers named “Rules of the Road Regulation’ came into effect in 1989. Since then these rules have been amended time and again to include the changes in the growing traffic and road networks.
The Indian Motor Vehicle Act specifies the traffic rules common to all states in India. Motorists have to obey these rules as well as city specific traffic police rules. These rules are applicable to two, three and four wheelers, multi-axle buses and trucks.
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The regulations are strictly implemented to maintain discipline and encourage safe driving. A reduction in accidents, smooth flow of traffic and safety of pedestrians are the concern of the traffic police in every city.
Any violations of these laws incur penalties and punishments.Violations are related to driving, traffic signals, parking, vehicle specification, driver behavior, documents etc.
VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
RELATED TO DOCUMENTS
| Driving without a valid driving license |
Rs 500 and/or imprisonment (3 months) |
| Vehicle without registration certificate (RC) book |
Rs.2000 to Rs.5000 for depending on vehicle type |
| Nonavailability of documents while driving as specified in the Motor Vehicle Act | Rs. 500 |
| Driving without valid insurance |
Rs. 1000 and/or imprisonment (3 months) |
| Driving without valid permit |
Rs. 2000 to Rs 5000 as the case may be |
| Driving without valid vehicle fitness certificate | Rs. 2000 to Rs 5000 as the case may be |
| Driving by a person below 18 years (minor) | Rs. 500 |
| Allowing one’s vehicle to be driven by an un-licensed or an under-aged person | Rs. 1000 and/or imprisonment (3 months) |
| License holder allowing his license to be used by another |
Rs. 100 for first offence |
| Disqualified person applying for license or driving a vehicle |
Rs. 500 and/or imprisonment (3 months) |
| Offences relating to licenses | Rs. 500 |
RELATED TO DRIVING
| Driving without fastening seatbelts | Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Over speeding/driving above the speed limits | Rs. 400 for first offence Rs.1000 for subsequent offences |
| Abetment for over speeding | Rs. 300 for first offence Rs. 500 for subsequent offences |
| Use of mobile phone while driving | Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
Driving dangerously/abetment |
Rs.1000 for first offence and/or 6 months Rs.2000 for subsequent offences and/or 2 years |
| Hazardous overtaking | Rs. 100 |
| Failing to give way for overtaking | Rs. 100 |
| Overtaking from the wrong side | Rs. 100 |
| Driving in the centre of the road without keeping left |
Rs. 100 |
| Not driving in the proper lane | Rs. 100 |
| Driving against a one way | Rs. 100 |
| Reversing without caution | Rs. 100 |
| Taking U turns during forbidden hours | Rs. 100 |
| Failing to slow down at intersection/ junctions |
Rs. 100 |
| Carrying people on footboard | Rs. 100 |
| Overloading on bikes and two-wheelers | Rs. 100 |
| Driving on the footpath | Rs. 100 |
| Obstructing a pedestrian crossing | Rs. 100 |
| Violating the yellow lines | Rs. 100 |
| Violating the stop line | Rs. 100 |
| Violating mandatory road signs | Rs. 100 |
| Non-compliance with traffic signals/sign boards |
Rs. 100 |
| Not providing appropriate signals | Rs. 100 |
| Crossing red signal lights |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Driving or allowing to drive a vehicle carrying excess load |
Rs. 2000 minimum and additional Rs.1000 per ton of excess load plus charges for offloading excess load |
| Refusal of driver to submit his vehicle to weighing |
Rs. 3000 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol/abetment |
Rs. 2000 for first offence and/or 6 months Rs. 3000 for second offence and/or 2 years |
| Driving when mentally or physically unfit to drive/its abetment | Rs. 200 for first offence Rs.500 for subsequent offences |
| Driver permits another person to obstruct his control of the vehicle |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Driver and pillion rider failing to wear helmets |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Abandoning vehicles in public places unattended/Obstructive parking |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Any person in- charge who permits travelling on the running board |
Rs. 100 for first offence/ Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Failure to take precautions at Railway crossings |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Carrying explosive and inflammable Substances |
Rs.100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Parking a disabled vehicle causing impediment to free flow of traffic |
Rs. 50 per hour besides towing charges |
| Running unauthorized routes without permits |
Rs.2000 to Rs.5000for first offence Rs. 10000 for subsequent offences |
| Causing accident driving a defective vehicle or Trailer |
Rs.250 for first offence. Rs.1000 for second offence or imprisonment for three months |
| Driving in a public place violating prescribed standards for road safety, pollution, noise control |
Rs. 1000 for first offence Rs. 2000 for subsequent offences |
| Violating provisions of MV Act regarding dangerous and hazardous goods |
Rs.3000 for first offence and/ or 1 year imprisonment Rs. 5000 for subsequent offences and/or 3 years imprisonment |
| Racing and speed trials | Rs. 500 and/or 1 month imprisonment |
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RELATED TO VEHICLE
| Driving without number plates | Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Improper use of headlights and tail lights |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Using high beam when not required |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Driving without a horn | Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Improper use of horn while driving |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Unauthorized alteration of vehicle |
Rs.100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Taking a vehicle without authority |
Rs.500 and/or imprisonment for 3 months |
| Absence of wiper | Rs.100 |
| Absence of windscreen, side mirrors | Rs.100 |
| Absence of brake lights or indicators |
Rs.100 |
| Absence of spare wheel | Rs.100 |
| Absence of silencer | Rs.100 |
| Park lights not working | Rs.100 |
| Provision of audio-visual equipment affecting road safety and noise control |
Rs.1000 |
| Speedometer not working | Rs.100 |
RELATED TO TRAFFIC AUTHORITIES
| Disobeying directions from MV authorities | Rs. 500 |
| Disobeying a traffic policeman in uniform |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent ffences |
| Disregarding of policeman signals |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Driver/ conductor failing to produce his license, certificates of registration, insurance vehicle permit, fitness on demand to police in a public place or any other officer of the Motor VehiclesDepartment |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| When driver is accused of offence under the MV Act and fails to provide information |
Rs.500 for first offence and/or 3 months imprisonment Rs.1000 for subsequent offences and/or 6 months imprisonment |
| In case of accidents, failure to report to the police, failure to provide information to the insurer and failure to provide medical aid to victims |
Rs.500 for first offence and/or 3 months imprisonment Rs.1000 for subsequent offences and/or 6 months imprisonment |
| Selling of altered vehicles violating MV Act | Rs.500 |
RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT
| Ticketless travel in buses | Rs. 500 |
| Failure to produce Drivers Badge in public Transport |
Rs. 100 |
| Failure to wear uniform | Rs. 100 |
| Smoking or chewing any intoxicating drug or drink |
Rs. 100 |
| Replenishing fuel tank with passengers on board |
Rs. 100 |
| Overloading of passengers or luggage | Rs. 500 – Rs.3000 as the case maybe |
| Non-adherence to time schedule | Rs. 100 |
| Failure to maintain trip sheet | Rs.100 |
| Violating taxi stand rules | Rs.100 |
| Usage of multi toned horn affecting noise Standards | Rs.300 |
| Failure to fit taximeter | Rs. 100 |
| Failure to set taximeter in operation on trips | Rs.100 |
| Carrying persons in excess of seating capacity in goods carriage | Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Demanding excess fare by taxi/auto rickshaw |
Rs. 100 for first offence Rs.300 for subsequent offences |
| Carrying animals without providing sufficient space |
Rs. 100 |
| Uncivil behavior towards passengers | Rs.100 |
| Absence of first-aid box | Rs.100 |
| Destination board not exhibited/illuminated | Rs. 100 |
| Exhibiting advertisements without sanction | Rs.100 |
| Failure to accept tendered fare | Rs.500 |
| Issue invalid ticket | Rs.500 |
The basic traffic rules apply to all two-wheelers also. In addition to this, two-wheeler riders should compulsorily wear helmets.
In many states it is stipulated that pillion riders too should wear helmets. Rear view mirrors and indicators are to be used. Pillion riders should not exceed more than one.
Owner of the vehicles driven by juveniles will be held responsible for the offence committed unless they prove that it was without their knowledge or they tried to prevent it.
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The registration of the vehicle driven will be cancelled. The juvenile will be tried under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Penalties and fines have been instituted to educate the general public on the do’s and don’ts while driving.
Strict adherence to these rules will help the traffic department to streamline operations reducing risks for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.