Basic Rules of the Road, Do's and Don'ts

while Driving, Traffic Violations and Fines.

Basic Rules of the Road
1.

Keep left allowing the vehicles from the opposite direction to pass.

2.

Give way to all traffic on your right, especially at road junctions and roundabouts.

3.

While turning left or right, give way to vehicles going straight.

4.

While turning left, keep to the left side of the road and turn close to the left side
of the road to which you enter.

5.

Slow down at road junctions, intersections and pedestrian crossings. You must
also slow down near school zones, temple areas etc., where a lot of pedestrians and

vehicle traffic move. Signal before you make any manoeuvre indicating your
intention so that the other road users can adjust accordingly.
6.
7.

Always use a helmet if you are driving a two-wheeler and always see that when
you use the helmet, the strap is fixed properly.

8.

Stick to the speed limit and remember that speed limit is related to the traffic
condition.

9.

Remember that the stopping distance of your vehicle depends on the speed at
which you are driving.

10. If you are driving at 40 Kms. per hour, the braking distance would be 22 mts. But
if you are driving at 60 Kms. per hour, the braking distance will be 42 mts.
11.

Keep adequate distance from the vehicle ahead to avoid collision.

12.

Yellow lines should not be crossed, even while over-taking.

13.

At road junctions or intersections, do not park the vehicle beyond the stop line.

14.

Remember that at pedestrian crossings, the pedestrian has the right of way.

15.

At the signal, do not stop your vehicle on the Pedestrian Crossing but stop it
within the stop line.

16.

Two wheelers are meant only for two. Do not carry children additionally.

17.

Do not start on the amber light. Wait for the green.

18.

Overtake only on the right side and do not overtake on bridges, narrow roads,
junctions, school zones and pedestrian crossings. Do not overtake when one vehicle
is already overtaking the vehicle which you want to overtake.

19.

Never drive in a zig-zag manner

You can observe all the above only if you are patient, considerate and careful.
KNOW YOUR SIGNS ::
In the world of communications, signs form a vital part. Traffic signs are an integral part
of the system of safeguard for the safety of road users.
Traffic signs may be classified into three categories:Mandatory signs
They are also known as regulatory signs.
All mandatory signs are indicated in a circular form and they have to be followed
compulsorily.
Cautionary signs
These are meant for your safety. These are given in triangular form.
Information signs
These signs are those which provide information to help you. They are in Blue Color in
square shape.
MANDATORY SIGNS
Violation of these traffic signs, which denote a specific traffic regulation is a legal offence

under Section 119 of Motor Vehicle Act.

Speed limit, stop and give way signs are the most important of these signs. The other
major signs relate to prohibiting entry or turn and permitting entry or turn only in one
direction. No parking signs and signs relating to No stopping or standing and No 'U'
turn, No entry etc. should be observed scrupulously and violation of these signs would
affect the road users by creating jam and accidents.

CAUTIONARY SIGNS
Signs denoting Pedestrian crossing, School zones and Intersections are the most
important among the cautionary signs.
As already pointed out in the pedestrian crossing, the pedestrian has the right of way
and you should not proceed when the pedestrian is crossing nor should you stop the
vehicle on the pedestrian crossing hindering his movement.
In school zones, you have to drive very cautiously and reduce the speed since any time a
boy or girl can run or dart across.

DO's
Always wear your seat belt.
Follow the speed limits mentioned on the signboards on the roadside .
Give pedestrians the right-of-way in crosswalks.
Make room for other vehicles(bicycle, motor cycles, cars etc.).
Must keep a first aid box in your car.
Make routine maintenance of your car. Breakdowns can be dangerous and costly.
Plan your route out in advance for long car trips and keep a map or atlas in the car in
case you get lost.

DON'Ts
DON'T drink and drive, and don't get in a car with a driver who has been drinking or
using drugs.
DON'T play your car stereo so loudly that you are disruptive to others, or so loudly that
you are unable to hear train signals or emergency vehicle sirens.
DON'T talk on your cell phone and drive at the same time. If you need to make or
answer a telephone call while you are driving, pull over at a safe place and use the
phone.
DON'T engage in other activities, while driving, that distract your attention or reduce
your reaction time. Eating, changing clothes, or putting on makeup while driving is
dangerous.
DON'T leave valuables in your car, especially in places where they can't be seen, no
matter where you are parked.

VIOLATION OF ANY RULE IS PUNISHABLE AND SO

ALSO VIOLATION OF PROVISIONS OF MOTOR
VEHICLES ACT :

For any violation of Motor Vehicle Act fine upto Rs.100/- can be imposed and if the
offence is repeated fine can even extend upto Rs.300/-.
Violation of speed limit can punished by even upto Rs.300/- and for repeated offences
even upto Rs.500/Disobedience of any traffic signs or directions is also punishable with fine upto Rs.
500/Very serious offences like dangerous driving, driving without licence, causing grievious
injury, are all punishable, even with imprisonment.
Causing fatal accidents due to rash, negligent driving can result in imprisonment for two
yeaRs or fine or both. It is almost treated as a murder without motive.
If by rash and negligent driving, grievous injury is caused to anyone, it is also punishable
by two years imprisonment or Rs.1000/- as fine, or both. If the injury is simple, the
imprisonment period will be upto 6 months. It is also liable for fine upto Rs.500/- and
both imprisonment and fine can also be awarded.
Even if anyone is endangered by rash and negligent driving it is punishable by 6 months
imprisonment or a fine of Rs.100/- or both.
Driving without licence is not only risky but also liable for punishment with 3 months
imprisonment or a fine of Rs.500/- or both.
Drinking is harmful to health and drunken driving is harmful to others also. Hence
drunken driving is punishable with imprisonment for 6 months, if it is a first offence or
punishable with fine upto Rs.2000/- or even both can be awarded. If the offence is
repeated it is punishable with imprisonment which can extend event upto 2 years or a
fine of Rs.3000/- or even both.
OVER SPEED
For every Motor vehicle speed limit is prescribed in the M.V. Act to ensure safety for the
driver and other road users.

(Section 112 of M.V. Act 1988)

The prescribed limit is 40 Kms. Your vehicle may be capable of going at even the double
the speed than this and your enthusiasm or sometimes even some urgent matter may
make you drive at full capacity of the vehicle or at speed far exceeding the limit.
But please remember that not only violating the law is punishable but also can and does
often result in accident.
"Speed thrills but also kills" is not just a slogan, it is the bitter truth.
Many accidents are caused by overspeeding.
Please don't be a part of it for your sake, for your family's sake for other's sake and also
for the sake of not having to pay fine upto Rs.400/- or Rs.1000/- (if it is a repetitive
offence).
Even if you make your employee exceed the speed limit you will be punishable with a
fine of Rs.300/- and Rs.500/- if it is a respective offence.
(Section 183 of M.V. Act, 1988)
NO RACING IN A PUBLIC ROAD
You must not take part in a race or speed contest of any kind with motor vehicles in any
public place without the written consent of the State Government. If you do so violating
the rules you will be liable for punishment of imprisonment upto a month or a fine upto
Rs.500/- or both.
(Section 189 of M.V. Act).
DANGEROUS DRIVING
Speed has relationship to the Nature, Condition and use of the place. If you drive at a
higher speed or even at a speed within the prescribed speed limit but in a manner which
is dangerous to other road users without considering the nature, condition and use of
the place and traffic, it can result in major accidents. Therefore, M.V. Act has prescribed

the major punishment of imprisonment upto 6 months of fine upto Rs.1000/-.

(Section 184 of M.V. Act 1988)
If the offence is repeated within 3 years naturally the law views it seriously and has
prescribed the punishment of imprisonment upto 2 years or fine expending upto
Rs.2,000/- or even both depending on the gravity of the offence.
DRUNKEN DRIVING
Drink and driving does not mix well. Driving by a drunken person or driving under the
influence of drug is punishable.
Sec. 185 of M.V. Act.
At the time of driving there should be no alcohol in the blood even in the smallest
quantity. Similarly, if you are under the influence of a drug to an extent that makes you
incapable of exercising proper control of the vehicle and drive the vehicle, you are liable
to be punished with imprisonment upto 6 months of fine extending upto Rs.2,000/- or
both.
If the offence is repeated the punishment is higher being imprisonment that can be
extended even upto 2 years of fine or Rs. 3,000/- or both.
DON'T LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE DANGEROUSLY
It is unlawful to abandon or leave any vehicle or trailer in any public place in such a
manner of position that can cause danger, obstruction or undue inconvenience to other
users of public place.
(Section 122 of M.V. Act)
YOUR DUTY IN CASE OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WITH INJURY TO A PERSON
Your duty is to ensure not only safety for you but also safety to other road users. If by

any reason you cause an accident and a person is injured or property of any person is
damaged, you as a vehicle driver or person in charge of the vehicle are duty bound to
take all reasonable and responsible steps to provide medical care for the injured person
and where necessary take the injured person to the nearest hospital unless the injured
person or his guardian in case he is a minor desires not to go to the hospital.
However if on account of mob fury or any other reason beyond your control it is not
practicable to give medical attention to the injured person or take him to the hospital
then it will be excusable under law.
You are also duty bound to report to Police the nature of accident, the circumstances of
its occurrence to the nearest police office or police station. In case of not providing
medical care to the injured the circumstance under which it was not done should be also
reported to the nearest police station or police officer.
UNATTENDED VEHICLE BEWARE:
If you leave your vehicle unattended in a public place or abandon it, it is liable for
removal by the police.
If any motor vehicle is left unattended in any public place for 10 hours or even if it is in a
permitted parking place it can be towed away under the instruction of the police officer.
If the vehicle is left unattended or abandoned or partially dismantled and is creating a
traffic hazard because of its location in the highway or causing impediment to the traffic
it can be immediately removed by towing under the instruction of the Police officer. In
all such cases you as the owner of the vehicle will be responsible for all the towing costs
as well as any other penalty.
FOR THE ATTENTION OF DRIVING LICENCE HOLDER
BEWARE ! Under the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act, you can be disqualified from
holding a driving licence or licence can be revoked if you come under any of the

following categories:If your conduct as driver of motor vehicle has shown that your driving is dangerous to
the public.
If you are a person under the age of 18 years.
If you are a habitual drunkard or addict to any narcotic drugs.
If you obtained driving licence by fraud or misrepresentation or by illegal method.
If you have used the vehicle in the commission of cognizable offence.

S.N
o.

Offence

Other
Punishment
&
Imprisonme
nt as per
M.V. Act,
1988

Driving
without
licence

Drunken
driving

Fine / Fine+
imprisonme
nt upto
three
months
Fine / Fine+
imprisonme
nt upto six
months
Fine / Fine+
imprisonme
nt upto 2
Years

Repeated
Drunken
driving
3

Hit-and-run

Driving

Punishment
&
Imprisonme
nt
According
to Motor
Vehicle
(Amendmen
t) Bill, 2016

suspension

Previous
Fine as
per M.V.
Act, 1988

500

Present
Fine
(According
to Motor
Vehicle
(Amendme
nt) Bill,
2016NDTV)
5000

2000

10000

3000

10000

25000

200000 +
compensat
ion up to
Rs. 10 L in
road
accidents
fatalities
1000

100

%
Increase
in Fine.

without
Helmet
5
6

Seat belt
violation
Driving
without
Insurance
offences by
minor, the
guardian/own
er shall be
deemed to be
guilty

violating road
rules

Over
Speeding
Over
Speeding
(Repeated)
Racing in
Public Road

10

11

12

of licence
for three
months

Unauthorised
use of
vehicles
without
license
driving
despite
disqualificatio
n
dangerous
driving

dangerous
driving( Repe

100

1000

1000

2000

Fine +
three-year
imprisonme
nt and
registration
of his or her
motor
vehicle will
be
cancelled

25000

100
Repeated
300
400
1000

Fine/Fine +
Imprisonme
nt upto a
Month

Fine/Fine +
Imprisonme
nt upto 6
Months
Fine/Fine +
Imprisonme

500

LMV 1000
MPV 2000
LMV 1000
MPV 2000

500

1000

5000

500

10000

1000

5000

2000

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

ated within 3
Years )
disobedience
of orders of
authorities
vehicle
without
permit
vehicle
without
permit
(violations of
licensing
conditions)
Overloading

nt upto 2
Years
500

10000

25000100000

20,000 and
Rs. 2,000
per extra
tonne
10000

For not
providing way
for
emergency
vehicles
For
overloading
of passengers
overloading
of two
wheelers

Rash and
Negligent
driving
causing
simple injury
Rash and
Negligent
driving
causing injury
endangered
by rash and
negligent
driving

2000

Fine +
disqualificat
ion of
licence for
three
months

100

1000 per
passenger

100

2000

Fine / Fine
+ 6 Months
imprisonme
nt

500

Fine / Fine
+ Two Years
imprisonme
nt
Fine / Fine
+ 6 Months
imprisonme
nt

1000

100