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Traffic Rules |
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The umbrella piece of legislation with regard to Indian road rules is titled 'Rules of the Road Regulation'. The latest edition was brought into force on July 1st, 1989. The act broadly deals with the rules and regulations that are applicable to two, three and four wheeler users across the country.
1) A driving license
2) Certificate of Registration
3) Certificate of Taxation
4) Certificate of Insurance
5) A Fitness Certificate
The Rules of the Road Regulations (1989) is a must-read for road users on their way to responsive and responsible driving.
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| BASIC RULES OF THE ROAD |
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Keep left allowing the vehicles from the opposite direction to pass.
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Give way to all traffic on your right, especially at road junctions and round abouts.
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While turning left or right, give way to vehicles going straight.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Stick to the speed limit and remember that speed limit is related to the traffic condition.
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Remember that the stopping distance of your vehicle depends on the speed at which you are driving.
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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.
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Keep adequate distance from the vehicle ahead to avoid collision.
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Yellow lines should not be crossed, even while over-taking.
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At road junctions or intersections, do not park the vehicle beyond the stop line.
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Remember that at pedestrian crossings, the pedestrian has the right of way.
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At the signal, do not stop your vehicle on the Pedestrian Crossing but stop it within the stop line.
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Two wheelers are meant only for two. Do not carry children additionally.
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Do not start on the amber light. Wait for the green.
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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.
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Never drive in a zig-zag manner.
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You can observe all the above only if you are patient, considerate and careful.
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| KNOW YOUR SIGNS |
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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:-
1. 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.
(i). Violation of these traffic signs, which denote a specific traffic regulation is a legal offence under Section 119 of Motor Vehicle Act.
(ii). 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.
2. Cautionary signs :-
These are meant for your safety. These are given in triangular form.
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.
3. Information signs : -
These signs are those which provide information to help you. They are in Blue Color in square shape.
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| SIGNALS |
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Automatic Signal :-
In important junctions, there will be automatic signals in which the lights are in 3 colours - Red, Amber and Green. The red colour denotes that you should stop the vehicle and should not enter the intersection. Amber colour warns you that it is soon going to become red and hence you should cross the junction only if you are already in the middle of the junction. Otherwise you should stop the vehicle without proceeding. When the colour is green, you can proceed and enter the intersection.
Amber colour comes once before turning into red and next before it turns into green. When the amber appears for the second time, it only denotes that you should be ready to proceed. You should proceed only when the green colour glows.
In some junctions, the red colour alone may be flashing. It denotes that you should stop, see and then proceed when the road is clear.
In some junctions, there will be flashing amber, which denotes that you should proceed with caution.
Other Junctions :-
In junctions where there are no traffic automatic signals, there may be a policeman manning the junction giving hand signals. It is absolutely necessary for your own safety and for the safety of others that you should follow these signals.
It is essential that you signal intention of your vehicle movement correctly and well in advance so that other road users can be aware of what you are going to do.
While stopping the vehicle or slowing down, it is important to caution the driver behind you by using hand signals. The sign for slowing down is to extend your right arm fully, palm facing downward and moving the arm up and down.
The sign for showing your intention to stop is to put out the forearm vertically upward, the palm facing forward.
While turning, give the correct signals as to whether you are turning right or left or Making a 'U' turn.
Signal well in advance so that the vehicle coming behind you can adjust.
Signal continuously till you have completed the turn.
If you are using the signal indicator in the vehicle, do not forget to switch if off as soon as you have completed your turning.
While changing lanes, put on your turn signal.
Make sure through your mirror whether the traffic behind you is sufficiently behind and then change into lanes slowly and smoothly.
When other vehicles wish to overtake you, do not speed up. Allow them to overtake if there is space and show a signal by stretching the right hand out, palm facing front and moving the arm front and back.
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| TIPS FOR EMERGENCIES |
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In case of Brake failure :-
1. First do not panic; when you panic, you cannot take correct action.
2. Take your foot off the accelerator and rapidly change gear down.
3. Use hand brake.
4. Steer to the side.
In case of Steering failure :-
1. Reduce speed
2. Apply brakes
In case of Tyre burst :-
Hold the steering wheel tight to control the pulling and halt the car quickly.
In case of Skidding :-
It can occur due to bad tyres, due to spilt oil on roads and wet surface in rainy weather. It can also occur when you apply sudden brake or take a sharp fast turn.
While it is skidding do not apply brake but gently steer in the direction in which it is pulling.
Precautions to be taken at intersections :-
1. At intersections, stop, look and then enter.
2. Always give way for traffic on the main road.
3. At the intersection of two main roads give way to traffic coming from your right.
4. At all round abouts, traffic on the right has preference.
Documents to be kept while driving :-
1. Valid Driving Licence.
2. Vehicle Registration Certificate.
3. Road Tax Token (Disc)
4. Pollution under Control Certificate.
5. Current Insurance Certificate.
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| DEFECTS/VIOLATIONS UNDER MOTOR VEHICLES ACT/RULES |
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Violation of traffic rules and regulations are punishable both under City Traffic Police rules and also under Motor Vehicle Act. The common violations for which Police Challan are given is listed for information and we hope and wish that you will not violate any rule so that there will be no need for receiving any such challan and paying fine.
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- Driving a vehicle under the influence of liquor (Sec. 185 Motor Vehicle Act).
- Driving without valid Driving Licence (See. 3 red with Sec. 181, Motor Vehicle Act).
- Driving at Speeds that exceed limits (Sec. 183, M.V.Act).
- Driving with only one light in front (Rule 37 (xii) read with Sec. 177, Motor Vehicle Act).
- Using dazzling lights (Rule 405 read with Sec. 197, M.V. Act).
- Using the horns in a forbidden area (Rule 403 read with Sec. 177, Motor Vehicle Act).
- Use of air horn / musical horn (Rule 402 Motor Vehicle Act).
- Parking in no parking areas (Rule 37(x)read with Sec. 177, M.V. Act).
- Vehicle emitting excess smoke (Rule 115 (I) C.M.V. Rule).
- Failure to give proper signals (Sec. 121 read with Sec. 117, M.V.Act).
- Rash driving (Sec. 184, M.V. Act).
- Failure to stop vehicle when required by any Police Officer in Uniform (Sec. 132 read with Sec. 177, M.V. Act).
- Non-compliance of directions given by any Police Officer in the regulation of traffic in public places (Sec. 119, M.V. Act read with 179, M.V. Act).
- Failure to observe the rule of the road (Rule 37(i) read with Sec. 177 M.V. Act).
- Violations of all restrictions (Rule 411 read with Sec. 177 M.V. Act).
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| Towards Better Driving |
Here are some more rules that have been rewritten from the Rules of the Road Regulations.
 Hand signals for road users These hand signals are to be followed by all vehicle users:
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- While slowing down, extend your right arm and move your palm up and down. Do this until the driver of the vehicle behind you can see the signal.
- While stopping, raise your right forearm vertically and extend your palm to the right.
- When turning to the right (or driving to the right-hand side of the road) to pass another vehicle, extend your right arm in a horizontal position to the right of your vehicle with your palm turned to the front.
- When turning to the left (or driving to the left-hand side of the road), extend your right arm and rotate your palm in an anti-clockwise direction.
- To indicate that you can be overtaken, extend your right arm and hand horizontally to the right of your vehicle. Then, move your arm backward and forward in a semi-circular motion.
Direction indicator:
You can use mechanical or electrical devices to simplify the hand signals referred to above.
Parking of vehicles:
- While parking, always ensure that your vehicle does not inconvenience or endanger other road users. If a signboard or road marking indicates the mode of parking, park your vehicle accordingly.
- Do not park your vehicle:
- At/near a road crossing, bend, hilltop or hump-backed bridge.
- On a footpath.
- Near a traffic light or pedestrian crossing.
- On a main road or busy road
- Opposite another parked vehicle or obstructing other vehicles.
- Alongside another parked vehicle.
- At places or roads marked by a continuous white line.
- Near a bus stop, school/hospital entrance, traffic signal or fire hydrant.
- On the wrong side of the road.
- Where parking is prohibited.
- Away from the edge of the footpath.
Visibility of lamps and registration marks:
- The load or goods placed on a vehicle should not mask or obscure the view of any lamp, registration mark or other mark required to be exhibited on any motor vehicle, unless stipulated by law.
- Ensure that the registration and other marks required to be exhibited on a motor are clear and legible at all times.
One-way traffic:
Do not drive on roads declared "One Way" except in the direction specified by signboards. Also, do not reverse your vehicle into a "One Way" road.
Driving on channelised roads (lane traffic):
- On road with multiple lanes, drive within the lane and change lanes only after signalling.
- On roads divided by a yellow line, do not cross the yellow line while attempting to overtake another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
Stop signs on the road:
Any line painted on the road-surface at the approach to a road junction or pedestrian crossing, is white, black or yellow and not less than 50mm in width. When a stop signal is given, you should ensure that no part of your vehicle projects beyond that line.
Towing:
- Only a mechanically disabled motor vehicle or incompletely assembled motor vehicle, registered trailer or sidecar, can be drawn or towed by any motor vehicle for delivery to the nearest filling station or garage.
- A motor vehicle cannot be towed by any other motor vehicle unless it is steered by a person with a valid driving license. Alternatively, the vehicle can be towed if its steering is firmly and securely supported, clear of the road surface, by a crane or similar device.
- When a motor vehicle is being towed, the distance between the rear of the towing vehicle and the front of the towed vehicle should not exceed five metres. The tow ropes or chains should be easily distinguishable. The rear of the towed vehicle should clearly display the "ON TOW" sign on a white background.
- A motor vehicle towing another vehicle other than a trailer or sidecar should not exceed a speed of twenty-four kilometres per hour.
Use of horns:
Do not sound the horn in zones where it is prohibited. It is against the law to use:
- Cut-outs by which exhaust gases are released other than through the silencer
- Harsh multi-toned horns that emit a shrill, loud or alarming sound also, do not drive a vehicle that creates excessive noise when in motion.
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