Traffic Rules for Two-Wheeler Riders
Traffic Rules for Two-Wheeler Riders
Two wheelers are incredibly popular in the country for a myriad of reasons. To start with, they are easy to use and are more affordable than four wheelers. Apart from being affordable to buy, they are easy to live with. The cost of maintenance and repair is low as well. Also, the cost of insurance for bikes is affordable.
However, before you hit the road, it is important to know the different traffic rules in India. Following these rules will ensure that you are safe while riding your bike and that you do not attract unwanted attention from the traffic police department.
Riding a two-wheeler is a great responsibility, and adhering to traffic rules is the most important element. With the increasing numbers of two-wheelers on the road, it becomes paramount to go step by step with the traffic rules for two-wheelers for the sake of self-safety. Along with this comes two-wheeler insurance to avoid accidents, pay cuts, and other legal procedures. This blog post will pin down some of those traffic rules which every two-wheeler rider should pay attention to in order to make it a safe and responsible ride.
Essential Traffic Rules for Two-Wheeler Riders
Here are a few traffic rules that two wheelers ought to follow. Also, the new traffic rules in India have made penalties stricter.
1. Having a driving licence
This is the most fundamental traffic rule. A bike owner must have a driving licence to be able to ride a bike. Also, the licence should be active. An expired licence is as good as not having one. When caught without a driving licence, a hefty penalty of Rs. 5,000 will await you. Before you start riding, ensure that you get your driving licence from the nearest RTO. By following a simple process and paying the necessary fees at the RTO, you can obtain a driving licence.
2. Always wear your helmet.
A lot of bike owners choose to ignore this fundamental requirement of riding a bike. It is of paramount importance for the safety of bike owners. As per the new traffic rules in India, the penalties are higher than ever for riding without a helmet.
The safety of bike riders depends mainly on one fundamental aspect: putting on a helmet. Yet most bikers tend to disregard this most crucial safety precaution. New Indian traffic regulations have increased penalties for not wearing helmets significantly, to highlight the gravity of this mistake.
3. Avoid riding under the influence of alcohol.
A lot of people know about this traffic rule. In most metro cities, you can find traffic police personnel carrying out random checks with the help of breath analysers. Riding under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance can be quite lethal not only for you but for others on the road as well.
You might be familiar with this traffic law. In most major cities, traffic police officers have breathalysers and perform random checks. This could be dangerous not only for you to ride after drinking alcohol but also for the other people driving on the road.
4. Avoid overloading your bike
Two-wheelers are designed to carry only a rider and a pillion rider. Though it is not an uncommon scene to see three abreast on a bike, it is not legal. Overloading is not limited to pillion riders alone. You must avoid carrying a lot of materials on the bike, which can make it difficult for you to control the bike and cause issues for others on the road as well.
5. Avoid riding without insurance.
Riding a bike without insurance for the bike is one of the most widely known traffic rules in India. The law mandates all bike owners to have at least third-party bike insurance. Apart from a hefty fine, it also exposes you to a lot of financial risks in the event of an accident.
You need to have a valid two wheeler insurance plan before riding your bike within the geographical boundaries of India according to the traffic rules. Under the new traffic rules, overspeeding may be fined up to ₹2,000 for the first instance and ₹4,000 for subsequent offences, even resulting in imprisonment.
6. Avoid exceeding the speed limits.
Quite a few bike riders have the tendency to engage in racing on the roads. Exceeding the speed limits either in the city or on the highway is best avoided. Speed limits exist to ensure that you can stop quickly without having any major impacts. Also, the penalties for speeding have increased a fair bit, making it difficult for the bank balance.
7. Avoid rash driving
Rash driving on the road can turn out to be a hazard for everyone. Activities such as rapidly and constantly changing lanes without an indicator, exceeding the speed limits by a considerable margin, and maintaining that speed are a couple of examples. Bike riders not only put their own safety at risk but others as well.
8. Avoid jumping signals
It is one of the oldest issues in the book. A lot of us would have witnessed people jumping signals. Yet such instances also lead to a lot of accidents. Since people do not expect another person to come from the opposite lane, it leads to accidents. Also, the penalty for jumping signals is quite steep now. To avoid any unwanted injuries and penalties, wait for the signal to become before you start riding again.
Penalties for different traffic violations
Here is a list of some of the most common traffic violations, along with their respective fines.
Violation | Penalty |
Riding without a licence | Rs. 5000 |
Riding without helmet | Rs. 1000 |
Driving under the influence of alcohol | Rs. 10000 |
Overloading your bike | Rs. 2000 |
Riding without insurance | Rs. 2000 |
Speeding | Rs. 1000 |
Rash driving | Rs. 5000 |
Jumping signals | Rs. 1000 |
Driving/Riding While on the Mobile | 5000 |
Allowing a person without a license to drive your vehicle | 1000 |
The vehicle is driven by a minor | 500 |
Tripling on two-wheeler | 100 |
FAQ's
1. What are the consequences for failing to adhere to traffic rules for two wheeler?
Violated traffic rules involve penalties like suspension of the license, fine and imprisonment in most severe cases.
2. Is a two-wheeler insurance policy mandatory in the Indian subcontinent?
The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 mandates third-party two-wheeler insurance in India. This insurance policy covers all legal liabilities and responsibilities in case of any damage done to someone else’s vehicle or property or to another person. Opting for a comprehensive or an own-damage plan is completely discretionary and depends on the willingness of the policyholder.
Conclusion
Above are a few traffic rules that bike owners must follow while riding on public roads. Following these rules will safeguard you and your loved ones while also ensuring that you do not end up paying hefty penalties to the traffic police department. To ensure complete peace of mind and safety, you must buy insurance for your bike with adequate coverage.
By knowing and observing traffic rules for two wheeler, the riders can minimize the possibilities of the occurrence of accidents, and minimise risks to their lives, and the lives of the pillions. Also, having a two wheeler insurance other than the third-party insurance plan offers the necessary insurance cover in case of an accident or if the vehicle is damaged in the process of use by the rider.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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