Two-wheelers such as motorbikes and scooters are a preferred choice for most individuals in the country. These vehicles also account for numerous road accidents every year. Here is a list of traffic rules for two-wheeler owners.
Traffic rules have been formed to ensure vehicle owners’ safety and reduce the number of road accidents. While it is mandatory to have a two-wheeler insurance policy, every individual driving or riding a vehicle needs to follow traffic rules created by the government.
Traffic rules for two-wheelers in India
The road-safety related rules are available in the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. However, the government brought in some amendments in 2019 to reduce the rising number of accidents and fatalities.
The amended Motor Vehicle Act came into effect on 1st April 2019, including strict traffic rules for two-wheelers. Under this act, violation of traffic norms by motorbike owners will attract higher penalties and fines. Here is a list of essential traffic rules that every two-wheeler owner needs to follow strictly in India:
Over-speeding
Different roads in India have a specified speed limit. Two-wheeler owners riding beyond the permissible limit will face violation of traffic rules. Individuals over-speeding have to pay a fine of up to Rs. 2,000.
Drunk driving
Driving a motorbike under the influence of alcohol is an offence. If an individual is caught riding a bike with an alcohol amount that is more than 30 ml of 100 ml blood, then they can get arrested even without an arrest warrant.
For the first instance of drunken driving, bike owners can face a fine of Rs. 10,000 and/or six months of jail. However, for second instances, one has to pay a penalty of up to Rs. 15,000 and/or up-to two years of jail.
Racing
The Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 does not allow speeding or racing on the road with two-wheeler vehicles.
If an individual resorts to racing, they have to pay a penalty of Rs. 500 along with up to one month of imprisonment. However, in the case of second instances of racing or speeding with a bike, one needs to pay Rs. 10,000 as a fine and/or one month of jail.
Juvenile driving
The amendment of the Motor Vehicle Act has introduced a new rule for juvenile driving. Under this rule, minors under 16 cannot ride gearless bikes. Similarly, those below 18 years should not ride motorbikes with gears. Any violation of these provisions will attract penalty measures.
If a minor is found violating these provisions, their guardians will have to pay Rs. 25,000 as a penalty with up to three years of jail.
Riding without third-party bike insurance
According to traffic rules in India, every two-wheeler owner should have a third-party bike insurance policy. This two-wheeler insurance policy is compulsory, and any owner without a third-party two-wheeler insurance policy will have to pay an RTO fine of Rs. 2,000. There can be imprisonment of up to three months.
For the second offence, the penalty stands at Rs. 4,000 with an imprisonment of a maximum of three months.
Driving without a valid license
It is mandatory to ride a motorcycle with a valid license. Individuals should make sure that their two-wheeler licenses have not expired and are valid for riding the type of two-wheelers that they are using.
Those riding without a valid license or authorised motorcycles can pay Rs. 5,000 as a penalty.
Dangerous riding
Rash riding or using a mobile phone while riding a bike is punishable. In the case of the first instance of dangerous riding, individuals need to pay a fine of up to Rs. 5,000 along with an imprisonment of up to one year.
For the second instance, the fine amounts to Rs. 10,000 with up to two years of jail.
Riding without a helmet
Those riding motorcycles without helmets need to pay Rs. 1,000 as a penalty. In addition, the driving license can be either suspended for three months or entirely disqualified.
Jumping traffic lights
Two-wheeler owners jumping traffic lights have to face a fine of up to Rs. 1,000 along with a suspension of driving license.
Pillion riding
As per the Motor Vehicle Act amendments, only two individuals, including the rider, can travel on a bike. Any overloading of motorbikes with more than one pillion rider will lead to penalties of Rs. 2,000 with three months suspension of the driving license.
Two-wheeler owners should compulsorily abide by these traffic norms to avoid penalties and to experience a safe riding experience. Moreover, they should purchase a 2 wheeler insurance to cover expenses related to their own damages and third-party liabilities.
The third-party two-wheeler insurance policies are compulsory as per the Motor Vehicle Act. Individuals can find suitable motor insurances as per their budget and requirements from leading insurance providers.
