Traffic Rules And Regulations

Delhi Traffic

The road network in Delhi is one of the biggest in India as it not only operates vehicles within Delhi, but also has many vehicles plying to many important cities in the country from its operating limits. A recent data suggests that Delhi has witnessed a mind-blowing number of 75 lakh vehicles registrations till now.

General Rules and Regulation

Keep Left

One should always move on one’s left side on roads that are one-way and two-ways. In the former case, it is mostly to give room for vehicles at the back to overtake on the right side, whereas in the case of the latter, that is two-way road, this gives room to vehicles coming in the opposite direction to move through one’s right.

When Turning Left

During turning in the left direction, drivers should always drive on the left side of the road that they are going to exit and the road that they are going to turn to. However, if the intention is to turn towards right, then drivers should navigate carefully and reach the middle of the road which they are leaving and accurately drive on the left side of the road in which they have plan to enter.

Slow Down

While driving near meeting points on the roads, areas of zebra crossing or pedestrian crossing or at sensitive locations, drivers should go very slowly as it might not be clear if the roads ahead would be clear or not. Especially when driving on roads that have no traffic supervisors, it is important to apply some civic sense and give room for vehicles that are approaching towards the right.

Hand Signals

These are important indicators and become quite essential at times.

• While reducing speed, drivers must do an up-down action by extending their right hand outside,
• while bringing the vehicle to a halt, forearm should be raised vertically,
• while moving towards the right or moving towards a lane in the right, the right arm should be extended outside in a straight manner, with the palm facing front.

When the driver intends to move towards the left or a lane in the left hand side, it is important to put one’s right arm outside and do a movement in the anti-clockwise direction. If the driver wants to give room to a vehicle at the back to overtake him, he can do a front and back movement with his right arm.

Direction Indicators

Though hand signals are considered important, it is important to use the direction indicators, as they are more prominent than the hand signals. In case of crisis situations, drivers must use both of these.

Wearing A Helmet For Two Wheeler Drivers

This is a legal requirement as driving without a helmet is considered to be an illegal offence. This offers maximum protection to one’s head in case of untoward incidents. The helmet should be ISI compliant and should be worn as tight as possible with all straps and belts in place. This is the best method of protecting severe head injuries and should never be used just as a way to escape from penalties.

Do Not Park

Certain areas like pedestrian crossings, parks, residential areas, top of hills, pavements, busy roads or roads that are prone to traffic, vacant places before other vehicles, close to schools, hospitals, bus terminals, traffic signals, main entrance of any building, close to fire extinguishers  etc. are termed as sensitive places. Parking vehicles at these areas is considered to be an illegal activity.

The Registration Mark

This mark should be clearly visible at all times when the vehicle is in motion. Vehicles should never be overloaded in such a way that the lights at the back or registration marks are hidden. This might hinder the safety of the vehicles.

Do Not Drive

Driving on roads that are one-way should strictly be avoided unless the directions permit one to do so. Similarly, taking a sudden reverse in a one-way road is also against the law.

Do Not Cross The Yellow Line

Crossing over the divider or the yellow coloured lines on the roads at all times, including overtaking should never be done. When changing over to other lanes, it is essential that the driver should put the right indicator on.

Do Not Cross The Stop Line

On important junctions, meeting points, pedestrian crossings and other similar places, the driver should ensure that he stops his vehicle on the right spot, not beyond the stop lines drawn on the road.

Towing Is Permitted

Towing is allowed for people who are differently abled, partially assembled vehicles, side cars and other registered vehicles. Other normal vehicles and drivers can indulge in towing, that too only up to the closest petrol station or machinery shop during crisis situations.

Use The Horn

A horn should be used only when it becomes imperative to use it. Using of horns in a no-noise zone or area is an illegal offence. Drivers should fit horns with reasonable sounds in their vehicles and should never fit very loud or shrill horns. It is also illegal to fit adjusted silencers in one’s vehicle.

Directions Given To Drivers

The directions or instructions that are provided by the traffic police or other regulating authorities should be adhered to at all times. Not following the same is considered to be a punishable offence according to law.

Maintain An Adequate Distance

It is very important for the driver to maintain a minimum distance, as prescribed by traffic rules, from the vehicle driving in front. There are high chances that the vehicle in the front could stop abruptly. If the vehicle at the back is not moving at a slow speed and reasonable distance, collisions could occur.

Do Not Brake Suddenly

Applying the brakes abruptly is quite dangerous and should be done only for self-defence or other safety measures.

On Mountains And Steep Roads

Vehicles that are driving down the hill should make room for vehicles going up the hill. If the terrain on the mountains is too narrow, then vehicles going downhill must halt their vehicles towards a corner and then, allow the vehicles going uphill first.

When Road Repair Work

If there is some work going on in the roads, then drivers must ensure that they drive carefully at a very reasonable speed of 25km per hour.

Drivers Of Tractors And Goods Vehicles

Tractors and vehicles carrying goods should follow the instructions clearly and thus should not carry passengers at all. Goods vehicles are entitled to carry only those numbers of passengers that are allowed inside the cabin of the driver.

Do Not Carry Goods

Under any circumstances, goods should never be carried in motor vehicles and other passenger vehicles in such a way that people are endangered in any way. Also, illegal substances like inflammable objects, explosives, firearms and other risky items are banned under traffic regulations.

Carry Only One Pillion Rider

Two-wheeler vehicles should always carry only one pillion rider in addition to the driver. Even children are not allowed in the front of these vehicles as they could skid and fall in case of sudden brakes or untoward accidents.

Do Not Drive Backwards

Reverse driving should be done only when it is absolutely necessary and should never cause disturbances to other fellow passengers.

Do Not Drive

Driving should be strictly avoided if the driver doesn’t possess the required physical and mental fitness levels or are under the influence of alcohol or taking any medicines for any treatment.

Do not Drive Without

• Driving license
• Registration certificate of the vehicle, as per Form 23
• Insurance certificate of the vehicle
• Fitness certificate and valid permit of the vehicle (as applicable for vehicles used for transport)
• Pollution Control Certificate – to be furnished to the police or traffic inspector when asked for inspection

Rules and Punishments