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Ready to ride your bike in India? Check out these lesser-known traffic rules first!

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Published on February 14, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Traffic rules are the cornerstone of road safety, designed to reduce accidents and fatalities, while keeping everyone relatively safe from harm’s way. However, not many bikers in India follow them religiously. Especially, when it comes to rules that are not so well-known, it is easy for a biker to make mistakes, end up getting hurt or hurting someone else, or pay fines. Which is why, this blog takes you through all such rules, so that you can keep yourself and others safe while riding in India. And of course, you should always have two-wheeler insurance handy to take care of expenses in case you injure a third-party or your own bike gets damaged. Now, read on.

Blocking a parking exit

Parking your vehicle in such a way that it blocks the exit of another vehicle from a parking lot, can result in a fine of up to Rs 1000 for first-time offenders. Repeat violators may have to shell out Rs 2,000. It’s advised to park your bike in the designated spot to avoid inconveniencing others. And even when you park your bike in the designated spot, ensure it does not block another vehicle’s movement.

Parking in unauthorised spaces

Parking in a space that does not have a ‘No Parking’ sign does not automatically mean you can park your bike there. You can only park your bike in authorised spaces to avoid being issued a challan. You cannot park your bike in front of schools, hospitals, bus stops, main roads, traffic signals, or zebra crossings. Doing so can result in your bike being towed away, and you having to pay a fine.

Riding wearing flip-flops

A lesser-known rule, you cannot ride your bike wearing chappals or flip-flops. This is because they generally offer less grip than shoes, causing your feet to slip at an inopportune moment, which can lead to an accident. Shifting gears on a bike requires the movement of the foot, which could lead to foot slippage. This can attract a fine of Rs 1,000, which is why it’s recommended to wear shoes when riding a bike.

Using your phone

Whether you’re using your phone lodged between your face and the helmet, or you have it between your face and the shoulder, you are liable to be prosecuted. Talking on the phone can attract a fine of Rs 5,000, as it’s even more distracting that listening to music. You can only use your phone as a means of navigation, that too in way that does not hamper your concentration. If you must answer the call, it’s best to stop by the side of a road (provided it’s not a major thoroughfare or a flyover) and attend the call, before resuming your journey.

Having two driving licenses

In case you have two driving licenses from different states, you are liable to be punished. Starting October 2019, the central government unified the design of the driving license and registration certificate of all states and union territories, leaving no room for discrepancies. So, carry only one DL at a time, and ensure you renew it before it expires.

Mentally or physically unfit

You can be fined if you’re deemed medically unfit to ride – physically or mentally. This fine is usually Rs 1,000 for first-time offenders, and Rs 2,000 for repeat offenders. For example, riding your bike with a broken leg can be cause for the cops to issue a challan.

Not allowing passage to emergency services

Racing with, following, or blocking emergency services such as the fire brigade or ambulance can result in a fine of Rs 10,000 or even imprisonment of up to six months. It is seen as your civic duty to allow such services unhindered passage, failing which you will be charged.

Conclusion

Apart from these laws, you must follow the basic ones such as following traffic signals 24x7, not going down the wrong way on one-way streets (even though it’s ‘just a bike’), parking anywhere, driving with a high beam even on well-lit roads, or using a hands-free device. So, do your bit by following all traffic rules closely and keep yourself as well as others safe. And make sure you carry valid two-wheeler insurance, otherwise you may invite fines from the traffic police. Third-party liability insurance is legally mandatory, while comprehensive insurance can give you holistic protection.

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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