Why You Should Avoid Triple Riding on A Bike in India?

Posted on: Jun 30, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Why You Should Avoid Triple Riding on A Bike in India?

Two-wheelers are the lifeline of road travel in India. Despite its widespread use, there are still many mistakes riders make daily that put themselves and others in harm’s way. One of the major offences related to two-wheelers in India is triple riding. On this page, we will shed some light on this subject and explain why one should avoid it under any circumstances.

What is triple riding or tripling?

From grocery shopping to office commuting, bikes and scooters offer a convenient solution for getting from point A to point B. Although these machines make travelling easy, they are limited to some extent. Two-wheelers are designed to carry up to 2 people, one being the rider and the other being the pillion or passenger. However, due to various reasons, triple riding on motorcycles has become a very common issue. Triple riding or tripling on a bike or scooter means having three people ride on a two-wheeler, which is originally designed to carry up to 2 individuals. It is an illegal and harmful practice and should be avoided at all costs.

Besides understanding why tripling should be avoided, don’t forget to learn about other riding basics, such as keeping documents like PUCC, RC, 2 wheeler insurance certificate, etc., up-to-date.

Some popular reasons behind triple riding

Before dissecting this issue further, we need to understand the common reasons why triple riding is prevalent in India. Here are some of them;

1. Many Indian families don’t own a car but have a two-wheeler. Also, many families in India have more than 2 members. Hence, when the need for travel comes, people tend to choose triple riding on their bike or scooter.

2. Studies also show that triple riding on a bike or scooter is quite common among the age group of 18-25. These consist of college students and young adults, who often disregard safety and rules and are more inclined towards taking such risks.

3. Affordability and lack of alternate options also steer certain people towards triple riding on a bike or scooter.

Although these are common reasons, they don’t justify the practice of triple riding on a bike or scooter. It is a dangerous act that every responsible rider should avoid. Also, if you are a bike owner, you are not limited in terms of coverage. Get affordable two-wheeler insurance online or offline from your preferred insurer.

Why should one avoid triple riding on a bike in India?

You should avoid triple riding on a bike in India as it is illegal and unsafe. Here is a more detailed overview of why you should not do it;

1. Bikes are not designed for it.

Bikes and scooters are designed to carry up to 2 individuals. Regardless of which motorcycle you own, companies design them that way. If you overload a bike with a triple carry, it can vastly affect its handling, braking, stability, performance and other things, all of which are essential for safe riding.

2. It is prohibited by the law.

The law in India also prohibits the practice of triple riding on bikes in India. It is illegal to carry more than one passenger(pillion) apart from the rider on a bike. Offenders will be punished with hefty penalties, including fines, suspension of driving licence, etc. Although fines can vary from state to state, you can expect to pay a fine of around INR 1,000. In addition, you will have to deal with traffic police stops, which can be time-consuming.

3. It is unsafe

Triple riding leads to compromised bike handling and performance. It can increase the risk of severe accidents, in which case both the occupants of the bike as well as other people on the road can be affected. Triple riding is not worth endangering your life or the lives of others on the road.

4. It may affect insurance coverage.

Having valid bike insurance in India is mandatory. The coverage mainly depends on the type of policy you have, i.e., third-party or comprehensive bike insurance. However, insurers have viable grounds to reject claims if damage/loss is caused due to an unlawful activity or negligence. Triple riding on a bike is prohibited by law, and if a mishap takes place due to this, your coverage may not entertain claims for the arising losses.

Just like how important it is to abide by traffic rules, it is also crucial to learn about the exclusions under the 2 wheeler insurance policy before purchasing it.

What happens when I get caught for triple riding in India?

If you are triple riding on a bike in India, traffic police stationed on the side of the road will stop you for it. You will then have to provide the necessary documents for verification, like DL, bike insurance certificate, RC, etc., and then the officer will issue a challan for the offence. Even if you are not caught in the act by the traffic police, a traffic CCTV camera can catch you committing this offence, scan your licence plate and issue an e-Challan for it. You will have to clear this traffic challan by paying for it locally or online.

How to avoid such situations?

Here are some ways you can avoid this situation entirely;

1. Avoid triple riding at all costs.

If you are presented with the choice of triple riding, avoid it under any circumstances. Ride responsibly and with a maximum of one pillion on your future rides.

2. Plan outings accordingly

When planning outings, think about the total members and available transport options ahead. By doing so, you can make necessary arrangements beforehand and not be forced to triple ride on a bike or scooter.

3. Use public transport

Alternatively, you can use public transport to travel if you have multiple members and not sufficient bikes. This way, you can travel together safely.

4. best in a car

If you frequently need to travel with more than 2 members and don’t own a car, consider investing in one. Then, you can stick to your bike when travelling solo or duo and go with your car when more people need to travel.

Conclusion:

Triple riding on a bike is a very common but unsafe practice seen across India. It is prohibited by the law and punishable with hefty fines. It not only increases the risk of accidents but also impacts insurance coverage. Always ride responsibly and follow all traffic laws. Don’t forget to invest in a proper bike or scooter insurance. Third party bike insurance only offers basic coverage, while comprehensive bike insurance covers third-party liabilities as well as own damages to your bike or scooter.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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