Traffic Rules That All Two Wheeler Riders Ought to Know

Posted on: Mar 27, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Traffic Rules That All Two Wheeler Riders Ought to Know

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 bike 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.

Important traffic rules for two wheelers

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.

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.

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 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.

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 are not expecting another person 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.5,000
Riding without helmet	Rs. 1,000
Driving under the influence of alcohol	Rs. 10,000
Overloading your bike	Rs. 2,000
Riding without insurance	Rs. 2,000
Speeding	Rs. 1,000
Rash driving	Rs. 5,000
Jumping signals	Rs. 1,000

Traffic rulebook that two wheeler riders must follow

Following the new traffic rules in India will ensure that you are safe and are keeping the road safe for others as well. Here are some of them.

1. Always wear a helmet.

Irrespective of the distance that you are planning to cover, you must always wear a helmet. Since accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, protecting yourself is the best approach. In the case of a severe accident, it can prevent the rider from grave injuries.

2. Use your mirrors carefully.

Make it a habit to use your rear-view mirrors more frequently. It will help you to ride more effectively, and you will not run into people, which can happen if you switch lanes without looking.

3. Using indicators while driving.

Always ensure that you are using your indicators and with some time to spare. It is a simple way of letting people behind you know that you intend to take the next turn. Indicators can be helpful in alerting even bigger vehicles about an upcoming turn.

4. Do not take more pillion riders than the stipulated number.

Riding with more than two people on a bike can impact the balance of the bike and lead to accidents. It is always advisable to ride with one pillion rider and make sure they are wearing a helmet.

5. Concentrate on the road while driving.

Since bikes are faster over short distances, it is pertinent that you keep your focus on the road. Even a momentary lapse of concentration can turn out to be fatal. Knowing the Indian roads, you must always be alert while riding.

6. Avoid calling while riding.

If you are getting a call while riding, ensure that you use indicators to pull over and take the call. Riding while talking with someone can distract you and cause accidents.

Traffic rules were designed to keep the roads safe for everyone. Since a lot of people do not follow traffic rules, the chances of accidents increase several folds. Apart from following traffic rules, you can get comprehensive bike insurance. The policy will compensate for any damages that your bike receives during an accident while also giving the benefits of third party bike insurance.

Conclusion

Above is 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 bike with adequate coverage.

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

How to Check E-Challan Status Online?

A Comprehensive Guide to Your Europe Tour

Third Party vs. Comprehensive: Which Insurance Plan Should You Buy for Your Bike?

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

How Your Driving Record Will Affect Your Motor Insurance Premium