Guide to Traffic Signal Rules and Penalties in India

Most of us have heard or played the “Red Light Green Light” game when we were kids, or watched it on a TV show. Well, the concept of that game was taken from traffic lights. You must have seen at a signal, the different traffic lights - red, green and yellow. These traffic signal lights are for directing the flow of traffic on the road. Understanding how traffic lights work ensures that you do not create chaos, or worse, an accident on the road. They are there for our safety and for smooth navigation on the road, just like two wheeler insurance is there to protect us financially. This is a complete, comprehensive guide on traffic lights.

Each colour of the traffic light indicates a specific direction. Other than the 3 standard colours of the lights, there are some special traffic signal lights as well, indicating other directions for the ongoing traffic and pedestrians. Here’s what each light signifies:

1. Red Traffic Light

A red light means to stop completely before the stop line or crosswalk. Vehicles must not enter the intersection until the light turns green.

2. Yellow (Amber) Traffic Light

The yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Prepare to stop, unless you’re too close to the signal and braking could be unsafe. Oftentimes, people mistake a yellow light as a signal to fasten their vehicle to cross the intersection before it turns red – this is an offence, only those vehicles that have passed the stop line before the light turns yellow are allowed to cross the intersection.

3. Green Traffic Light

Green indicates go, allowing vehicles to proceed through the intersection after ensuring it's safe and the path is clear.

4. Special Traffic Signals

Other than the standard 3 coloured traffic lights, you can also find these on the streets:

• Flashing Red Light

Treat it like a stop sign. Stop fully, then proceed only when the road is clear and safe.

• Flashing Yellow Light

A flashing yellow means proceed with caution. Slow down, look both ways, and continue if the intersection is clear.

• Green Arrow Signals

A green arrow allows protected turns in the arrow's direction. You may proceed without yielding to oncoming traffic or pedestrians.

• Pedestrian Signals

"Walk" or a green pedestrian symbol means cross safely, while "Don't Walk" or a red symbol means wait until it changes.

Traffic police are appointed to maintain the traffic law and order on the streets. They also help clear out traffic clutter and monitor intersections for traffic offenders. You have definitely seen one or two traffic cops at a junction or at a traffic signal. At the intersection, the traffic cop also has the ability to change the traffic signal to clear out traffic jams.

For traffic offenders, they always carry a handheld device to issue challans and ensure traffic law is being followed vigilantly. Additionally, at most intersections with installed traffic signals, CCTV cameras are now monitoring the ongoing traffic. If someone jumps a signal, their footage is captured and an e-challan is issued after a traffic cop reviews the footage. They play an important role in maintaining traffic flow and ensuring traffic rules are being followed.

If you are found not obeying traffic signals, you will be penalised. These penalties may include fines, a traffic stop, checking of documents, and in severe cases, even suspension of the driving licence. If you are stopped by a traffic cop, they might ask for your documents like a driving licence, PUC, RC and bike insurance or car insurance. Here are the penalties for traffic signal violations in different cities of India:

Note: Penalties may vary depending on the local RTO, enforcement measures, and whether the offence involved an accident or injury.

It is crucial to follow traffic light rules – to ensure your safety and those around you, and to avoid accidents. Also, violating traffic light rules can lead to some hefty fines, and on severe/repeated offences, even your licence can be suspended. Here are some tips for adhering to traffic light rules in India:

• Always Slow Down at Yellow

Use yellow light as a warning to prepare to stop, not as a signal to speed through the intersection.

• Stop Before the Line

Ensure your vehicle halts behind the stop line or crosswalk, not over it.

• Watch for Pedestrian Signals

Yield to pedestrians when their crossing signal is active—even if you have a green light.

• Obey Flashing Lights

Treat flashing red light as a stop sign and flashing yellow light as a signal to proceed with caution.

• Avoid Distractions

Keep your attention on the road and signals—don’t use your phone or get distracted at intersections.

• Don’t Jump the Red Light

Even if the road seems empty, jumping a red light is dangerous and often monitored by cameras.

• Follow the Traffic Police Instructions

If present, always follow directions from traffic personnel—they override signal lights when managing traffic jams or emergencies.

Here is why following traffic light rules is absolutely crucial:

• Avoid Fines

Breaking traffic light rules can lead to hefty fines.

• Ensure Safety

Traffic light rules are here to ensure the safe passage of vehicles. Following it ensures the safety of you and those around you.

• Avoid Accidents

Not following traffic lights can lead to mishaps or accidents. These accidents can cause heavy vehicle damage and, in severe cases, can even be fatal.

• Avoid Traffic Congestion

If traffic signals aren’t in place, the roads, especially intersections, will be chaotic, causing traffic jams and high risks of accidents.

• Pedestrians Safety

Traffic signals allow safe passage for pedestrians, especially at junctions where crossing the roads can be tricky.

Obeying traffic signals is as important as carrying motor insurance. These traffic laws are here for our safety and to practice safe driving on the road. Traffic cops are here to ensure that rules are being followed and to help when congestion occurs. Follow traffic rules to the book and you will not land in trouble – also, obeying traffic laws ensures you do not mess up your insurance claims!