Are you following the traffic rules and regulations on Indian roads? Do you know that the penalties for traffic violations have been revised? Read ahead to know more.
There is something special about bikes? The thrill that you get while riding a two-wheeler is something that is unmatched, isn’t it? I am sure all bikers would agree to this.
But, are all the riders out there fulfilling their responsibility of safe riding? How many actually have an active two-wheeler insurance policy?
You ought to know that the penalties laid down by the Central government have just got more stringent than before. You break one rule, you burn a one big fat hole in your pocket. Seriously.
Ignorance Is Not Bliss. Atleast Not Here!
Indian roads witness approximately 400 deaths every day due to road accidents. Nearly, 5 lakh road accidents a year take place where in around 1.5 lakh people die and another 3 lakh get crippled.
Ignorant riders tend to take the law for granted and end up breaking all traffic rules and regulations. They get into trouble with the law. There is no doubt about that. But the more miserable part is that the rider and the driver of the other vehicle end up losing their life or getting injured gravely.
The Revised Penalties That Have Just Got Stricter
Seeing the rising toll of road accidents each year, the central government decided to crack the whip of traffic violators. The Cabinet recently approved the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016. This road safety bill includes penalties in case of all sorts of traffic violations. The proposals are based on the recommendations of transport ministers from 18 states.
Here are few of the revised penalties for violating traffic rules & regulations:
| Violation | Existing Fine | Proposed fine |
|---|---|---|
| Drunken Driving | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 10,000 |
| Dangerous Driving (including speaking on cellphone) | Rs. 1,000 | Rs. 5,000 |
| Overspeeding | Rs. 400 | Rs. 1,000 for Light motor vehicle Rs. 2,000 for medium motor vehicle |
| Red light jumping, not wearing helmet | Rs. 100 | Rs. 1,000 and license scrapped for three months |
| Driving without license | Rs. 500 | Rs. 5,000 |
| Driving vehicle without permit | Up to Rs. 5,000 | Up to Rs. 10,000 |
| Overloading on two-wheelers | Rs. 100 | Rs. 2,000 and license scrapped for three months |
| Driving without insurance | Rs. 100 | Rs. 2,000 |
These penalties are set to bring about road discipline.
Insure, My Friend. Insure!
If at all you use your bike as a means to commute and not as an adrenaline rush, you would still need two-wheeler insurance. But, how many riders in India are actually insured? Well, third party motor insurance is mandatory as per the Motor Insurance Act 1988. So, you would be probably assuming that majority of riders are surely zooming the streets with their bikes insured. Sadly you’re wrong!
This is absolutely shocking:
• 82% of vehicles in India are privately owned
• 70% of the auto industry constitutes of two-wheelers
And out of this…
Only 75% of bikers ride an uninsured two-wheeler!!
Unlike earlier times where buying insurance was really troublesome, today you can easily buy bike insurance online at a great deal.
Recommended Read: Check out why buying a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy is better than just a third-party liability cover.
An Essential Traffic Rule-Book for Two-Wheelers
For all you riders, following these simple rules is the easiest path to safe riding:
1. Make use of indicators
Never turn suddenly without signaling. Slow down your vehicle every time you make a turn.
2. Only one pillion rider is allowed
Do NOT ride with more than one pillion rider on your two-wheeler.
3. Helmets were invented to be worn
Be it a highway or your local street, helmets are compulsory on the roads. Always wear them.
4. Footpaths are meant for walking. Not biking!<
The footpath was created so that humans could walk safely. Please do not ride your bike THERE!
5. Watch out for vehicle signals
Ensure you always read the signals that are given by other vehicles.
6. Pull-over carefully
If you are in the middle of your journey and you need to stop somewhere, always get your bike to the left side of the road and then stop.
7. Want to do some rash-riding? Stay at home!!
Ride for pleasure. Don’t ride to kill or be killed. Ride within the speed limit. You may be in a hurry, but rash-riding is a strict no-no.
8. Use the mirror to view traffic behind you
You can frequently look into the view mirror rather than to look back all the time. It is the best and safest option.
That’s it folks.
Why spend on traffic tickets, when you can ride responsibly and safely? Makes sense, doesn’t it?
Don’t forget to like & share this guide with your other biker friends.
We will soon be coming up with a similar dummy guide for cars as well. Watch this space for more. Stay tuned!
