Essential Traffic Regulations for Two-Wheeler Riders

Motorcycles and scooters are widely favored across the country for various reasons. Firstly, they offer convenience. They are more cost-effective than cars. They are also affordable to buy and easy to maintain. Maintenance and repair expenses are also reasonable. Moreover, motorcycle insurance is reasonably priced.

 

It is extremely important to know traffic rules for two-wheelers in India before hitting the road. If you follow the guidelines outlined in this blog, you can ensure your safety while riding and avoid legal consequences. This article provides insights into the traffic rules for two-wheeler riders and documents to carry while riding and the repercussions of violating these regulations.

 

Why Are Following Traffic Rules Important?

Following traffic rules is important to avoid possible road accidents. In India, around 400 people die from road accidents every day. According to a report, States and Union Territories (UTs) recorded a total of 4,61,312 road accidents in 2022, resulting in 1,68,491 deaths and 4,43,366 injuries. It shows an increase of 11.9% in accidents, 9.4% in fatalities, and 15.3% in injuries over the previous year.

 

What Traffic Rules Should Two-Wheeler Riders Follow?

Here are some safe riding practices for two-wheelers

 

1. Have a Driving License 

Having a driver's license is the most important traffic rule. The bike owner must have a valid driver's licence to ride legally on Indian roads. Furthermore, the licence must be active. An expired licence is similar to not having one. If you are found driving without a licence, you will have to pay a hefty penalty of Rs. 5,000. You can get a driver's licence by going through a straightforward process and paying the relevant fees at the RTO.

 

2. Make Sure to Wear a Helmet 

Many bike owners need to pay more attention to the necessary bike riding rules. They don't know the importance of the helmet and other safety gears while driving, which can lead to accidents. To offset this, India has framed new traffic fines for two-wheeler riders, which are higher than before.

 

3. Don't Ride When You Are Under the Influence of Alcohol 

You may be aware of this traffic law. In most major cities, traffic police officers use breathalyzers and conduct random checks, especially during festivals. If you ride after drinking alcohol, it can be dangerous for you and also other people who are driving on the road.

 

4. Don't Exceed Speed Limits 

Some bike riders like road racing. However, it is best to stay within the speed restrictions, whether you are driving in the city or on the highway. Speed limits inform you that you have to stop and drive at a particular limit without causing any significant collisions. Furthermore, the penalties for speeding have also become high, which can pinch your purse.

 

5. Stick to Your Lane 

Rash driving on the road can be dangerous for everyone. So, only change lanes with an indicator and stay within speed restrictions by a significant margin. If you ride fast, you put not only yourself but also others in danger.

 

6. Don't Break Signals 

Signal violations remain a persistent issue. The frequent consequence of signal violations is accidents. Consequently, the government has heightened penalties for signal violations. To avert injuries and penalties, it is prudent to wait for the signal to change before resuming riding.

 

7. Use Rear-View Mirrors 

Make it a practice to use your rear-view mirrors more often. When you turn left or right, you should check if someone is coming from behind or not. It will be safe for you and will help you avoid collisions.

 

8. Don't Drive With More Than 2 People 

Two-wheelers can only carry a rider and a passenger rider. However, it is common to see three people riding a bike together. Overloading vehicles can affect passenger riders when you get into an accident. You should also avoid carrying a lot of goods on your bike because it will make it difficult for you to handle it and may cause problems for others on the road.

 

9. Turn the Indicator on When Taking a Turn 

Always use your indicators when you are taking turns. It is a simple way of informing those behind you that you intend to take the next turn. For instance, indicators might be useful in alerting larger trucks to an oncoming turn. 

 

10. Don't Talk on Call While Driving 

If you receive a call while riding, use your indicators to pull over and answer it. Riding while talking to someone can be distracting and lead to accidents. Also, you should avoid checking messages and social media while riding. It may lead to distraction from the road and cause accidents.

 

What Are Traffic Fines for Two-Wheeler Riders?

Here is the list of some penalties for breaking the rules as a two-wheeler rider

 

Offense	Penalty (INR)
Riding without a license	5000
Riding without a helmet	1000
Drink and drive	10000
More than 2 passengers on a bike	2000
Driving without vehicle insurance	2000
Speeding or breaking signals	1000
Rash driving	5000

 

These penalties were relatively low a few years back, but due to an increase in accidents, the authorities decided to charge hefty amounts for people to drive with rules and stay safe. So, make sure you follow all the traffic rules to avoid penalties.

 

Conclusion  

Here are a few traffic rules for two-wheelers that every bike owner must follow when riding on roads. By following these rules, you can not only protect yourself but your loved ones. You can also avoid paying costly fines to the traffic police. Apart from following traffic rules, buy insurance for your vehicle in case you face an accident and your vehicle is damaged. It can help you save money for damage charges. We hope you understand the traffic rules for two-wheelers and follow them.

 

FAQs

1. What documents do I need to carry while riding my two-wheeler in India?

You must carry a valid driver's license, registration certificate (RC) of your vehicle, and valid two-wheeler insurance while riding in India.

 

2. What is the penalty for riding without a helmet in India? 

The penalty for not wearing a helmet on a two-wheeler in India is ₹1,000.

 

3. Can I ride a two-wheeler with more than 2 people in India? 

No, two-wheelers in India can only carry a maximum of two people - the rider and one pillion rider.

 

4. What is the fine for speeding on a two-wheeler in India? 

The fine for speeding on a two-wheeler in India varies depending on the severity of the offense. It can range from ₹1,000 for minor speeding to a much higher amount for dangerous speeding.

 

5. What happens if I get caught riding my two-wheeler without insurance? 

Riding a two-wheeler without valid insurance is a punishable offense in India. The fine can be ₹2,000, and you might also face issues renewing your vehicle registration.