Common Traffic Violations

As a new driver, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the common traffic laws and violations that can occur when you’re on the road. Even accidentally doing any of the following things listed here is counted as a violation of the law.

If you’re an experienced driver, it doesn’t hurt to give yourself a refresher or a crash course in the following rules listed here to ensure that you’re not breaking any laws.

The rules stated here are the ones that tend to face the most violations.

1. Do Not Drink And Drive

Driving while drunk is highly discouraged as it can seriously impair the driver’s cognitive abilities and cause them to be inattentive. It can result in serious collisions and accidents, sometimes even the death of one or both parties involved.

According to reports, drunken driving resulted in 3,314 deaths in 2021, and it accounts for 3% of the accidents that occur on the road. As per the current laws, a person with a blood alcohol level of 0.03% (30 mg per 100 ml of blood) can drive. Anything above that percentage is going to result in a traffic violation.

Drivers suspected of drunk driving get pulled over and are asked to take a BAC test.

Suppose you fail the BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) test. In that case, you can be fined anywhere between ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 based on your blood alcohol limit. You may even end up serving a prison sentence between seven months to four years, depending on the severity of the situation.

2. Exceeding The Speed Limit

It can be tempting to accelerate past the speed limit when on the road, especially on highways with no visible traffic. However, you must avoid doing so. Speeding can cause fatal accidents, and sudden braking can also make you lose control of your vehicle.

Overspeeding causes the most traffic-related deaths (69.3%) and injuries (73.4%) in India. It can result in a penalty of ₹2,000. If you’re a repeat offender, that number can go up.

3. Jumping Red Lights

This is one of the most common traffic violations committed in India. Although it may not seem like a big deal, the consequences can be fatal. Jumping a red light can lead to minor and fatal collisions, so it isn’t worth ignoring or jumping a red light even if you are in a hurry.

If you’re caught jumping a red light, the standard fine is ₹1,000. However, depending on the severity, that number can increase to ₹5,000.

4. Driving Without The Necessary Documents

If you ever get pulled over by the traffic police, you will be asked to present a set of documents. Having these documents on hand can help you avoid paying more penalties and fines. Not having them on hand violates traffic laws.

These are the necessary documents you must keep on hand:

• Driver’s Licence

• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate.

• Vehicle Registration Certificate.

Your driver’s licence and vehicle insurance policy are crucial. Not having these documents can result in several fines for each missing document. Here are the fines you can rack up without these documents:

• Not having a valid driver’s licence can get you fined up to ₹5,000.

• If your car has no valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, you get a ₹500 challan.

5. Not Wearing A Seatbelt

Newer drivers often make this mistake. As a beginner, you must remember to buckle your seatbelt before driving. Driving without one is a traffic law violation in India. The seatbelt is there for your safety and to prevent further injury during an accident.

If you’re caught driving without a seatbelt by the traffic police, you get a fine of ₹1,000.

6. Talking/Texting While Driving

This is another pervasive violation. Talking or texting while driving is often the most common cause of accidents. This is because it can distract you from paying attention to the road while driving.

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, drivers are only allowed to use their mobile phones while driving only as navigation devices. If you are caught texting/talking on the phone while driving, you get issued a fine of ₹5,000.

In more severe cases like an accident, you may even face imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.

7. Riding A Two-Wheeler Without A Helmet

If you own a two-wheeler, then it is mandatory to wear a helmet. One key point is that all individuals riding the two-wheeler must wear a helmet, not just the driver. Falling to do so will result in a penalty of up to ₹1,000.

In more severe cases, you can even have your licence suspended for a minimum of three months.

8. Driving a Bike Without a Valid Bike Insurance

When you take your bike out on the road, you must ensure you have insurance for your two-wheeler. It is a legal mandate. Not having an insurance policy can get you fined up to ₹2,000 each.

Not having one can result in you getting fined, and no one wants that. Having a bike insurance policy secures your financial liabilities towards others. For example, if your bike gets involved in an accident and injures a passerby, it is your responsibility to pay for his or her losses. A valid bike insurance policy takes care of such third-party liabilities.

How To Avoid Violating These Common Traffic Laws?

Here are some ways you can avoid breaking these laws.

• Pay attention to the traffic lights when you are driving.

• Always drive within the speed limit, especially on highways and residential areas.

• Never get behind the wheel if you are drunk. If you are the sole driver, then avoid drinking altogether that night.

• Put your phone on silent when you’re in the car. Or, if the phone call is urgent, pull over to a safe spot and answer your phone rather than doing so while driving.

• Do not text while driving.

• Always ensure that you and everyone else in the car wear their seatbelts before you start driving.

• Make sure all your necessary documents are on-hand and up to date.

As a driver, beginner or experienced, you must be aware of all the relevant traffic laws that apply to you. Adhering to these rules ensures you and other motorists on the road are safe from potential collisions.

So, if you are planning to buy a bike, check out Tata AIG’s online platform to compare two-wheeler insurance plans so that you can buy the perfect one for you.