Wrong Side Driving Rules & Fines

Despite strict traffic laws in the country, many Indians are seen violating the rules. One of the common violations is wrong-side driving in India. It often leads to fatal road accidents. The menace of wrong-side driving caused 9200 deaths in the year 2019, among which 2726 occurred on National Highways. In 2020, wrong-side driving was responsible for 6% of accidental deaths.

Considering the blatant violation of traffic rules, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways have made necessary changes to the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Under the new rules, fines for almost every violation have been increased. This has led to more adherence to traffic rules.

The new rules for traffic violations also include a wrong-side driving fine. When driving on the wrong side, the traffic police will ask you to stop and show relevant documents. These documents include your driving licence, RC, PUC and insurance for 2-wheeler if you are riding a bike or motor insurance if you are driving your car.

The authorities will then give you a wrong-side driving challan for the rule violation. Moreover, if you can’t furnish any of the mentioned documents, the authorities will charge an additional challan.

Fine for driving on the wrong side of the road include the following:

● Driving on the wrong side of the road attracts penalties or fines of ₹500- ₹1000.
● Imprisonment of up to 3 months can also be a consequence of wrong-side driving in India.

In addition to the fine for driving on the wrong side of the road, the traffic police may revoke your driving licence for three months if the offence has led to serious trouble. Driving on the wrong side is considered a non-compoundable offence in many states. This means you cannot make an excuse for wrong side driving as it is not done by mistake but by choice.

To avoid getting wrong-side driving challans, say no to traffic violations. Keep in mind that while driving, you are responsible not only for your safety but also for the safety of other road users.

Steps that can make you a responsible driver are as follows:

Do not drink and drive

Never drive under the influence of alcohol, as this may endanger your life and the life of many others. You may end up paying a fine between ₹2000- ₹10,000 depending on the alcohol limit in your blood. This fine may increase to ₹15000 along with two-year imprisonment if you violate the rule twice.

Have your seatbelt on

Wearing a seatbelt is essential while driving a car. It can save your life in case of an accident. So, the traffic authorities can fine you up to ₹1000 if you are seen without a seatbelt.

Buy a third-party motor insurance

Third-party motor insurance is mandatory under the Motor Vehicle Act,1988. So, if you drive without a valid motor insurance policy, you may need to pay a fine of up to ₹2000 for the first-time offence.

Put on your helmet

While driving a two-wheeler, you must put on your protective headgear for safety and to avoid a challan of ₹1000. Make sure the pillion rider also wears a helmet if you are riding with a person behind you.

Do not skip red lights

Skipping a red light now attracts a penalty of ₹1000 under the new motor vehicle rules. Also, you may be imprisoned for six months to one year if found responsible for an accident while jumping traffic signals.

Do not use cell phones

Cell phone use is prohibited under Section 184C of the Motor Vehicle Act,1988. The traffic authorities can impose a hefty fine if they see you busy on a phone while driving. The fine may depend on the type of your vehicle. The violation may also attract an imprisonment of one year.

Avoid over speeding

Over speeding endangers your life and the lives of other road users. So, you must drive your vehicle within the specified speed limits for safety and to avoid challan ranging between ₹1000— ₹3000.

Apart from the above traffic laws, you must also adhere to the following rules:

• Do not overtake
• Do not drive on the wrong side
• Do not drive if dismissed
• Carry your RC, PUC and driving licence
• Do not try to bribe a traffic police
• Park your vehicle in a parking area

As a driver, you must be aware of the traffic rules and the possible penalties for their violation. The ever-growing traffic volume on Indian roads makes it challenging for the traffic authorities to maintain order. So, you must drive responsibly to ensure the safety of all.

Third-party insurance for 2-wheelers, as well as four-wheelers, is mandatory under traffic laws. So, carry your policy document before you take your motor vehicle on the road. You can also consider buying a comprehensive insurance policy to give your bike or car maximum protection from several damages like theft, vandalism, accidental damage, natural disasters, etc. To make an informed and cost-effective decision, you must also compare two-wheeler insurance and compare four-wheeler insurance online.

With Tata AIG, you can buy all types of car and bike insurance policy that suits your every need. By adding the unique riders offered by the company for some extra premium, you can enhance your vehicle’s protective shield. So, choose suitable four-wheeler or two-wheeler insurance online and get it within a few moments without any hassle.