1. Mandatory Driving License Rules
Legal Requirements:
- Driving without a valid license is illegal.
- Learner’s License is required before permanent license.
- License categories differ for:
- Motorcycle
- LMV (Light Motor Vehicle)
- Commercial vehicle
- Transport vehicle
- Driving with an expired or fake license is punishable.
Penalty:
- ₹5,000 for driving without license
- Possible legal action for fake license
2. Vehicle Registration Rules
Important:
- Every motor vehicle must be registered with RTO.
- Registration Certificate (RC) must be carried.
- New vehicles require registration number plates.
- Fancy/illegal number plates may attract penalties.
3. Insurance Laws
Mandatory:
At least Third-Party Insurance is compulsory.
Without insurance:
- Fine up to ₹2,000 for first offense
- Higher penalties for repeat offense
4. Helmet Law
For Two-Wheeler Riders:
- Helmet compulsory for rider and pillion rider
- Helmet must meet BIS standards
- Non-compliance can lead to fine and license suspension
5. Seat Belt Rules
Mandatory for:
- Driver
- Front passenger
- Rear passengers (in many jurisdictions/enforced increasingly)
Penalty:
Fine for non-use
6. Drunk Driving Law
Prohibited:
Driving under influence of alcohol/drugs
Legal BAC Limit:
0.03% (30 mg per 100 ml blood)
Penalty:
- Heavy fine
- License suspension
- Jail in serious cases
7. Overspeeding Rules
Speed limits vary by:
- City roads
- Highways
- Expressways
- Vehicle category
Common penalties:
Fines based on vehicle type and speed violation
8. Mobile Phone Usage While Driving
Illegal:
Using handheld mobile phone while driving
Allowed:
Hands-free only where legally compliant and safe
9. Dangerous / Rash Driving
Includes:
- Zig-zag driving
- Jumping signals
- Racing
- Reckless overtaking
Penalties:
Heavy fines, imprisonment, license suspension
10. Traffic Signal Violations
Red Light Jumping:
Punishable offense
Must follow:
- Red = Stop
- Yellow = Prepare
- Green = Go
11. Juvenile Driving Law
If minor drives vehicle:
- Guardian/owner may be held liable
- Registration may be canceled
- Juvenile legal consequences apply
12. Pollution Certificate (PUC)
Mandatory:
Valid Pollution Under Control certificate required
Without PUC:
Fine and penalties
13. Number Plate Rules
Must:
- Follow government-prescribed format
- Be clearly visible
- No decorative fonts
14. Hit and Run Law
Leaving accident scene unlawfully can lead to:
- Criminal charges
- Compensation liability
- Imprisonment
15. Accident Duty
Driver must:
- Help injured persons
- Inform police
- Provide insurance details
16. Child Safety Rules
- Child seat recommended/required based on applicable rules
- Helmet for children on two-wheelers where applicable
17. Horn and Noise Rules
Illegal:
- Pressure horns
- Unnecessary honking
- Noise pollution in silence zones
18. Wrong Side Driving
Driving on wrong side:
- Dangerous
- Punishable offense
19. Triple Riding
Illegal:
More than two persons on standard two-wheeler (subject to legal exceptions)
20. Documents You Must Carry
Required:
- Driving License
- RC
- Insurance
- PUC
- Permit (commercial vehicles)
DigiLocker / mParivahan:
Digital documents are often accepted subject to applicable rules.
21. E-Challan System
Traffic violations can be issued digitally.
Check and pay online through official government/state portals.
22. Parking Rules
Illegal:
- No parking zones
- Blocking roads
- Footpath parking
- Emergency lane obstruction
23. Good Samaritan Protection
Citizens helping accident victims generally have legal protections under Good Samaritan guidelines.
24. Emergency Vehicle Right of Way
Ambulance, fire brigade, and police emergency vehicles must be given priority.
25. Modified Vehicle Rules
Unauthorized modifications:
Structural changes without approval
Illegal exhausts
Illegal tint