Two-wheeler rules and regulations in India: Know about it in detail

Two-wheelers are common on Indian roads, with millions of people relying on them as their primary mode of transportation. In order to ensure the safety of riders and other road users, several laws and regulations govern the use of two-wheelers in India. We will look at these laws and regulations in greater detail, as well as what they mean for two-wheeler riders in India.

What are the traffic rules for two-wheelers in India?

Helmet is Mandatory

Both the driver and the passenger are protected by the helmet. Riding a two-wheeler without a helmet is against the law in India. If you are caught riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, the appropriate authority may fine you Rs 1,000. In addition to the fine, the authority has the authority to suspend or cancel your license for three months or indefinitely.

Driving Without a Valid Driving License

It goes without saying that you should have a driver's license with you while riding your bike, and it should not be expired. Telling the traffic cop that you forgot your driver's license at home or were about to renew it may no longer work. You will have to pay a whopping Rs.5000 instead of the previous Rs.500 as a fine for breaking this basic traffic rule.

Drunken Driving

This is a very well-known traffic rule. However, many people willfully or recklessly violate the rule of not driving or riding a vehicle after a few drinks. If you are caught riding your two-wheeler while intoxicated, you will be fined Rs 10,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 6 months. If you do not learn your lesson and commit the offence a second time, you will face harsher punishment. According to the new rules, you will be fined Rs 15,000 and/or imprisoned for up to two years.

Overloading Vehicle

A two-wheeler is designed to transport two people: the rider and the pillion rider. To prevent cases of three people on a bike, which is not uncommon in India, a fine of Rs.1000 per extra passenger is now imposed for passenger overloading. Many times, enormous amounts of material, much larger and heavier than the bike itself, are piled and transported on two-wheelers. Overloading your bike, whether with extra passengers or by physical load, unbalances it, impairs maneuverability, and is extremely dangerous for you and others. Overloading a two-wheeler carries Rs 2000 fine and a three-month suspension of your driving license.

Dangerous/Rash Driving

Talking on the phone while driving is a common violation of the dangerous or rash driving traffic rule. If you are in the habit of taking or making calls while riding your bike, be aware that a fine of Rs 1000-2000 and/or imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year may be imposed.

Traffic Regulations for two-wheelers in India

Motor Vehicles Act Introduction

The Motor Vehicles Act, which was first introduced in 1988 and has been amended several times since then, is one of the most important laws governing two-wheelers in India. A two-wheeler is defined by the act as a vehicle with two wheels and a maximum engine capacity of 50cc, which includes mopeds and scooters. A motorcycle is any vehicle with an engine capacity greater than 50cc.

Registration

In India, a two-wheeler must be registered with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO) and have a current Registration Certificate (RC). The RC includes information such as the vehicle's engine and chassis numbers, registration number, and the owner's name and address.

Insurance 

Two-wheelers must also have a valid third-party liability insurance policy. This means that if the rider is involved in an accident that causes bodily harm or property damage to a third party, the insurance company will pay for the costs of compensation.

Overloading

The MV Act of 2019 was recently amended to make passenger overloading a criminal offence. Furthermore, according to road safety regulations, you can only ride your bike or scooter with one pillion rider. If you are caught breaking the law, you will be fined 2,000 and your driver's license will be suspended for three months.

So, if you want to avoid fines, you must follow road safety rules of the country.

Electric two-wheelers 

In India, there are also specific laws governing the use of electric two-wheelers. The government launched the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme in 2018, which offers incentives to consumers who buy electric vehicles, including two-wheelers. Electric two-wheelers are exempt from paying road tax and receive government subsidies under the scheme.

Road safety initiatives to create awareness among masses

 The issue of road safety is one of the most serious challenges that two-wheeler riders in India face. According to a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways report, two-wheeler riders were responsible for the greatest number of road accident fatalities in India in 2019, with over 35,000 deaths reported. To address this issue, the government has launched a number of initiatives aimed at improving two-wheeler riders' road safety.

The installation of Automated Traffic Enforcement Centers (ATECs) in various cities across India is one such initiative. These facilities monitor traffic violations and issue fines to offenders using technology such as CCTV cameras and speed guns. Another initiative is the implementation of harsher penalties for traffic violations, such as increased fines for failure to wear helmets or using mobile phones while riding.

Furthermore, the government has launched a number of public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting road safety among two-wheeler rider

Conclusion

Traffic rules and regulations are in place to keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. It is also intended to keep your vehicle secure. To ensure that no one is injured and no lives are lost as a result of traffic accidents in India, we must all follow the rules of the road.

As responsible citizens, we should contribute to that image and strive to fulfil our responsibilities by following the basic regulations that have been provided to us, as this is the most effective method of avoiding high penalties under the Motor Vehicle Act 2019. Just as we study road safety rules to ensure we make wise decisions on the road, we should also be cautious about the type of bike insurance we purchase to avoid future regrets.