Traffic Rules & Regulations

INTRODUCTION
Traffic on roads may consist of pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and
other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of travel.
Traffic laws are the laws which govern traffic and regulate vehicles, while rules of the road are
both the laws and the informal rules that may have developed over time to facilitate the
orderly and timely flow of traffic.
Traffic Rules in India
The transport department of each and every city around the world has been entrusted with the
responsibility of providing a smooth public transportation system on roads, controlling
pollution under permissible limits, keeping a record of registration of vehicles, insurance of
vehicles, issuing permits and collection of taxes. These departments function by devising
policies, implementing them and then monitor and regulate the functioning of the transport in
the city.
Traffic rules of the roads are both the laws and the informal rules that may have been
developed over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic. With the replacement of
ancient horse driven carts with cars and trucks, the speed of the traffic increased paving way
for the need of smooth roads and yet smoother traffic. So, to curb the need of the smoother
traffic, some rules were devised to assure that the traffic runs smooth. Almost all of the
roadways traffic rules are built with devices meant to control traffic.
The basic idea to devise rules is to make the traffic more organized. These establish a direct
contact with the driver and help making the ride easy and controlled by delivering information
which compliments the laws, guiding directions, speed limits and parking zones. All these
efforts collectively assure that traffic is orderly and safe. An organized traffic has well
established priorities, lanes flowing in particular directions. The benefit is that it reduces the
travel time. Some rules and regulations have been formulated for an easy driving. The drivers
are not allowed to drive without a few documents. These documents should be produced on
demand.
Road Traffic Signs - Signals
Basic Rules of the Road
The rules enlisted under this category are to be meant for all the people sharing the roads. The
idea behind formulating such rules is that the roads are meant not only for the drivers
(including motorists/cyclists/motorcyclists), but are shared by the pedestrians and animals by
the road side. The rules belonging to these categories are mandatory to be followed while using
the roads. You can observe all the above-stated rules only if you are patient, considerate and
careful.
Traffic Signals
A traffic light, traffic signal or a stop light is a signaling device positioned at a road intersection
to indicate when it is safe to wade through. The traffic signal passes on its information using a
universal color code.
Stop and Wait Get Ready Go



Road Signals
Signs form a vital and integral part of the trafficking system for the safety of the road users.
Mandatory Signs :


Straight Prohibited or
No Entry
One Way Sign One Way Sign
Vehicle Prohibited in
Both Directions

All Motor Vehicles
Prohibited
Truck Prohibited
Bullock Cart
Prohibited
Tonga Prohibited

Hand Cart Prohibited Cycle Prohibited
Pedestrians
Prohibited
Right turn Prohibited

Left Tturn Prohibited U-Turn Prohibited
Overtaking
Prohibited
Horn Prohibited

Bullock Cart & Cart
Prohibited
Length Limit Speed Limit Load Limit

Height Limit Width Limit Axle Load Limit Restriction Ends Sign

No Parking
No Stopping or
Standing
Compulsory Ahead
Only
Compulsory Keep Left

Compulsory Turn Left
Compulsory Tturn
Right
Compulsory Turn
Right Ahead
Compulsory Turn Left
Ahead

Compulsory Ahead or
Turn Left
Compulsory Ahead or
Turn Right
Compulsory Cycle
Track
Compulsory Sound Horn

Stop Give Way


Basic Tips
While on the roads, every one sharing the roads should respect each others presence and their
right of advancement on roads. This section points out some basic tips in order to make driving
a smooth experience.
For Cyclist
In the year 2003, 772 Cyclists were involved in accidents on Delhi Roads. 171 of them
succumbed to their injuries while 646 were seriously injured. In order to be safe while cycling
on roads of Delhi, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Wear a cycle helmet and appropriate clothes.
2. Use the cycle lane, where ever provided. Ride on the left of the road, with other traffic.
3. Obey stop signs and traffic lights, like the rest of the traffic.
4. Give signals with one hand while riding. Never ride with just one hand on the handle bar
except when giving a signal.
5. Keep both feet on the pedals.
6. Look back over your shoulders and take a right turn comfortably, give way to the traffic
coming from behind.
7. Never follow any vehicle closely. Maintain safe distance.
8. Avoid big and busy roads with fast moving traffic.
9. Do not enter a street where you see the "No Entry" sign.
10. Stop before you enter moving traffic from a driveway, a parking lot, a minor road, or
from behind a parked car or bus. Go ahead only when the way is clear.
11. If you are passing a stopped car be careful, a door may suddenly open.
12. Never stop your cycle on a pedestrian crossing. Never ride your cycle on a footpath.
13. Never try to overtake- if you must, do it only if the driver of the vehicle in your front has
permitted or signaled you to overtake. Never try to overtake a vehicle, which is in the
process of taking a turn.
14. Under no circumstances should you ride on the wrong side of the road or cross the road
abruptly.

15. Never stop suddenly without showing a signal. Watchfully move towards the left while
slowing down, but signal your intentions to the traffic following you.
For Pedestrians :
The most important safety tip to reduce pedestrian injuries is to pay attention. Follow safety
rules on the road and live long. In order to be safe while walking on roads, keep the following
tips in mind:
1. Make eye contact with drivers if possible and make sure that they can see you.
2. Avoid walking next to the kerb with your back to the traffic.
3. Wear or carry something light colored, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions.
When it is dark, use reflective materials (e.g. armbands, sashes, waistcoats and jackets.
4. Walk between children and the traffic and hold their hands firmly.
5. Always walk on the footpath, where there is no footpath, walk in the right side margin
of the road so that you can see the traffic coming in the opposite direction.
6. Cross roads where there are pedestrian crossings. Where there are no pedestrian
crossings, watch the traffic on both sides and cross when it is safe.
7. You must not walk on motorways or slip roads except in an emergency.
8. Never walk on the main carriageway.
9. Do not read newspapers or look at hoardings while walking on the road.
10. Do not greet friends on the road.
11. Do not come on to the main road while waiting for a bus. Do not run after a moving bus.
Get on or off a bus only when it has stopped to allow you to do so.
12. Do not climb over the barriers or walk between them and the road.
13. You must not get on to or hold on to a moving vehicle.
14. Don't "Drink and Walk."
15. When using any type of crossing you should always check that the traffic.
16. You must not loiter on zebra crossings.
17. If an ambulance, fire engine, police or other emergency vehicle approaches using
flashing blue lights, headlights and/or sirens, keep off the road.
For School Children
Children should be taught the safety code and should not be allowed on the road alone until
they can understand and follow it properly. Children learn by example, so parents and teachers
should always follow the Code properly when going out with their children. In order to make
school children safe on roads, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Always walk on the footpath only. On roads without footpath, walk on the extreme right
hand side of the roads.
2. Do not be impatient on the road.
3. Do not rush or run on the road.
4. Cross only at Zebra crossings, traffic signals, subways, foot over-bridges.
5. Cross only on a clear green signal.
6. Do not cross unless all lanes are clear.
7. Never cross a road at a corner or curve
For Drivers :
Drivers usually drive under tense conditions. They should primarily focus on ways to control
aggressiveness:
1. Be a cautious and courteous driver. Have consideration for others.
2. Avoid creating a situation that may provoke another motorist.
3. Don't tailgate.
4. Don't make inappropriate hand and facial gestures.
5. Use horn sparingly.
6. Stay far behind a suspected drunken driver.
7. Always wear safety belts.
8. Use low beams in bad weather conditions.
9. Keep specified speed limits in mind while driving.
10. Limit the speed at curves and turns.
11. During night time be cautious about road signs, pedestrians, animals, slow moving
vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles.
12. If someone is catching up and wants to overtake, let him.
13. Don't drive faster than the flow of the traffic.
14. Two wheeler drivers should wear helmets.
15. Car drivers and others in cars should wear seat belts.
16. Always carry your driving license and important documents such as your vehicle
registration certificate, insurance certificate, road tax, and P.U.C certificate with you
while driving.
17. Don't drink while driving.
18. Don't drive under influence of drugs.
19. Obey all traffic signals, lights and signs.
20. Use indicators and signals while changing lanes.
21. Don't use cell phones while driving.
22. Always stay alert while on road and be considerate to pedestrians especially with senior
citizens, handicapped and ladies.
23. Don't overload vehicles.
24. Don't use tinted glasses.
25. Always drive in correct gears.
26. Avoid sudden braking and harsh acceleration.
27. Never use clutch as footrest while driving.
Videos :
A video explaining the basic traffic rules and symbols :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpAeqpqFwS0
A short film explaining the aftermath of not following the traffic rules :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwl-nd0xF7I