FAQs

  1. What documents should a driver carry when driving?
  2. What are the consequences for driving without a license?
  3. When can the authorities detain a vehicle?
  4. What is the punishment for drunken driving/driving under the influence of any drug?
  5. What happens if I do not appear in the court in a drunken driving case?
  6. If being booked for drunken driving; can I continue to drive myself?
  7. Under what conditions is the towing of a vehicle allowed?
  8. What are the duties of a driver, when his vehicle is involved in an accident resulting in death/bodily injury/damage to property?
  9. What is the rule for use of Mobile Phone while driving?
  10. Can I use hand free or any other accessories of Mobile Phone while driving?
  11. Can other occupants of the Motor vehicle use Mobile? After receiving call or SMS on Mobile, can I park my vehicle and use Mobile?
  12. What is fine or penalty for using Mobile while driving?
  13. If I am a Doctor; Can I use Mobile in an emergency while driving?
  14. What is the rule for tinted glasses?
  15. What is the rule regarding the use of seat belts? Is it bindings to use seat belts while driving in interior areas or by-lanes?
  16. What should I do after depositing the citation case fine at the designated bank?
  17. What should I do while selling my car?
  18. What should I do if I intend to buy an old or used car?
  19. I crossed the stop line seeing green signal, but traffic in front of me was not moving & I got penalized for violating Red Light. Why?
  20. I crossed stop line before the signal turning Red, while it was still yellow. But I could not clear the junction due to congestion ahead. Why I was Fined for Signal Jumping?
  21. What is the rule regarding use of helmets while driving a Scooter or Motor Cycle?
  22. What comprises a good helmet?
  23. What is the life time of a helmet and how should a helmet be handled?
  24. Do helmets cause balding?
  25. How should a helmet fit?
  26. Do we have a safety standard for Motor Cycle helmets?
  27. Advise while buying helmet?
 
Q) What documents should a driver carry when driving?
  • Driving license
  • Registration Certificate
  • Taxation Certificate
  • PUC Certificate
  • Insurance Certificate
  • Fitness Certificate & Permit (incase of transport vehicles)

Q)  What are the consequences for driving without a license?

The defaulter is liable to be prosecuted in a criminal court with fine up to Rs 500, three months imprisonment or both.

Q)  When can the authorities detain a vehicle?

Authorities can detain a vehicle in the following circumstances:-

  • Vehicle being driven by an individual without valid driving license
  • Vehicle being driven without registration
  • Transport vehicle being driven without Permit
  • Vehicle being driven without payment of Tax
  • Improper/suspicious registration. No number plate

Q)  What is the punishment for drunken driving/driving under the influence of any drug?

If a driver is caught driving a vehicle with alcohol in his blood exceeding 30 mg per 100 ml or he is under the influence of a drug to such an extent that he is incapable of exercising proper control over the vehicle, the following will be the punishment:-

  • First Offence: Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to Rs. 2000 or both
  • Subsequent Offence: Imprisonment up to 2 years or fine up to Rs. 3000 or both

Q)  What happens if I do not appear in the court in a drunken driving case?

If you fail to appear in court, warrant will be issued from the court. This may lead to arrest and stiffer penalty

Q) If being booked for drunken driving; can I continue to drive myself?

No. You will have to arrange for an alternate driver who is not drunk or take a cab leaving the vehicle in the police custody which will be released after you have settled the case in the court.

Q)  Under what conditions is the towing of a vehicle allowed?

  • Vehicle abandoned or left unattended
  • Parked in a parking restricted zone
  • Parked in a way causing inconvenience to other road users

Q) What are the duties of a driver, when his vehicle is involved in an accident resulting in death/bodily injury/damage to property?

The duties of the driver are as under:-

  • Arrange for medical help
  • Inform the police
  • In case the vehicle is carrying dangerous goods; keep everyone away and avoid smoking in the vicinity and take emergency action as displayed on the vehicle

Q)  What is the rule for use of Mobile Phone while driving?

As per section 218(3)/177MVA no driver while driving or riding a motor vehicle (including two wheelers) shall use a mobile phone.

Q) Can I use hands free or any other accessories of Mobile Phone while driving?

No. (As per rule mentioned above.)

Q)  Can other occupants of the Motor vehicle use Mobile? After receiving call or SMS on Mobile, can I park my vehicle and use Mobile?

  • Yes. Other than driver, occupants of the motor vehicle can use mobile phone.
  • No. As per rule mentioned above, mobile phone should be in switched off mode while driving.

Q)  What is fine or penalty for using Mobile while driving?

As per section 177 of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, a fine of Rs.100/- shall be imposed for using mobile while driving. But, if it causes further inconvenience or is hazardous to the road users, then the driver may be fined for negligent driving, for which fine is Rs.1000/- and compounding fee is Rs.500/-.

 

Q)  If I am a Doctor; Can I use Mobile in an emergency while driving?

No. Exemption is not given to anyone in the M.V. Act, 1988 or Rules regarding this and all are same in front of law.

Q) What is the rule for tinted glasses?

The glass of windscreen and rear window of every motor vehicle shall be maintained in such a way that visual transmission of light is not less than 70% and side windows shall be maintained in such a way that visual transmission of light is not less than 50% and shall confirm to Indian Standards.

Q)   What is the rule regarding the use of seat belts? Is it bindings to use seat belts while driving in interior areas or by-lanes?

The driver and the person seated in the front seat must wear the seat belts while the vehicle is in motion                  ( U/S 138 CMVR r/w 177 MVA). A fine of Rs. 100/- will be imposed in case of violation.

Q)  What should I do after depositing the citation case fine at the designated bank?

After deposit of fine you should go to concerned PS or Traffic Guard with the receipt for further necessary action.

Q)  What should I do while selling my car?

It should be ensured that no traffic law violation case is pending against your vehicle and the ownership of the vehicle is transferred in the name of the person purchasing the vehicle.

Q)  What should I do if I intend to buy an old or used car?

It should be ensured that no traffic law violation case is pending against the vehicle and the ownership of the vehicle should be transferred in your name.

Q)  I cross the stop line seeing green signal, but traffic in front of me was not moving & I got penalized for violating Red Light. Why?

Even if signal is green you should not enter the junction unless the tail of the traffic in front of you is moving. Otherwise you will create gridlock and block cross traffic too.

Q)  I crossed stop line before the signal turning Red, while it was still yellow. But I could not clear the junction due to congestion ahead. Why I was Fined for Signal Jumping?

Yellow signal is provided only for those vehicles which have already crossed stop line to clear the junction. You are not expected to enter the junction when the green light has already changed to yellow.

Q)  What is the rule regarding use of helmets while driving a Scooter or Motor Cycle?

Wearing helmet is compulsory. Violators will be charged U/Sec.177 of M.V.Act-1988 for which fine is Rs.100/-

Q)  What comprises a good helmet?

  • Good helmet have fiberglass or thermoplastic outer shells.
  • EPS (Thermocole) is considered to be the best energy absorbing liner available and must be present in the helmet.
  • Nylon or Terylene woven tape of tubular instruction is found to be the best for chinstraps.
  • Steel Anchor plates are a must for securing the chinstraps to the shell. Fastening by double "D" rings; bar-n-buckle or all metal clasps are most secure.
  • Rivets of copper or brass are best for fixing anchor plates to the shell.
  • The helmet must fit snugly and not wobble or move, ones fastened on the head. Beadings, paints etc. are frills that are applied to promote the helmet. Look for these features in a helmet before making your choice.

Q)  What is the life time of a helmet and how should a helmet be handled?

  • A helmet, since it is constructed from plastics, i.e. thermoplastics: ABS, Polycarbonate, Polypropelene or thermosets i.e. Fibreglass reinforced plastics, are subject to change from exposure to ultra-violet and infrared rays in sunlight.
  • A helmet should be replaced every two or three years, However, if a helmet has been involved in an impact, it must be changed without question. DON'T TAKE CHANCES.
  • Don't drop it; Keep it out of reach of children. Don't press the EPS liner inside, don't carry groceries in it. Clean it regularly.

Q)  Do helmets cause balding?

So far, there is nothing to suggest that helmets cause balding.

 

Q)  How should a helmet fit?

A helmet must fit snugly, rather, slightly tightly than comfortably. After fastening the chin strap, push back on the front of the helmet, if it sides back on your head, select one that grips well and does not wobble and move when worn.

Q)  Do we have a safety standard for Motor Cycle helmets?

Yes, we do. There is an Indian Standard Specification for motorcycle helmets, ISI 4151. There are other ISI standards for industrial and mining helmets too. These helmets are constructed very differently from motorcycle helmets and cannot be depended for protection in a motorcycle accident situation.

Q)  Advise while buying helmet?

  • Check for ISI marking helmet.
  • Take time to check proper fitting. A tight helmet will give you a headache. A loose helmet will wobble every time your bike crosses a bump on the road. Ensure a comfortable fit.
  • Try on the helmet before a mirror. You will see how the helmet suits your personality.
  • Buy from a reputed dealer displaying "Authorized Dealer" Certificate. Also select a dealer who offers you an opportunity to choose between several brands of helmets.
  • Never buy a helmet from a roadside hawker. It may be a spurious product with a false ISI marking.
  • Insist on a proper printed Bill of sale showing the correct brand and model. Never buy a helmet without a Bill. Do not accept a "Quotation" in place of a Bill. Preserve the Bill.
  • Ask for the instruction card provided with each helmet by the manufacturer. Follow the instructions on the card for proper use and maintenance of the helmet.
  • Buy a Helmet Lock. You will not have to carry about your helmet when not in use.
  • Compulsion or not, always use a helmet when using a scooter or a motorcycle, either as a rider or as a pillion passenger. Remember that the life of the pillion passenger is as precious as that of the rider. Buy more than one helmet, if, necessary.

 

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