Two-wheelers are very popular in India for a number of reasons. However, regardless of why a two-wheeler is purchased, it is important to be aware of the RTO rules for two-wheeler riders before you hit the road. That’s because riding two-wheelers comes with great responsibility, and adhering to the traffic rules for 2-wheeler riders is crucial for a safe and responsible ride. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 was amended in 2019 to ensure that the RTO two-wheeler rules remain in consonance with time.
Essential Traffic Rules for Two-Wheelers
Here are the important RTP rules for two-wheeler riders that must be followed every time you hit the road:
• Must Have a Driving Licence: This is the most important rule. Someone riding a two-wheeler is required to have an active driving license with them.
• Wear a Helmet: Wearing a helmet is of paramount importance for the safety of the rider. The new traffic regulations have increased the penalties for riding a two-wheeler without a helmet.
• Do Not Ride Under the Influence of Alcohol: Riding under the influence of intoxicating substances is dangerous for the rider as well as for others on the road.
• Do Not Overload Your Two-Wheeler: Two-wheelers are designed to carry a rider and a pillion. It is illegal to seat more than two people on a two-wheeler. Apart from this, you should also avoid carrying too much material on the two-wheeler.
• Do Not Ride without Insurance: According to the law, every two-wheeler should have at least third-party two-wheeler insurance. Riding without insurance is liable for a hefty fine and also leaves you open to several financial risks.
• Do Not Exceed the Speed Limit: Whether you are driving within the city or on the highway, it is important to not exceed the speed limit. Speed limits are imposed to ensure that you will be able to stop quickly without too much impact.
• No Rash Driving: Rash driving is a hazard for everyone. Rash driving can include several things, like changing lanes rapidly without the indicator, exceeding the speed limit significantly, and maintaining high speed.
• Do Not Jump Traffic Signals: Carelessly jumping a traffic signal can often lead to accidents. The penalty for jumping signals has been increased significantly as well, so it’s always better to wait for the light to turn green.
Other offences that may lead to a violation of the RTO rules for two-wheeler riders include disobedience of orders given by authority, unauthorised use of the two-wheeler, not providing way to emergency vehicles, underage riding, etc.
Two-Wheeler Challan List
Here is a basic 2-wheeler challan list for offences and the revised penalties* for them.
• General Penalty: For the first offence, the penalty can be anything up to Rs 500. For the second offence, the penalty can be anything up to Rs 1,500.
• Riding without Your Licence: Riding a two-wheeler without a valid driving licence has a challan of Rs 5,000.
• Riding without a Helmet: Riding without a helmet puts the rider and passenger at risk and fetches a challan of Rs 1,000, as well as the driver’s licence being suspended for three months.
• Violation of Air Pollution Standards: Given the rising levels of air pollution, it is crucial that everyone gets their two-wheeler checked for pollution. Not having a pollution certificate or emitting black smoke on the roads is liable for a challan of Rs 1,000.
• Jumping a Traffic Signal: This is one of the most common violations of the traffic rules for 2-wheeler riders. The challan for jumping a traffic signal is Rs 1,000.
• Over Speeding: The challan for riding well above the speed limit can be anything up to Rs 5,000. Your driving licence will also be seized and suspended for a minimum of three months. You will also not be allowed to drive from there and will be required to call someone to pick you up.
• Rash Driving: The challan for rash or dangerous driving can be anything between Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. The driving licence will also be seized and suspended for at least three months. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, you may even face imprisonment for 6 months – 1 year.
• Violation of the Directions Given by a Police Officer: A mix of over speeding, dangerous driving, and violating a police officer’s directions can fetch a challan of Rs 7,000 and suspension of the licence for at least three months.
• Riding while Wearing Inappropriate Footwear: There is a Rs 1,000 challan for anyone who is found riding a two-wheeler in sandals, flip flops, or chappals.
• Seating More than Two People on the Two-Wheeler: Riding a two-wheeler with more than two people is very dangerous and attracts a challan of Rs 1,000.
• Riding Under the Influence of Alcohol: Traffic police may perform random checks on the roads using a breathalyser. If a person is found to be under the influence of drugs or if their blood alcohol content exceeds 30 mg per 100 ml of blood, they will have to pay a challan of Rs 10,000. They will also have to show up at court and their vehicle may also be seized.
• Talking on the Phone while Riding: Riding and talking on the phone at the same time diverts the rider’s attention, increasing their risk of getting into accidents. Talking on the phone while riding fetches a challan of Rs 5,000 and the licence will also be confiscated and suspended for a minimum of three months.
• Riding without Insurance:
The challan for riding an uninsured two-wheeler is Rs 1,000. However, the vehicle is also liable to be impounded.
• Underage Riding: If minors are caught riding a two-wheeler, they are charged a challan of Rs 25,000. The owner of the vehicle, under whose name the two-wheeler is registered will be imprisoned for three years, the minor will be booked under the Juvenile Act, and the registration of the two-wheeler will be cancelled.
• Not Giving Way to Emergency Vehicles: Emergency vehicles, like fire trucks, ambulances, or police cars must be given way by all vehicles on the road. The challan for not giving way to an emergency vehicle is Rs 10,000.
The aforementioned RTO rules for two-wheeler riders must be followed every time you hit the roads. Following the rules helps safeguard you and your loved ones from unexpected incidents and also helps you avoid paying the hefty fines for traffic rule violations.
* These penalties are applicable in Delhi and correct at the time of writing. Challans may vary from state to state Please check the official website for real-time and accurate information on challan offences.
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