Consequences and charges for driving on wrong side of the road

India has one of the largest automobile industries in the world. With millions of new cars registered every year, the number of cars plying on the roads has increased exponentially in the past few years. The increasing number of cars, the congested road, and bad driving habits has also been a major contributor to the rising number of road accidents. Although the Government of India has various road safety measures in place, people continue to nonchalantly violate them.

The menace of driving on the wrong side of the road

One of the most common traffic rules violations observed in India is driving on the wrong side of the road. According to the ‘Road Accident in India 2019’ report, driving on the wrong side of the road was the second biggest cause of fatal accidents on highways. In 2020, wrong-side driving was responsible for 6% of accidental deaths.

Higher fines for traffic rules violation

Considering the blatant violation of the traffic rules in India, the Ministry of Road Transport has made some changes to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Under the new rules, the fines for all traffic violations have been increased with the aim to encourage people to adhere to the traffic rules.

Consequences and charges for driving on the wrong side of the road

If you are stopped by the traffic authorities, they will ask you to furbish certain documents, including:

• driving licence

• copy of the RC (registration certificate)

• PUCC (copy of the latest pollution under control certificate)

• copy of car insurance policy (for cars) and two-wheeler insurance policy (for bikes)

Apart from checking the documents, the traffic officials will issue a challan for wrong-side driving. Additionally, if you fail to furnish any of the above documents, the authorities will charge an additional penalty.

The charges for driving on the wrong side of the road, includes

• Fine or penalty ofRs.500 –Rs.1000

• Imprisonment up to three months

Moreover, the traffic authorities may revoke your driving licence for up to three months, if the offence led to serious trouble. Many states in India consider driving on the wrong side as a non-compoundable mistake. This means, you cannot make an excuse for it as it is done by choice and not by mistake.

Say NO to traffic rules violations

To avoid driving on the wrong side of the road and getting penalised for it, you must strictly abide by the traffic rules. Remember, while driving, you are responsible for your own safety and others’ safety on the road. So, every time you drive, be a responsible driver, and observe the following precautions.

• Always appropriate safety gear. If you are riding a bike, wear a good helmet. If you are riding with a pillion, ensure they wear a helmet too.

• Don’t drink and drive. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence in India. It may lead to heavy penalties up toRs.10,000 depending on the alcohol level in the blood. You may also face imprisonment for up to two years, if you are a repeated offender.

• Wear your seatbelt. Driving without a seatbelt is also a traffic rule violation. If you are caught, you may have to pay a hefty fine. Apart from adhering to the rule, wearing the seat belt is vital to save your life during an accident.

• Renew your insurance policy. If you ride a bike, ensure that you always carry a copy of valid bike insurance. Make sure that you renew your two wheeler insurance online on time, as driving with a licence is a traffic rule violation.

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