8 Must Know Things For A First-Time Driver

As a first time driver, when you drive on the roads, you must follow specific guidelines. However, we tend to overlook the facts, and this can invite new dangers if we are not cautious and responsible enough. There are many traffic rules in India, and our government is continuously bringing amendments in the law to ensure that the roads are safe for riders as well as pedestrians. But sadly, the majority of the population are either ignorant or carry misconceptions and thus fail to abide by the laws. Defaulting to adhere to them can incur both penalties and punishment, and in severe cases can have fatal consequences on life.

8 Must Know Things For A First Time Driver

Remember, this is the learning stage, and a first time experience should be pleasing when you are driving the vehicle. As a driver, you have the charge of yours and others safety, so the list below is aimed to provide the do’s and don'ts in driving in regards to the traffic rules in India.

1. Carrying Vehicle Documents is Mandatory

According to the Indian Motor Tariff, 2002, driving without a valid license is considered as an offence. This can incur a penalty of INR 5,000 as per the upgraded law. Similarly, driving without carrying the insurance documents can attract penalties from INR 2,000-4,000 and/or imprisonment up to three months. Make sure your vehicle registration is displayed clearly. Additional documents include vehicle registration certificate, PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate, etc. You can carry these documents in your DigiLocker and mParivahan mobile apps for convenience.

2. Insurance Is A Mandatory Requirement

As per the Indian Motor Tariff, 2002 it is mandatory for a car owner to have an insurance policy. A majority of first-time drivers are not aware of the significance of having a car insurance policy. Negligence of such crucial aspect can land them into trouble in many ways. If caught without these papers then it will incur penalties and imprisonment. Therefore, insurance is essential for the legal aspect as well as it will safeguard your car against various damages. In India, you have to be insured with the third party/ liability only policy as it is mandatory as per the law. As the policy does not ensure all the damages, you should choose a comprehensive car insurance policy that provides you with a wider coverage under a single umbrella.

3. Opt For Road-side Assistance Service

When you are driving on the road, any uncertainties can knock you without any prior notice. The common problem that drivers face on the streets is a vehicle breakdown. Thus, to overcome such challenges, car owners are advised to opt for the road side assistance (RSA) add-on cover while buying a comprehensive car insurance policy for their car to get the required assistance such vehicle repair, refuelling, tow service etc. from the icar insurance company in case of road emergencies.

4. Driving Under The Influence Of Intoxicants is Prohibited

One of the major causes of increasing accidents on the road is due to cases of driving under the influence of intoxicants. Case studies reflect that a percentage of 33-69% of drivers were fatally injured, and there was a presence of alcohol in their blood reports. This risk is not limited to the drivers themselves, but other riders and pedestrians are also severely affected due to it. If you are caught for the first time, be prepared to pay a hefty fine of INR 10,000 with/or imprisonment of six months. Repeating the mistake second-time will incur a penalty of INR 15,000 and might land you in jail for two years.

5. Wearing Seatbelts is Mandatory

Like helmet ensures safety in a two-wheeler, seatbelts do the same in a four-wheeler. Driving with seat belts keeps both the driver and co-driver in a steady and secure position. If anyone is driving without wearing seatbelts, then it can attract hefty penalties. In some cases, traffic police have charged up to INR 1,000.

6. Use of Mobile Phone While Driving is Prohibited

In this tech-savvy world, everybody wishes to stay connected to the virtual world, and often they end up committing a blunder in the context of traffic rules. While driving a four-wheeler, a driver is not allowed to use a mobile phone as this is another major contributor to accidents on roads. Even wearing that trendy Bluetooth speaker can shift the focus of a driver, and this might lead to an accident. Therefore, there is no possibility of a driver using mobile phones while driving.

7. Speed Limits

The speed limits vary accordingly in roadways, highways, and expressways. While driving your vehicle on the streets, check and maintain the prescribed speed limits. Slow down in areas where there are speed breakers as these places are prone to accidents. Besides, as a responsible driver, one must avoid indulging in speeding, racing, and rash driving. All these can attract heavy penalties and fines from INR 1,000 - INR 5,000 and in extreme cases might lead to imprisonment up to two years.

8. Tinted Glasses are Banned

The Honourable Supreme Court of India in 2012, has put a ban on the use of black, dark, or reflective glasses in a four-wheeler. So any kind of black film or material is not allowed on the windscreen and side windows of a car. Violation is punishable with fines and on-spot expulsion of the film. This is permissible in cases of cars having company fitted glasses with 70% visualization of the windscreen and 50% visualization of side windows. The transmittance of light in the windows is must else, the glasses are banned.

When driving the roads as a first-time driver, these are some of the points that should be known to you, so that you do not land yourself in legal troubles.

For further reading:

3 Reasons You Should Obtain PUC Certificate For Your Car

Disclaimer: This article is issued in general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.

Source: Acko, Indianlawwatch