Traffic Signs and Rules in India 2025

Functions of Traffic Signs

Knowledge of traffic signs for any driver is necessary as they perform certain functions which are essential for road safety. The functions performed by traffic signs are:

• The distance left to cover to reach a specific destination.
• Alternative routes to the specific destination, if any.
• Locations on the cautionary traffic signs are also displayed such as schools, colleges, workplaces, clubs, public places and restaurants.

Importance of Traffic Signs in Daily Life

1. As per statistics provided by the government, 400 accidents occur in India every day.
2. Also, as per the data provided by WHO, traffic crashes cost about 3% of the total gross domestic product of a country on average.
3. So the importance of knowing the traffic signs and rules is essential.
4. Traffic signs prevent the undesirable risks posed on the road to drivers and the passengers in the vehicle.
5. Traffic signs make sure that order has ensued on the road and if the signs are followed properly, the chances of accidents occurring are greatly minimised.
6. Traffic signs also help in easy navigation of the routes.

The significance of traffic signs and road rules in one's life cannot be overstated, and it should be given top priority. Any motorist who operates a motor vehicle on the road should be familiar with all traffic signs and regulations. The government has already made knowledge of the various traffic signs and restrictions essential for anyone wishing to earn a driver's licence in India.

Traffic Rules in India

Aside from the traffic signs that are displayed by the government to ensure road safety and smooth operation of the traffic, other traffic signs such as road safety signs and rules have to be displayed and followed by the driver while driving. The list of these rules and signs is mentioned below:

• On a two-way road, the driver must drive on the left side of the road so that the oncoming traffic from the other direction can pass through smoothly.
• For one-way roads, the driver should allow any vehicle overtaking his or her vehicle through the right.
• If the driver is turning left, he or she should ensure that the vehicle should be on the left side of the road while leaving and entering the road.
• If the driver is turning right, he or she should drive the vehicle to the centre of the road that he or she is leaving and drive to the right side of the road that he or she is entering gradually.
• It is mandatory for the driver to slow down at all inter junctions, pedestrian crossings, intersections and road crossings.
• If the driver is driving the vehicle on a main road that has does not have traffic regulation, he or she has to allow the vehicles to overtake from the right side.
• Hand signals are an important part of traffic signs as well. Some of them are:
  • When the driver is slowing down his vehicle, he or she has to extend the right arm and swing it up and down gently.
  • When the driver is stopping his or her vehicle, he or she has to raise the arm vertically for indication to the other vehicles behind it.
  • If the driver is turning right or switching to a lane on the right side, he or she has to extend the arm straight out with the palm facing front.
  • If the driver is turning left or switching to a lane on the left hand side, he or she has to rotate the hand in the anti-clockwise direction.
• Every vehicle is equipped with direction indicators which should be used instead of hand signals. In case of emergency, the hazard indicator should be used which will switch on both indicators.
• It is mandatory for the driver and the pillion rider on a two-wheeler vehicle to wear a helmet. It is necessary for the helmet to have the ISI mark otherwise a fine will be levied on the rider.
• The driver is advised to not park his or her vehicle near a road crossing, on top of a hill, footpath, near traffic lights, on the pedestrian road, on the entrance of a building or a near a fire hydrant.
• The registration number of the vehicle is to be visible at all times.
• The vehicle should not be loaded in such a way that the any of the lights are obstructed. This is done to maintain road safety and avoid any mishaps on the road.
• The driver should not drive in the reverse direction on a one-way road.
• The driver should not cross the yellow line marked on the road even while overtaking another vehicle.
• If the driver is driving the vehicle on a road with defined lanes, the indicator should be used before switching lanes.
• The driver should not cross the STOP line painted on the road.
• The driver should use the horn only when required to reduce noise pollution. Also the horn should not sound really shrill or loud.
• While driving, the driver should maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front of him or her to avoid collision if the other vehicle slows down or stops suddenly.
• Unless an emergency, the driver should avoid sudden breaking.
• While driving on a mountain or a steep hill, the vehicle that is going upwards should be on the right side.
• While driving a tractor or a goods vehicle, the driver should not exceed the number of passengers permitted in the vehicle.
• While carrying goods on a vehicle, the driver must be careful not to overload more than the capacity. Also, no explosives or inflammable goods are allowed on a public service vehicle.
• On a two-wheeler, only one pillion rider is allowed.
• The driver must not forget that the road is not only for motor vehicles. The drivers should make way for cyclists as well.
• Overtaking should only be done from the right side of the vehicle.
• If another vehicle is overtaking your vehicle, do not increase the speed. It can cause confusion which can lead to disastrous results.
• The driver should observe other vehicles in the rear view mirror before making a U-turn. He or she should also signal U-turn via hand.
• The driver should be alert when the amber light is flashed.

Updated Traffic Rules in India

Traffic rules are vital for road safety and accident prevention. With the rising number of vehicles, the government regularly updates these rules through its research and development department to maintain smooth traffic flow and discipline.

The new traffic laws have been implemented in various states, and citizens must stay informed to avoid penalties. Some of the key updates include:

1. Uttarakhand: Drivers caught using mobile phones while driving will be fined, and their phones may be seized for 24 hours by the traffic police (as per Nainital High Court).
2. Rajasthan: Violators using phones while driving will face licence cancellation at the issuing RTO (as per Jodhpur Bench of Rajasthan High Court). Their photo and details will be sent to the RTO.
3. Pune & Bengaluru: Loud bike silencers, especially on Royal Enfield models, are banned due to noise pollution and safety concerns.
4. Watching videos while driving: Under the new Motor Vehicle Act, watching videos while driving is strictly punishable to prevent distractions and accidents.
5. Blocking rescue vehicles: Parking in front of ambulances, fire trucks, or police vehicles can attract fines of ₹2,000 or more.
6. Double penalty rule: No person can be fined twice for the same offence, except in overspeeding cases. However, if the fine receipt is lost and the person drives in another state, the fine may need to be paid again.

These updated rules aim to improve traffic discipline and reduce road accidents across the country.