Consequences for Riding On the Wrong Side of the Road
While driving on the roads, it is necessary to follow all the traffic rules in order to maintain discipline. However, some riders violate these rules leading to severe road accidents. One most common causes of fatal injuries can be riding a two-wheeler on the wrong side of the road. The below article sheds light on the consequences of riding on the wrong side. Read on!
What are the Consequences of Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road?
Despite the strict traffic laws, many riders choose not to follow the traffic rules. Jumping traffic lights, rash riding, over-speeding, wrong-side riding, and not carrying mandatory documents such as DL, RC, two-wheeler insurance policy, and PUCC are some common types of traffic rule violations in India.
Talking about Gurugram, the traffic police in this state have fined over 50,000 for wrong-side riding. Considering this as a violation of traffic rules, you have to pay a hefty fine. Moreover, damages sustained due to wrong-side driving will not be covered by your two-wheeler insurance policy.
Penalties for Wrong-side Driving in India
Well, there are two sides of a road, and people can easily drive on the other side so that they do not have to go a kilometer for taking a U-turn. Generally, they choose to run on the wrong side, and this becomes a vital cause of accidents.
After the amendment in the Motor Vehicle Act 2019, if any person riding a two-wheeler is caught while driving on the wrong side of the road will have to pay a fine of Rs. 500-1000 and/or imprisonment of 3 months.
What to Do When You Are Caught as a Violator
If you are caught riding on the wrong side of the road, the traffic cops will pull over and ask for your documents, such as your driving license, PUC, RC, and valid bike insurance policy. If you do not possess any of these, they will write the challan for it.
They can either write a challan on a hard copy that you can pay then and there. If you do not have enough money, you can pay it later by visiting the nearby police station. It also depends on the severity of the traffic rule violation that can cause serious trouble, such as imprisonment and/or revoking a driving license (DL) for 3 months.
How to Pay the Challan Online?
Thanks to the internet and advanced technology as you can pay the challan online. Visit the official website of ‘Parivahan’. Find the 'e-Challan System' tab on the home page. Enter your two-wheeler's registration number, and it will show all pending challans. Select the one you are willing to pay. Make your payment successful using net banking, credit/debit card, UPI, etc.
6 Safe Driving Tips for Bike Riders
It is very important to keep yourself and others safe while riding on the roads. Here are a few safety tips that you can follow as a responsible driver-
1. Do not drink and drive
The first and foremost tip that you should follow is not to ride under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance. If you are caught in this situation, you will have to pay a fine of Rs 2,000-10,000.
2. Always wear your helmet
Wearing a helmet is an essential tip while riding a two-wheeler. This headgear gives you the utmost protection in case of any road mishap.
3. Do not jump the traffic light
Jumping the traffic lights means you are violating the traffic rules, and you might end up paying a penalty of Rs 1000 under the Motor Vehicle Act. In a worst-case scenario, you may be imprisoned for 6 months - 1 year.
4. Do not rush
Over-speeding or rash driving is another cause of fatal injuries. It endangers your life and others too on the road. Therefore, you must ride your two-wheeler within the specified speed limits and avoid the hefty challans.
5. Do not ride on the wrong side
Apart from the above-mentioned tips, you should never drive on the wrong side of the road. Always be on your left. Moreover, do not try to overtake for ultimate safety.
6. Buy the right two-wheeler insurance policy
Well, it is mandatory to purchase a third-party bike insurance plan when you buy a new two-wheeler. But this insurance plan only covers the third-party liabilities and not your own damage. Hence, a comprehensive bike insurance policy becomes vital coverage for overall protection.
Conclusion
Traffic rules are made for the safety of the citizens, but some people willingly violate them. As a responsible rider, you should be aware of the traffic rules and get yourself saved from heavy penalties. Keep left while riding & be safe!