Rules of the Roads Regulations 1989

The Rules Of The Road Regulations, 1989 was brought into effect from July 1, 1989. It serves as a basic guide for the driver showcasing the rules which he has to follow while on the roads. It deals with basic facts such as overtaking, traffic signals, towing, speed limits, the necessary documents to be carried while driving and such other neglected but imperative points nonetheless.

Keep Left:

The driver of a motor vehicle shall drive the vehicle as close to the left side of the road as may be expedient and shall allow all traffic which is proceeding in the opposite direction to pass on his right hand side.

The driver of a motor vehicle shall:

1. When turning to the left, drive as close as maybe to the left hand side of the road from which he is making the turn and of the road which he is entering.
2. When turning to the right draw as near as near as may be to the centre of the road which the driver is entering.

Passing to the Right:

Except as provided in regulation 5, the driver of a motor vehicle shall pass to the right of all traffic proceeding in the same direction as him.

Passing to the Left:

The driver of a motor vehicle may pass to the left of a vehicle, the driver of which having indicated an intention to turn to the right has drawn to the centre of the road and may pass on either side, a tram car or other vehicle running on fixed rails whether travelling in the same direction as himself or otherwise provided that in no case shall he pass a tram car at a time or in a manner likely to cause danger or inconvenience to other users of the road including persons leaving or about to enter tram cars.

Overtaking not to be obstructed:

The driver of a motor vehicle shall not, when being overtaken or being passed by another vehicle, increase speed or do anything in any way to prevent the other vehicle from passing him.

Caution at road junction:

The driver of a motor vehicle shall slow down when approaching a road intersection, a road junction, pedestrian crossing or a road corner, and shall not enter any such intersection, junction or crossing until he has become aware that he may do so without endangering the safety of persons thereon.

Giving way to traffic at road junction:

The driver of a motor vehicle shall, on entering a road interjection at which traffic is not being regulated, if the road entered is a main road designated as such, give way to the vehicles proceeding along the road, and in any other case give way to all traffic approaching to the intersection on his right hand.

Free Passage to Fire Service Vehicles And Ambulances:

Each driver shall on the approach of a fire service vehicle or an ambulance allow it free passage by drawing it to the side of the road.

Right of way:

Pedestrians have the right of way at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings. When any road is provided with a footpath or cycle track especially for other traffic, except with permission of a police officer in uniform, a driver shall not drive on such footpath or track.

While on the roads, every one sharing the roads should respect each other’s presence and their right of advancement on roads. The section below points out some basic tips in order to make driving a smooth experience.

Caution for Cyclists:

1. Wear a cycle helmet and appropriate clothes.
2. Use the cycle lane, where ever provided. Ride on the left of the road, with other traffic.
3. Obey stop signs and traffic lights, like the rest of the traffic.
4. Give signals with one hand while riding. Never ride with just one hand on the handle bar except when giving a signal.
5. Keep both feet on the pedals.
6. Look back over your shoulders and take a right turn comfortably, give way to the traffic coming from behind.
7. Never follow any vehicle closely. Maintain safe distance.
8. Avoid big and busy roads with fast moving traffic.
9. Do not enter a street where you see the "No Entry" sign.
10. Stop before you enter moving traffic from a driveway, a parking lot, a minor road, or from behind a parked car or bus. Go ahead only when the way is clear.
11. If you are passing a stopped car be careful, a door may suddenly open.
12. Never stop your cycle on a pedestrian crossing. Never ride your cycle on a footpath.
13. Never try to overtake- if you must, do it only if the driver of the vehicle in your front has permitted or signaled you to overtake. Never try to overtake a vehicle, which is in the process of taking a turn.
14. Under no circumstances should you ride on the wrong side of the road or cross the road abruptly.
15. Never stop suddenly without showing a signal. Watchfully move towards the left while slowing down, but signal your intentions to the traffic following you.

Caution to pedestrians:

1. Make eye contact with drivers if possible and make sure that they can see you.
2. Avoid walking next to the kerb with your back to the traffic.
3. Wear or carry something light colored, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (e.g. armbands, sashes, waistcoats and jackets.
4. Walk between children and the traffic and hold their hands firmly.
5. Always walk on the footpath, where there is no footpath, walk in the right side margin of the road so that you can see the traffic coming in the opposite direction.
6. Cross roads where there are pedestrian crossings. Where there are no pedestrian crossings, watch the traffic on both sides and cross when it is safe.
7. You must not walk on motorways or slip roads except in an emergency.
8. Never walk on the main carriageway.
9. Do not read newspapers or look at hoardings while walking on the road.
10. Do not greet friends on the road.
11. Do not come on to the main road while waiting for a bus. Do not run after a moving bus. Get on or off a bus only when it has stopped to allow you to do so.
12. Do not climb over the barriers or walk between them and the road.
13. You must not get on to or hold on to a moving vehicle.
14. Don’t "Drink and Walk."
15. When using any type of crossing you should always check that the traffic.
16. You must not loiter on zebra crossings.
17. Do not talk or play games in mobile while crossing the road.
18. Do not keep ear/head phone while walking on road.

Caution for School Children:

Children should be taught the safety code and should not be allowed on the road alone until they can understand and follow it properly. Children learn by example, so parents and teachers should always follow the Code properly when going out with their children. In order to make school children safe on roads, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Always walk on the footpath only. On roads without footpath, walk on the extreme right hand side of the roads.
2. Do not be impatient on the road.
3. Do not rush or run on the road.
4. Cross only at Zebra crossings, traffic signals, subways, foot over-bridges.
5. Cross only on a clear green signal.
6. Do not cross unless all lanes are clear.
7. Never cross a road at a corner or curve.

Caution for Drivers::

Drivers usually drive under tense conditions. They should primarily focus on ways to control aggressiveness:

1. Be a cautious and courteous driver. Have consideration for others.
2. Avoid creating a situation that may provoke another motorist.
3. Don’t tailgate.
4. Don’t make inappropriate hand and facial gestures.
5. Use horn sparingly.
6. Stay far behind a suspected drunken driver.
7. Always wear safety belts.
8. Use low beams in bad weather conditions.
9. Keep specified speed limits in mind while driving.
10. Limit the speed at curves and turns.
11. During night time be cautious about road signs, pedestrians, animals, slow moving vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles.
12. If someone is catching up and wants to overtake, let him.
13. Don’t drive faster than the flow of the traffic.
14. Two wheeler drivers should wear helmets.
15. Car drivers and others in cars should wear seat belts.
16. Always carry your driving license and important documents such as your vehicle registration certificate, insurance certificate, road tax, and P.U.C certificate with you while driving.
17. Don’t drink while driving.
18. Don’t drive under influence of drugs.
19. Obey all traffic signals, lights and signs.
20. Use indicators and signals while changing lanes.
21. Don’t use cell phones while driving.
22. Always stay alert while on road and be considerate to pedestrians especially with senior citizens, handicapped and ladies.
23. Don’t overload vehicles.
24. Don’t use tinted glasses.
25. Always drive in correct gears.
26. Avoid sudden braking and harsh acceleration.
27. Never use clutch as footrest while driving.