5 Most Important Things You Should Know If You Drive A Two-Wheeler In India

When it comes to commuting in India, two-wheelers perhaps make for the most efficient mode of transport. Whether it is driving through narrow lanes, zooming on National Highways or side-lining through heavy traffic, two-wheelers are the first choice for most across the country.

Finding it hard to believe?

Well, two-wheeler sales reached 21 million in 2019, marking the all-time high sales number for the country’s auto industry!

Now, if you are reading this blog, we can assume that you are a proud owner of a bike, scooter, or so on so forth. But do you know about the essential rules of driving a two-wheeler in India?

Quiz your knowledge by checking with the factors below –

1. Do You Know Your Local RTO Office?

If you have purchased any vehicle lately, you need to get well acquainted with one address – your local RTO office. It is the place you turn to, to resolve almost every issue concerning your bike, like –

• Inspection of vehicle insurance
• Collection of road tax, road fund licences, etc.
• Issuing and renewing driving licences.
• Pollution test clearance.
• Maintenance of vehicle registration database.

2. Have You Received Your Driving Licence?

Irrespective of whether you have a car or a two-wheeler, you must possess a driving licence if you wish to drive/ride your vehicle on Indian roads. This is a mandatory document which is provided to you by your local RTO. If you already have a valid licence, well and good; if you don’t, here’s how you can get it –

• First, you must undertake your driving test.
• If you have passed the test, fill in the online application form and fix an appointment with the RTO for the learning test. During the learning test, you will be asked to answer a few multiple-choice questions.
• You will receive a learner’s licence after passing the test.
• This licence is valid for one month, after which you will have to fix an appointment for the driving licence.
• You will have to take another test where you will have to answer questions about your vehicle.
• Upon passing the test, you will be issued with the driving licence.

There are different types of driving licence in India, so when you plan to apply for one, make sure you apply for the correct category.

3. Is Your Vehicle Insured?

An insurance policy is another mandatory document that you will need to avail to ride your two-wheeler in India. In India, there are primarily two types of insurance policies available for your two-wheeler vehicle. These are –

Third-Party Liability Insurance Cover

A third party two wheeler insurance deemed compulsory by the government in India and offers protection against liabilities that can arise from accidental death, property damage or injury to a third party, because of your two-wheeler.

Comprehensive Insurance Cover

As its name suggests, the cover offers widespread protection to your vehicle. Apart from the benefits of a third-party liability plan, it also provides coverage against financial liabilities arising from damages to the insured own two-wheeler.

Check for the benefits offered under each policy before choosing an ideal insurance plan.

4. Know All About the Traffic Rules!

When it comes to traffic rules, there are plenty that you should look out for!

Some of the major ones have been listed for your convenience –

• At the time of driving, if 100ml of your blood contains above 30mg of alcohol, you can be arrested without a warrant. The subsequent punishment can be imprisonment for up to 2 years and a fine of up to Rs. 15,000.
• Wearing a helmet is mandatory under Section 129 of the Indian Motor Vehicle Act. Further, Section 128 mandates a maximum of 2 riders on a bike.
• Racing and speeding on roads on your two-wheeler can lead to an imprisonment of up to 1 month with a fine that can go up to Rs. 10,000.
• Make sure you have your indicator on while taking turns.
• If you are driving after being disqualified, you will be penalised with a fine of up to Rs. 10,000.

5. Safety 101 For the Road

Owners of two-wheeler vehicles can often be quite rash while riding their vehicles.

To make sure that you do not succumb to any accidents, look through the following safety tips for the road!

1. ALWAYS, without fail, wear a helmet. Make sure your co-rider is also wearing a helmet.
2. Maintain a safe distance from others on the road.

1. Get your vehicle serviced regularly.
2. Do not, at any cost, use your mobile phone while riding your bike.
3. Avoid vehicle blind-spots.

Other Things to Bear in Mind

1. Get the Pollution certificate (PUC) for your two-wheeler.
2. Make sure your tyre pressure is at the recommended level.
3. Try not to override clutch.
4. Do not keep your engine running without reason.
5. Extend your two-wheeler’s engine life by using better quality fuel.

.. and finally, RIDE SENSIBLY!