This document provides information on traffic rules and regulations for drivers in India. It discusses proper procedures at intersections such as using turn signals, yielding to the right of way, and stopping at red lights or stop signs. It also covers roundabout procedures, overtaking safely, and the meanings of various traffic signs and road markings like center lines, stop lines, and pedestrian crossings. Precautions are emphasized such as slowing down at intersections, merging carefully in roundabouts, and only overtaking from the right side with proper signaling.

1. Traffic Rules for Drivers
Training & Armed Police Branch, Assam 1

2. When a motor accident takes place,
You may be held liable even if it was not your fault.
No matter whose fault it is, both parties suffer losses.
Therefore, Always leave a wide Safety Margin.
2

3. Road Signs
Mandatory
Or
Regulatory
3

4. Road Signs
Cautionary
4

5. TRAFFIC LIGHTS
Traffic lights, also known as traffic signals or stop light, is a signaling device
that is positioned at a road intersection, pedestrian crossing, or other
location to indicate when it is safe to drive, ride, or walk using a universal
color code.
RED
The color 'red' on the signal light directs you to stop well before
the stop line and not to crowd the intersection. Movement is
prohibited in ALL directions. Do not turn left in a red signal
unless there is a sign to permit that movement.
Amber (Yellow)
The amber (or yellow) light comes for a few seconds when the
signal changes from green to red. If the yellow light is on when
you approach an intersection, slow down and prepare to stop. If
caught in the amber signal in the middle of a large road crossing,
continue with care and do not accelerate in panic.
Green
The signal light 'green' allows you to move on. Be careful and
check whether vehicles from other directions have cleared the
road. If you want to turn left or right, check whether the signal
permits you to take the turn. If yes, turn but yield the right of
way to pedestrians and vehicles from other directions.
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6. TRAFFIC LIGHTS
Steady Green Arrow
Signal
You can proceed with caution in the direction the arrow
points. Remember to yield to all pedestrians and vehicles
already in the intersection.
Red arrow It prohibits movement in the indicated direction. It may
mean – ‘no free left turn’.
Yellow arrow Watch and wait for a sufficient gap in the oncoming traffic
before moving in the indicated direction.
Flashing Red Signal
Flashing red means to come to a complete stop. Do not
forget to yield to all other traffic and to pedestrians.
Proceed only when the way is clear.
Flashing Amber
Signal
Flashing amber indicates to slow down and proceed with
caution.
Combination Movement in green arrow direction only is allowed.
Movement in any other direction is prohibited.
6

7. MANUAL TRAFFIC SIGNALS
7

8. Who Has the Right of Way?
Motorists must stop or wait to give a clear passage to the other
Vehicle(s) or Individual(s) who have the right of way.
•Differently-abled persons and children have the
right of way at all times.
•Pedestrians have the first right at an un-manned
intersection.
•At an un-manned intersection, traffic on the right
has the right of way.
•At a roundabout, traffic that has entered the circle
before you has the right of way.
•Traffic on major road has the right of way over
traffic on a by lane wanting to enter the major road.
•On hilly and steeps roads vehicles going uphill have
the right of way.
•Cyclist should be on the edge of the extreme left
lane. 8

9. Who Has the Right of Way?
•Emergency vehicles like fire bridges, ambulances,
Police have the right of way. These vehicle while on
emergency duty, can jump red light, drive in no entry
areas, or on wrong side.
•These vehicles (Fire bridges, Ambulance, Police) should
be given priority and given clear passage.
•Pedestrians must be given safe passage over a Zebra
crossing.
•If a subway/foot over-bridge is available the pedestrian
should be regulated to use them to cross the road.
•All road users including pedestrian, cyclist, and slow
moving vehicles should strictly obey traffic rules.
•Traffic going straight along the road will have the right
of way over traffic going across the road. Merely
showing the indication to go right or left does not give
the right of way.
9

10. Road markings
Road markings serve a very important function in conveying to
road users information and requirements which might not be
possible using upright signs. They have the advantage that they can
often be seen when a verge-mounted sign is obscured, and, unlike
such signs, they can provide a continuing message. Road markings
have their limitations also. They may be completely obliterated, or
their conspicuity may be impaired when wet or dirty, and their
effective life is reduced if they are subjected to heavy trafficking.
Road markings include all lines
patters, words and colours
applied on or attached to the
road surface or kerb, for the
said purpose
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11. Road markings
Traffic paints are commonly used for road markings.
Other materials such as, road studs, cat's eyes and
thermoplastic strips also find their application in road
markings. These markings promote road safety and
ensure smooth flow of traffic. Sometimes, road markings
are used to supplement the message of road signs and
other devices.
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12. Road markings
White is generally used for carriageway
(road) markings except those indicating
restrictions for which yellow markings are
used. White or yellow together with black
are used for kerb and object marking.
12

13. Road markings
Centre line
On undivided two-way roads, the centre
line separates the opposing streams of
traffic and facilitates their movements.
The centre line can be a single broken
line, a single continuous (solid) line
called a Barrier line, a double solid line
or a combination of solid line and
broken line. Single and double solid
lines, whether white or yellow, must
not be crossed or even straddled.
13

14. Road markings
Road markings
Lane lines, Edge lines and Centre barrier line markings for a four lane road
14

15. Road markings
Double white/yellow lines
Double Continuous lines are used
where visibility is restricted in both
directions.
Neither stream of traffic is allowed
to cross the lines.
Stop Line
A stop line is a single solid transverse line
painted before the intersecting edge of the
road junction/ intersection. This line
indicates where you are required to stop
when directed by traffic officer, traffic light
of stop sign. Where a pedestrian crossing
is provided, the stop line is marked before
the pedestrian crossing.
15

16. Road markings
Yellow box junctions or keep clear
These are yellow crossed diagonal lines
within the box. The vehicles should cross it
only if they have a clear space available
ahead of the yellow box. In this marked area
vehicles must not stop even briefly.
Pedestrian (Zebra) Crossings
These are alternate black and white stripes
painted parallel to the road generally known as
zebra crossing. Pedestrians should cross a road
only at the point where these lines are provided
and when the signal is green at controlled
crossings. A motorist must stop and give way to
pedestrians at these crossings.
16

17. Road markings
Warning lines
Used where visibility is low.
May also be used to highlight
an approaching road junction, a
pedestrian crossing or any
other hazard. Warning lines are
much longer in length than
normal lane lines.
Chevron markings
Chevron markings are intended to
separate streams of traffic travelling in
the same direction, e.g. on the approach
to a junction or to a pedestrian refuge in
a one-way street (Fig-a). They may also
be used at the bifurcation or
convergence of two motorways or similar
roads (Fig-b). Vehicles must not enter
chevron areas.
Fig-a Fig-b
17

18. Road markings
Hatch markings
Often used to separate opposing
flows of traffic (Fig-c). Also
used to indicate a reduction in
lanes (Fig-d). Vehicles are
prohibited from entering hatch
marking areas except on an
emergency.
Fig-c Fig-d
'Give way' sign and road
markings
You must give way at the line
to traffic on the major road.
Stop if necessary. Give way to
pedestrians crossing or
waiting to cross the minor
road. 18

19. Road markings
No passing (overtake)
zones
Do not overtake when
you have a solid
(continuous) line on
your right.
19

20. S T O P
C
Zebra
Crossing
Precautions to be taken by Drivers
At an Intersection
Nearly 50%
of all
driving
collisions in
cities occur
at
intersectio
ns.
20

21. Precautions to be taken by Drivers
At an Intersection
1. Choose the left lane if you want to turn left, the
middle lane if you want to go straight, and the right
lane if turning right, at least 100 meter in advance.
2. Slow down while approaching an intersection.
3. Give proper indication for at least 5 seconds before
you change lane or turn.
4. If the signal for you is not green, stop before the
stop line wherever there is a stop line. Stay clear
from the zebra crossing. Wait until signal is green
and pedestrian crossing is clear.
5. If the signal allows you to go, proceed slowly and
cautiously.
6. While approaching an intersection which is not
signal-controlled, cover the break and be prepared
to stop. Give way to traffic on your right or to all
others that have right of way. 21

22. Precautions to be taken by Drivers
While entering and leaving a round about
1. Choose your lane as per your exit at least 100 meter
in advance.
2. Slow down while approaching a roundabout.
3. Give way to traffic on your right.
4. Merge slowly with the traffic inside the roundabout.
5. Move towards your exit gradually giving proper
indication.
6. While turning left to exit the roundabout, be
watchful of vehicles on your left and allow them to
pass.
7. Be watchful of a pedestrian or an animal that may
suddenly appear.
22

23. Precautions to be taken by Drivers
While Overtaking
• Never over take from left, always over take from right.
• Show your intentions of overtaking clearly to your fellow drivers in
front.
• Give proper indication before overtaking.
• Wait to see what signal the other vehicle has given. Never
overtake when the vehicle in front has asked you to wait.
• Be watchful of a pedestrian or an animal that may suddenly
appear in front of the vehicle you are over taking.
• On roads having two-way traffic, overtake only when an oncoming
vehicle is at safe distance.
• Never overtake at a blind turning when you do not see what lies
ahead.
23

24. Precautions to be taken by Drivers
While Turning
• Give proper indication.
• Start changing lane only when the vehicles behind you
have understood your intention.
• Slow down while approaching the turning point.
• Turn only when there is sufficient gap between you and
vehicles coming from the front and vehicles coming
from behind.
• Vehicles going straight along the road have the right of
way.
• Watch out for pedestrian as well as vehicles coming
from your right side.
• While turning left, give way to vehicles coming from
behind on your left.
• While turning right, give way to vehicles coming from
behind on your right. 24

25. Fast
Lane
Slow
Lane
Driving on a Highway/Expressway
A Six-lane Expressway 25

26. Driving on a Highway/Expressway
1.On an Expressway you may not be required to stop at any
point.
2. Do not occupy the fast lane except while overtaking.
3. Stick to the middle lane(s) while cruising. Leave the lane
on your right unoccupied. Remember that another vehicle may
overtake you without indications such as blowing horn.
4. Do not overtake from the left side.
5. Do not overtake in a no passing (overtake) zone.
6. Heavy vehicles should use the slow lane.
7. Drive within the prescribed speed limits. Remember that
the upper speed limit or the lower speed limit or both may be
specified.
8. Always keep your vehicle neatly between the lane
markings. Never position your vehicle over a Lane line
marking.
26

27. Driving on a Highway/Expressway
9. Never drive on the wrong side of the road.
10 Do not stop on any of the lanes. If you must stop for some
reason, pull up your vehicle on the stop area or service
area outside the edgeline. Turn on your emergency
flashers.
11.Always give indication for changing lane even if you do
not see any other vehicle nearby.
12. Watch out for cuts in the central verge made at intervals
to permit U-turn.
13. Watch out for animals, pedestrians and other road users.
14. Pedestrians and slow moving vehicles should use only the
service road and should not come on to the expressway.
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28. Assam Transport Department Speed Limits .
1. LMV other than transport vehicle= no speed limit
2. LMV which is a transport vehicle= 65kph.
3. Motorcycle=50 kph.
4. Medium or heavy passenger motor vehicle:65 kph.
5. Medium or heavy goods vehicle=65 kph
6. Vehicle drawing a trailer= 50 kph.
7. LMV drawing trailer with more than two wheels= 50 kph.
8. Heavy goods vehicle or heavy passenger vehicle drawing single trailer= 40
kph.
9. Heavy goods vehicle or heavy passenger vehicle used by fire brigade = 50kph
10. Any other vehicle = 30 kph. 28

29. Driving at Night
•Make sure that your battery and dynamo are in good
condition.
•Be watchful of pedestrians, bicycles, animals and hand-drawn
vehicles that operate without lights.
•Drive at a slow speed to get a safe reaction and
stoppage time.
•Use parking light/indicators when visibility decreases.
Turn on the head lights before it is completely dark.
•Drive with dipped headlight in places where roads are
amply lit.
•If driving on high beam, lower the headlight beam when
a vehicle comes from opposite direction.
29

30. Driving at Night
•Keep the headlight clear and clean and check them
frequently. Also carry spare bulbs.
•Keep your windscreen clean; dirty windscreen can
impair vision.
•Avoid looking directly at the head lights of
oncoming vehicles. Look at the ‘dark’ area directly
in front of you.
•To reduce the glare of light coming from behind,
tilt your interior rear view mirror or the exterior
rearview mirrors as per necessity.
•Don’t mistake a cock-eyed vehicle with one head
lamp for a two wheeler.
•Before over taking, ensure that the oncoming
vehicle is at a safe distance.
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31. Driving at Night
• Watch out for jay-walkers at night in rural areas. The shrubbery on the
central divider in four lane highways often hide intending sprinters who
may misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic. Look out for
them.
• Watch out for stationary trucks and trailers without back-lights or parking
lights. They often park on the main carriageway and due to restricted
visibility during monsoon rains or winter fog they may be invisible before it
is too late to avoid a collision.
•Always use auxiliary fog-lamps during rains, foggy conditions or at night or
early morning.
• It is advisable to use parking lights or even headlights during day time
driving if visibility is poor. That way inattentive drivers or other road users
will not miss seeing you especially if you are driving a car with low- visibility
colors like grey , black or navy blue etc. White vehicles are considered the
most visible because white reflects the most light. Think about it !!
• Avoid driver fatigue. Rest every two hours. 31

32. HANDLING VEHICLE EMERGENCIES
The most important rule in any emergency is DO NOT
PANIC. If you stay calm, you will remember what you
should do. If you have power steering or a locking
steering wheel, never turn off the ignition key until you
have come to a full stop.
BRAKE FAILURE: If your brake pedal suddenly sinks to
the floor:
1. Pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times. If
that does not work…
2. Use your emergency or parking brake, but use it
gradually.
3. Shift to a low gear and look for a place to slow to a
stop.
4. Make sure your vehicle is off the road.
5. After the vehicle has stopped, call for help. Do not try
to drive to a garage. 32

33. HANDLING VEHICLE EMERGENCIES
TIRE BLOWOUT: If you have a tire blowout, you may
hear a loud “bang” then “thump, thump, thump.” The
steering wheel may jerk, and you may lose control of
your vehicle.
1. Hold the steering wheel tightly.
2. Take your foot off the accelerator, but do not hit the
brakes.
3. Let your vehicle slow to a stop completely off the road.
4. Apply brakes only when the vehicle has slowed down.
5. Turn on your emergency flashers.
6. Change the tire only if you can do so without placing
yourself in danger.
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34. HANDLING VEHICLE EMERGENCIES
RUNNING OFF THE PAVEMENT: If your wheels run off
the paved edge of the road, the wheels may pull to the
left:
1. Hold the steering wheel tightly.
2. Take your foot off the accelerator, but do not hit the
brakes. Only apply gentle brake pressure if necessary.
3. When the vehicle has slowed and you have control of
your vehicle, turn back onto the pavement if the lane is
free of traffic.
STEERING FAILURE: If your vehicle does not turn
when you turn the wheel:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Let your vehicle slow down by itself. Do not hit the
brakes until your vehicle has almost stopped or unless
you have to.
3. Turn on your emergency flashers. 34

35. HANDLING VEHICLE EMERGENCIES
HEADLIGHT FAILURE: If your vehicle’s headlights go out:
1. Try the dimmer switch or headlight switch, that might
turn them on again. If that does not work...
2. Put on the parking lights, emergency flashers, or turn
signals.
3. Pull off the road, but leave the emergency flashers on.
STUCK ACCELERATOR: If your accelerator becomes stuck, you
should:
1. Shift to neutral.
2. Apply the brakes.
3. Keep your eyes on the road.
4. Look for a way out.
5. Warn other drivers by honking and flashing your emergency lights.
6. Try to drive the car safely off the road.
7. When you no longer need to change direction and have stopped,
turn off the ignition. (Turning off the key locks the steering wheel of
many vehicles.)
35

36. HANDLING VEHICLE EMERGENCIES
BLOCKED VISION: If your hood suddenly flies open,
your windshield wipers fail, or something else blocks
your vision:
1. Roll down the window so you can look around
whatever is blocking your view.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Pull your vehicle off the road.
VEHICLE APPROACHING HEAD-ON IN YOUR LANE:
1. Slow down.
2. Pull over to the left and sound your horn.
3. DO NOT swing over into the right lane. The other
driver may pull back over into that lane too.
36

37. HANDLING VEHICLE EMERGENCIES
STALLING ON RAILROAD TRACKS:
If a train is approaching:
1. Unfasten your seat belt, get out of your vehicle, and
off the tracks.
2. Run in the direction the train is coming from. (If you
run in the direction the train is heading, you may be hit
with debris when the train hits your vehicle.)
If there is no train in sight:
1. Roll down your windows and listen for the train.
2. Try to start the engine. If that fails...
3. Put your vehicle in neutral and push it off the tracks.
37

38. DRIVING TIPS FOR SANE AND SOBER DRIVERS
1. Drive on the left. Make it a permanent habit.
2. Never overtake on blind curves. It’s never safe.
3.Always wear seat belts. Even the cheapest vehicle has them !!
4. NEVER use a cellphone during driving. Park and talk. It’s your
life on the line. And the lives of others on the road. Studies have
revealed illegal cellphone use during driving to be the number one
distraction for otherwise sober drivers.
5. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. He/she may
stop without warning. 20 feet is recommended .
6. Always keep your hands on the steering wheel in the ten-past-ten
position. It facilitates lock-to-lock turns with the greatest ease and
is the most efficient way of driving your vehicle with the least
fatigue.
7. Never yourself keep or allow any passengers to keep any body
part outside a moving vehicle.
8. Adjust your rear view mirror and wing mirrors to eliminate blind
spots.
9. Do not ride the clutch with your left foot. It isn't a foot rest.
Premature clutch failure is the result.
10.Finally, keep you mind alert for hazards at all times. Indian
roads are considered the world’s deadliest. Let’s change that.
38

39. DRIVERS SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH THESE FEATURES OF MODERN
CARS AND UNDERSTAND THEIR FUNCTIONS
• Central Locking – electronic or manual.
• Air Conditioner.
• Power Window system.
• Seat adjustments.
• Steering lock and steering adjustments.
• Radial tubeless tyre.
• GPS Navigation system.
• Electronic Stability Control.
• Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA).
• Active Cruise Control.
• Airbags for protection of driver and passengers.
• Traction Control.
• Anti-lock Braking System.
• Brake Assist System.
• Power Steering.
• Seatbelts for Driver and passengers.
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