Documents Required to Drive a Car in India

To legally drive a car in India, you need the following documents:

learner license:

One should be of atleast 18 years  to apply for a learner license. With learner's license you can not drive the vehicle alone, someone with a permanent license has to be there with you in the car who should be in a position to control.the car in case of any emergency.

L placard:

A specified "L" placard has to be displayed both in front and rear of the car.

1. Valid Driving License

Proof that you are authorized to drive a car. 

2. Registration Certificate (RC)

Acts as proof of ownership and registration of the vehicle.

3. Insurance Certificate

Mandatory third-party liability insurance or comprehensive insurance.

4. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

Certificate to ensure your car meets emission norms.

5. Valid Permit (if applicable)

Required for commercial or transport vehicles.

6. Fitness Certificate (for transport vehicles)

Certifies the roadworthiness of a vehicle.

Additional Items to Carry:

1. Road Tax Receipt (especially for interstate travel).

2. Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport).

Always carry these documents in physical or digital form (e.g., on the DigiLocker or mParivahan app).

Types of Road signs and Markings

Road signs are categorized into three main types to ensure road safety and traffic regulation:

1. Mandatory Signs

• These signs enforce traffic rules and must be followed (e.g., Stop, Speed Limit, No Parking).
• Usually circular in shape with red, blue, or white backgrounds.

2. Warning Signs

• Alert drivers to potential hazards ahead (e.g., sharp curves, steep slopes, animal crossings).
• Typically triangular with red borders to grab attention.

3. Informatory Signs

• Provide essential information to road users (e.g., distance to destinations, fuel stations, hospitals).
• Often rectangular with green, blue, or white backgrounds.

These signs help maintain order, guide drivers, and enhance road safety.

 

Offences and Penalties under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

Complete List of Offences, Penal Codes, and Penalties:

1. Driving without a valid Driving License

Penal Code: Section 181 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹5,000

2. Driving an unregistered vehicle

Penal Code: Section 192 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹5,000 (first offence); ₹10,000 (subsequent offence)

3. Driving without insurance

Penal Code: Section 196 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹2,000 (for two-wheelers); ₹4,000 (for other vehicles)

4. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Penal Code: Section 185 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹10,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months (first offence); ₹15,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years (subsequent offence)

5. Over speeding

Penal Code: Section 183 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 (LMVs); ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 (medium/heavy vehicles)

6. Dangerous driving

Penal Code: Section 184 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months or both (first offence); ₹10,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years (subsequent offence)

7. Racing or trials of speed

Penal Code: Section 189 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹5,000 (first offence); ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 1 month (subsequent offence)

8. Driving without Helmet

Penal Code: Section 129 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹1,000 and/or suspension of driving license for 3 months

9. Driving without Seatbelt

Penal Code: Section 194B of MV Act

Penalty: ₹1,000

10. Talking on Mobile Phone while Driving

Penal Code: Section 184 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000

11. Overloading vehicles

Penal Code: Section 194 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹2,000 and ₹1,000 per extra tonne

12. Overloading passengers

Penal Code: Section 194A of MV Act

Penalty: ₹1,000 per extra passenger

13. Not giving way to emergency vehicles

Penal Code: Section 194E of MV Act

Penalty: ₹10,000

14. Driving without Pollution Under Control Certificate

Penal Code: Section 190(2) of MV Act

Penalty: ₹10,000

15. Unauthorized use of vehicles without a permit

Penal Code: Section 192A of MV Act

Penalty: ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months

16. Driving by a minor

Penal Code: Section 199A of MV Act

Penalty: ₹25,000 with imprisonment up to 3 years

17. Violation of traffic signals

Penal Code: Section 177A of MV Act

Penalty: ₹500 (first offence); ₹1,000 (subsequent offence)

18. Improper parking

Penal Code: Section 122/177 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹500

19. Driving in a prohibited area

Penal Code: Section 115/177 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹2,000

20. Driving an oversized vehicle

Penal Code: Section 194F of MV Act

Penalty: ₹5,000

21. Carrying excess load in goods vehicle

Penal Code: Section 194(1A) of MV Act

Penalty: ₹20,000 and ₹2,000 per extra tonne

22. Driving without reflectors at night

Penal Code: Section 177 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹500

23. Unauthorized interference with a vehicle

Penal Code: Section 198 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹1,000

24. Driving dangerously in pedestrian zones

Penal Code: Section 184 of MV Act

Penalty: ₹500 to ₹5,000

25. Not using a child restraint system

Penal Code: Section 194B of MV Act

Penalty: ₹1,000

26. Driving a vehicle in unsafe condition

Penal Code: Section 190(1) of MV Act

Penalty: ₹2,000 (first offence); ₹5,000 (subsequent offence)

Reference:

https://www.wbtrafficpolice.com/offences-and-penalties.php

Hand Signals by Drivers

Turn left
Turn right
Stop
Slow down
Allow to overtake

Informatory road signs

These signs are meant to provide information on direction, destination, roadside facilities, etc. to the road user. Following informative road signs helps a driver in saving time, reaching destination without wandering around. These signs are generally facilitators to the driver. These signs are normally blue in colour.

 

destination sign

This sign indicates the direction and distance to various destinations falling on that particular road. These signs are generally installed before intersections.

 

direction sign

re-assurance sign

This sign shows that direction and distance of the destination/place written on it. This sign board helps drivers in locating the places and thus is very helpful in saving time and fuel.

This sign assures the driver that he is on right path and also tells the distance of the places written on it.

 

place identification sign

public telephone

This sign identifies the area. This sign tells that the limit of the particular area has started. This sign is illustrative on national highways.

This sign indicates the availability of Telephone near road.

 

petrol pump

hospital

This informatory sign indicates that there is a Petrol Pump ahead. Sometimes distance is also indicated on this sign which gives an idea that how far is the Petrol pump from the sign post.

This sign indicates that there is Hospital nearby. The drivers should be careful while driving through this stretch and should not honk unnecessarily.

 

first aid post

eating place

This sign shows that there is a First Aid facility nearby which is very useful in case of emergency or accidents. These are normally erected on highways and rural roads.

This sign indicates that there is an eating-place in the vicinity. This sign is common on highways and long stretches of road.

 

light refreshment

resting place

This sign indicates there is facility of Light refreshment nearby on the road.

This sign is erected near motel, lodge or any other facility for resting on the road. These signs can be seen on highways.

 

no thorough road

no thorough side road

This sign is erected at the entry of such roads from which no exit is available.

This sign indicates that there is no through side road on the main road. It helps driver in maneuvering the vehicle.

 

park this side

parking both side

This sign is erected at destination telling exactly where to park your vehicles. This also indicates the type of vehicles to be parked.

This sign is erected at destination telling exactly where to park your vehicles. This sign indicates that vehicles can be parked on both sides.

 

parking scooters and motorcycles

parking lot cycles

This sign is erected at destination, which is meant for parking scooters and motorcycles.

This sign is erected at destination telling exactly where to park your vehicles. This particular sign indicates that this parking is meant for cycles.

 

parking lot taxis

parking lot auto rickshaws

This sign is erected at destination which is meant for parking taxis only.

This sign is erected at destination, which is meant for parking Auto rickshaws. This is also helpful for citizens as they can find auto rickshaws at one place.

 

parking lot Cycle rickshaws

flood guage

This sign is erected at destination, which is meant for parking Cycle rickshaws.

This signs are erected on highways/roads near river, canal, lake etc. This sign indicates the level of water. It also cautions the danger level of the water.

 

Warning or cautionary traffic signs

These signs are meant to warn the driver about the hazards/situation lying ahead on the road. The driver should obey these for their safety. Though violation of these road sign do not attract any legal action, they are very important for the fact that avoiding them could result in major accidents. Cautionary signs are triangular in shape with red border.

right hand curve

left hand curve

This sign cautions you about a Right Hand Curve on the road ahead. This helps you in maneuvering vehicle accordingly and nullifies the possibility of accident due to sudden appearance of turn.

This sign cautions you about a Left Hand Curve on the road ahead. This also helps you in maneuvering vehicle accordingly. You get time to slow your speed and set your eyes on the curve. It also reduces the possibility of accident due to sudden appearance of turn.

 

right hair pin band

left hair pin band

Hair Pin Bends are sharp turns especially on hilly roads. This sign cautions you about a sharp Right turn on the road ahead. It gives time to reduce the speed to manage the turn and also sets eyes of the driver on turn. Absence of this sign could lead to major accidents as sharp bends in hilly road don't get sighted easily.

This sign cautions you about a sharp left turn on the road ahead. These are essentially erected on Hilly roads. It gives time to reduce the speed to manage the turn and also sets eyes of the driver on turn. Absence of this sign could lead to major accidents, as sharp bends in hilly road don't get sighted easily.

 

right reverse band

left reverse band

This road sign indicates the actual design i.e., a sort of Z formation of the road ahead. It cautions the driver about the zigzag turn towards Right. The driver should reduce the speed at the sight of this sign and maneuver the vehicle cautiously.

This road sign indicates the actual design i.e., a sort of Z formation of the road ahead. It cautions the driver about the zigzag turn towards Left. The driver should reduce the speed at the sight of this sign and maneuver the vehicle cautiously.

 

steep ascent

steep descent

This road sign indicates that there is steep ascent ahead and driver should get ready to climb and put the vehicle in relevant gear. Most of the times, these signs are found on hilly road where steep ascent and descent are normal part of travel.

This road sign indicates that there is steep descent ahead and driver should get ready to descent by putting the vehicle in relevant gear. One should not try to speed up on descent as it loosens the grip on vehicle. Most of the times, these signs are found on hilly road where steep ascent and descent are normal part of travel.

 

narrow road ahead

road widens ahead

When the width of the road decreases and the road merges into a narrow road, there is a possibility that a speeding vehicle may get collide with oncoming traffic. This sign cautions the driver to be careful as the road ahead is narrow.

This sign signifies that the road ahead is wide. The width of the road widens after this sign and thus traffic should adjust accordingly.

 

narrow bridge

slippery road

Sometimes road converges to a bridge which is of less width than that of road. This sign is erected before such bridges which are narrower than the road. The driver should reduce the speed and watch for oncoming traffic for safe drive.

This sign indicates the slippery condition of the road ahead. This condition could be due to seepage of water or oil spill etc. The driver should invariably slow down the vehicle at sight of this sign to avoid accident.

 

loose gravel

cycle crossing

This sign is usually erected on hilly roads where loose earth or gravel keeps on falling on the road. Driver should drive slowly and carefully after this sign as little carelessness can cause major accidents here.

This road sign indicates that there is a cycle path intersecting the major road. The driver should carefully cross this intersection as cyclist could cross the major road safety.

 

pedestrian crossing

school ahead

Pedestrian is the king of traffic. This sign cautions the driver to either slow down or stop the vehicle and allow the pedestrian to cross the road. The part of road is also demarcated in white strips known as zebra crossing. At zebra crossing the Pedestrian has first right on the road.

This road sign indicates that there is a school ahead/nearby. Driver is required to slow down the vehicle and drive carefully to avoid accidents. Children often try to cross the road by running or make unprecedented moves so for their safety always drive carefully near school.

 

men at work

cattle

This sign shows that there is some repair/cleaning etc.being undertaken on the road and labour is involved in it. People working on road need safety from the traffic and hence this sign is erected before the site of repair on road. The driver should drive slowly and carefully by diverting to ensure the safety of labour.

This sign indicate that there is great possibility of cattle straying on the road. Cattle on road can cause major accidents as animal reacts unpredictably in traffic. So drive carefully wherever you see this sign.

 

falling rocks

ferry

In hilly roads the rocks fall on road during landslides in extreme climates. This sign shows that the road ahead is prone to such falling of rocks and driver should drive carefully to avoid accident.

Sometimes roads are intersected by the river without the provision of bridge. These roads are connected through ferry service. This sign indicates that there is a ferry service to cross the river.

 

cross road

gap in median

This sign tells that there is a crossing of roads ahead. This sign advices that the vehicle should be slowed and intersection should be crossed cautiously by looking on both sides.

This sign indicates that there is a gap in the divider of a Road and there is a provision of U-turn. The driver should slow and take relevant lane to avoid any accident.

 

side road right

side-road-left

This sign tells that there is a right side turn on the road in addition to straight movement of the road. This helps driver in planning his route and also cautions about the additional ad provision.

This sign tells that there is a Left side turn on the road in addition to straight movement of road. This helps driver in planning his route and also cautions about the additional road provision.

 

  

← y - intersection →

This road sign depicts the actual formation of road ahead. The road is divided into two forming a shape of Y. This helps driver in managing the intersection carefully.

 

 

← staggered intersection →

This sign indicates that there is a left and right turns available on the straight road with small distance between them. It is an intersection which does not allow crossing of road.

 

t-intersection

major road ahead

This sign tells that there is T intersection on the road ahead and there is no forward movement. Traffic has to either turn left or right. This helps driver in planning their movement on road.

This sign is erected on arterial roads before it crosses a major road. It cautions the driver that the road is going to cross over a major road where the traffic could be heavy and faster. This allows the driver to slow the speed and maneuver the intersection safely.

 

round about

dangerous dip

Round-About is a substitute of a road intersection. It allows smooth flow of traffic without the aid of traffic lights. This sign indicates that there is a round-about ahead and the driver to take relevant lane well before maneuvering the round-about.

This sign cautions that there is a dip on road ahead. This sign helps driver to reduce the speed to cross the plunge on road.

 

hump or rough road

barrier ahead

Sometimes there is a hump on road either intentionally created for slowing the traffic or caused by any other reason. This sign cautions the driver that he should reduce the speed to cross the hump comfortably.

Many a times the road passes through toll collection point/check posts etc. One can find barriers on such places. This sign indicates that there is a barrier ahead on the road and vehicle has to stop there.

 

unguarded level crossing (200 meters)

unguarded level crossing (50-100 meters)

This sign indicates that there is a Railway crossing which is not manned by personnel. This unguarded railway crossing has to be crossed by driver himself very cautiously after ensuring that there is no train on the track nearby. This sign also tells that the unguarded level crossing is 200 meters ahead.

This sign indicates that there is a Railway crossing which is not manned by personnel. This unguarded railway crossing has to be crossed by driver himself very cautiously after ensuring that there is no train on the track nearby. This sign also tells that the unguarded level crossing is 50-100 meters ahead.

 

guarded level crossing (200 meters)

guarded level crossing (50-100 meters)

Many a times road intersects the railway line. This sign indicates that there is a Railway crossing which is guarded by a person. The driver should take extra precautions and act accordingly. This sign also tells that the guarded level crossing is 200 meters ahead.

Many a times road intersects the railway line. This sign indicates that there is a Railway crossing which is guarded by a person. The driver should take extra precautions and act accordingly. This sign also tells that the guarded level crossing is 50-100 meters ahead.