Rules for Driving in India

Sue Duncan, General Secretary ADINJC

Introduction

After a well-deserved holiday in India, I thought I’d share a light-hearted look at what might be considered the “rules” of driving out there. Let’s just say it was an experience!

The Rules:

1. Officially, driving is on the left.

2. But if it’s quicker to get where you want to go, you can drive against the traffic.

3. On a two-lane road, it’s acceptable to drive three abreast, four if some are tuk tuks. Bikes… as many as fit in the gap.

4. If you want to turn right, just do it. Oncoming traffic will stop if you’re brave enough.

5. On a dual carriageway, drive in the right-hand lane so others can overtake on the left.

6. On other roads, you can overtake on either side wherever there’s space.

7. There’s no such thing as the two-second rule… two millimetres, possibly (How anyone has any door mirrors is a miracle).

8. If you want to park and the kerb’s a bit high – just find a rock to drive over.

9. A motorbike will comfortably hold a family of five (child in front, dad driving, another child, mother sitting sideways holding the baby).

10. It’s a legal requirement to wear a helmet on bikes and scooters. But out of town, no-one does, because they won’t get caught.

11. No children wear helmets, ever.

12. If a policeman tries to stop you for not wearing a helmet, just drive at him and then drive off.

13. Pedestrians crossing the road – be brave, saunter, don’t run, and if a car comes towards you just put your hand up and keep going. (works for them but we didn’t try it!)

14. Sounding horn is obligatory – tuk tuks have it written on their back, as do trucks. There is a code depending on length of hoots, but we never worked it out.

15. There’s no size limit on loads. just pile it as high as you can, whether bike or lorry. Fridges and washing machines can be delivered by push bike towing a cart.

16. If you’re a passenger on a bike and it rains, just put your umbrella up.

17. There are driving schools, poor buggers.

18. Our driver said you need 3 things – good brakes, a good horn and good luck.

Takeaways:

India was a brilliant holiday, and two weeks is not enough!

People will get by the best they can but without rules and an infrastructure to enforce them, people will take risks that to us seem unacceptable.

I loved India, both the place and the people, and I can’t wait to go again!

Sue Duncan