With the recent implementation of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and the debate around its high penalty rates, we look at some of the bizarre traffic rules implemented in India. The extent to which they are followed is questionable, however, their existence cannot be denied.

Bizzare Traffic Rules in India

1.Absence of First-Aid 

This law is applicable in Chennai and Kolkata, and its applicability in other states might vary. The purpose of this rule is to ensure the safety of passengers in case of an accident. This rule states that if a driver does not provide first-aid to passengers in the vehicle he can face up to a fine of Rs 500 or imprisonment up to 3 months.

2.Smoking inside a car.

Smoking inside your vehicle is illegal in Delhi and NCR, violators can be fined up to Rs 100. This rule aims to discourage smoking in public areas or the driver being distracted while driving.

3.Idling your car's engine

Idling your car engine means, running a vehicle's engine when the vehicle is not in motion. This rule is followed in Mumbai. The violators can be fined up to Rs 100. The aim is to encourage better conservation of fuel. The rule even includes vehicles parked on a roadside or in a traffic signal.

4.Giving stranger's lift

Giving a stranger a lift can land you in a fix, and it might lead to your vehicle being seized. This indicates that your car is being used as a cab. Another reason behind this rule is to curb looting and other offences.

5.Getting a screen fixed in your car

Video playback or other screen activities can distract a driver. Hence an act such as installing TV or other media in your car can lead to a fine of up to Rs100. However, there are instances where the car manufacturer provides these things, and in such cases, manufacturers are instructed to turn the screens off automatically while the vehicle is in motion.

6.Borrowing a vehicle

This rule is Chennai-specific: The owner must be aware if their vehicle is being borrowed. If someone is caught violating this rule, they can face a fine of up to Rs 500. The aim of this rule is to curb cases of vehicles being stolen as many robbers get away saying the vehicle is borrowed.

7. Yellow strip required on the headlight

This rule is specific to Gujarat: People are fined if they don't have a yellow stripe on the right-hand side of their headlights. The purpose of the sticker is to control the blinding high beam light on the oncoming traffic on single-lane roads. However, most cars and bikes nowadays come with multi-reflector or multi beamed headlights.

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Other Bizzare traffic rules around the world

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.You can be fined if your car is dirty in Russia. The fine for driving a dirty car is 2,000 rubles and upwards.
.You can be fined if you curse during a road fight in Rockville, Maryland a city in the United States, as profanity in public is illegal and if caught, can land a hefty fine of up to $100. The accused can be made to stay in jail for up to 90 days.
.In Sweden it is necessary to have your headlights on at all times of the day
.You can drive if you have had alcohol in Costa Rica but you shouldn't be drunk. The minimum amount of alcohol should be 0.75 percent of your blood-alcohol ratio.
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Recently a Gurugram man was fined with a challan worth Rs 23,000 for not wearing a helmet and driving without a license. This penalty has been met with a lot of reactions from people. The new Motor Vehicles Amendment Act aims at stricter punishment for violation of traffic regulations.