4. Drive on the Correct Side of the Road
Driving on the correct side of the road isn’t just a rule, it’s a life-saving habit. In India, vehicles must always drive on the left side of the road, with overtaking from the right. This simple rule helps maintain order, prevent collisions, and protect everyone on the road.
What Is the Correct Side in India?
India follows left-hand traffic, which means:
- Drive on the left side of the road.
- Overtake from the right.
- Pedestrians should walk facing traffic (on the right side of the road).
This system is designed to ensure visibility, predictability, and safe flow of vehicles.
What Happens When You Drive on the Wrong Side?
Driving on the wrong side, even for a short stretch, can be deadly:
- Head-on collisions with fast-moving vehicles
- Confusion for other drivers and pedestrians
- Increased risk at intersections and turns
- Legal penalties and fines
In many Indian cities, wrong-side driving is a major cause of fatal accidents, especially involving two-wheelers and pedestrians.
Check out this short video
DO NOT DRIVE IN SUCH A MANNER
Legal Rules and Penalties
- Driving on the wrong side violates the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Penalties include fines up to ₹500–₹1,000 and possible license suspension.
- Repeat offenses may lead to higher fines or legal action.
Traffic police and CCTV systems actively monitor wrong-side driving in urban areas.
🛣️ Understanding Road Lines and Markings
Road markings are silent guides that help maintain order and safety. They tell drivers where to go, when to stop, and how to stay in their lane.
Ignoring them can lead to confusion, collisions, and fines.
Here are the most common center line markings and what they mean:
1. Single Continuous Line (Center)
- 🚫 Do not cross.
- Used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
- Overtaking or changing lanes across this line is illegal and dangerous.
- Common on narrow roads, curves, and areas with poor visibility.
Look how this driver in the below video crosses the white single continuous line
Don't be like this driver. It can cause accidents.
Think of this line as a wall. You must stay on your side.
2. Broken Line (Center)
- ✅ Overtaking allowed, but with caution.
- Separates traffic moving in opposite directions.
- You may cross this line to overtake or change lanes only if the road ahead is clear.
Always check for oncoming traffic before crossing a broken line.
3. Double Continuous Lines
- 🚫 Strictly no crossing.
- Indicates high-risk zones like flyovers, highways, or blind turns.
- Crossing these lines is a serious violation and can lead to fines or accidents.
Treat this like a double barrier. Stay in your lane.
4. Continuous + Broken Line (Dual Center)
- 🚗 If you're on the broken line side, overtaking is allowed.
- 🚫 If you're on the continuous line side, overtaking is prohibited.
- Designed for roads with uneven visibility or elevation.
Follow the rule based on your side of the marking.
5. Edge Lines and Lane Dividers
- White lines mark the edge of the road or divide lanes moving in the same direction.
- Stay within your lane and avoid drifting across lines.
- Use indicators before changing lanes.
Learn more:
Know The Markings On Road - Delhi Traffic Police
Understanding road markings and signages: A comprehensive guide - Team BHP
Why These Lines Matter
- Prevent head-on collisions
- Guide safe overtaking
- Maintain lane discipline
- Help traffic flow smoothly
Ignoring road markings isn’t just unsafe, it’s illegal. Respect the lines. They’re there to protect you.
Common Excuses and Why They’re Dangerous
| Excuse | Reality |
|---|---|
| "It’s just a short cut." | Even short wrong-side driving can cause fatal crashes. |
| "There’s no traffic right now." | You can’t predict sudden vehicles or pedestrians. |
| "Everyone does it here." | That doesn’t make it safe or legal. |
Real life examples
Showcasing best of Road & Lane Disciplines 🙏 @DriveSmart_IN @dabir @RCBengaluru @InfraEye @Lutapi_ VC: @gopskumar
Fortune, Fame…Gone insane, but “The Memory Remains” ~ Metallica #ReduceRoadRisks #WrongSideDriving
Excellent Display of Road Disciplines & same now continuing on the Highways/Expressways. @ChristinMP_ @bhavibee @anil_lulla @DriveSmart_IN @dabir @Nik_blr @RCBengaluru @Lutapi_ @mabhishek242 VC: @jagrith_jiggy Kankanpalya road #RoadDisciplines
State & Central Ministries need to work something out for all Wrong Side riding or driving in India. Maximum accidents due to such riders or drivers. @MORTHIndia @nitin_gadkari @siamindia @araiindia @ChristinMP_
Honda 22BH 9863D driving on the Wrong Way. Wondering which #RTO issued driving license to drive/ride on the Wrong way? @tdkarnataka @blrcitytraffic @halairporttrfps @Jointcptraffic @ChristinMP_ @bhavibee Kundanahalli - ITPL Main Road #RoadSafety
MG EV Cab, Scooter all on the Wrong Side… @ChristinMP_ @anil_lulla @DriveSmart_IN @dabir @RCBengaluru @Nik_blr @arunpoochi VC: @Chang20898655 Dickenson Road
#Reduce Road Risks in India Follow Road & Lane Disciplines, speed within Speed Limits. Say #NO to Wrong way Riding/Driving. Keep your Mobile Phones away while on Wheels @ChristinMP_ @DriveSmart_IN @dabir @Nik_blr VC: @NaziaZabinMemon Mysuru Highway
Wrong way driving & riding habit becoming too common in India, reason for max ‘Road Accidents’. DL cancellations need of the hour who don’t follow ‘Road & Lane Disciplines’ @ChristinMP_ @DriveSmart_IN @dabir VC: @abhi_kulkarni85 Aundh Ravet BRT Rd
How can #Mysore #Highway be #Safer for any commuters over back to back #WrongWay driving on the #Fast Overtaking lane? When will @NHAI_Official going to address this @nitin_gadkari? @tdkarnataka @CPMysuru @ChristinMP_ @bhavibee @rakshithgowda06
Hyundai i20 Driving on the Wrong Side…Wrong Side Riding/Driving making a mess in India & no Enforcements. @ChristinMP_ @DriveSmart_IN @dabir @Nik_blr @mabhishek242 @Lutapi_ @kirankumargoli Rajsamand #ReduceRoadRisks
#Bhubaneswar NH16 🚨 ⚠️ #WrongSideDriving: Entry to the Highway used as an #Exit by lorry… Such Disciplines adding up max “Road Risks” over HeadON for all other motorists… @DriveSmart_IN @dabir @InfraEye VC: @Rocky999000
Rule book: The double yellow line in the middle of the road typically means that overtaking or changing lanes is dangerous and not advised, regardless of which side of the road you are driving on. Kerala State Transport Bus Driver: Whatever 🤷♂️ 👇
Never go on the other side, especially on hills
Plains driving Skills don’t work that way on Hilly Terrains. Last years Automobile tour 2023 to Meghalaya an Assam Regd Scorpio N Black did similar - ML Cops sent him back! Follow the Q on Ghats/Hilly Terrains and have patience. #RoadSafety #HillDriving (Video Recv via WA)
✅ What You Should Do
- Always drive on the left side, even on empty roads.
- Avoid shortcuts that require wrong-side driving.
- Follow lane markings and signs carefully.
- Educate others — especially young riders and local drivers.
India-Specific Challenges
- Narrow roads and poor signage in some areas
- Lack of lane discipline among other drivers
- Local habits that ignore formal rules
Despite these challenges, you can choose to drive responsibly. Your actions influence others and help build safer roads.
Key Takeaways
- India follows left-hand traffic. Always drive on the left.
- Wrong-side driving is illegal and dangerous.
- Don’t follow unsafe shortcuts. Follow the rules.
Before you start your vehicle, ask yourself:
Am I on the correct side of the road?
Choose safety over shortcuts. Drive responsibly. Help make Indian roads safer for everyone.