Driving in India can be chaotic but with the right information, you can get on the road with confidence. Our guide will fill you in on some key driving rules, speed limits, and other information you might need. And for those of you coming from the US, be aware that they drive on the left side of the road here.
Rules and Regulations
- When needing to turn onto a road on the left, stay close to the left side of the road and after making the turn continue on the left side of the road. (Do not cut across lanes from the right side of the road and then turn left).
- When turning onto a road on the right side, first approach the center of the road as safely as possible and then turn to the right and stay on the left side of the road.
- Drunk driving – The maximum permitted level of alcohol allowed in the bloodstream is very low a 0.03% per 100ml blood. Anyone caught breaking this law could face a fine or imprisonment.
- Right of way on mountain roads/ steep roads: Where the width of the road is not sufficient for vehicles to pass each other safely, the vehicle going downhill has to stop on the side of the road and allow the vehicles going uphill to pass.
- If there is a need to pass traffic going in the same direction, always pass/overtake them on their right side. The only exception to this would be the case where a vehicle that is trying to turn to the right (and has indicated their intention to turn right) is occupying the center lane and therefore requires passing them on the left side.
- At intersections, pedestrian crossings and stop signs make sure that the vehicle is fully behind the stop lines painted on the road. You should stop before the stop line when required by a traffic light or sign or by a police officer.
- Use of mobile phones is not allowed while driving.
Speed Limits
The speed limits in India vary greatly by state and type of vehicle, so it’s best to read up ahead of time about the driving rules in the state you’re visiting. The speed limits below are those set by the national government, although the actual limits may vary by state.
| Urban roads | 70 km/h (43 mph) |
| Highways | 100 km/hr (62 mph) |
| Interstates | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
| National Upper Speed Limit | 140 km/h (87 mph) |
What You Should Bring Along
The person driving the vehicle should always carry the following documents:
- Driver’s License
- International driving permit (IDP)
- Certificate of registration of the vehicle
- Certificate of insurance
SIXT’s Top Tips for India
Because India is such a vast country you might need to drive in order to get around. If you travel to New Dehli you can experience a city with lots of history and culture. Visit the Red Fort, which was built in 1648, or the Qutab Minar that’s described as the first mosque in India. There’s also Humayun’s Tomb, the resting place of the second of the great Mughal emperors.
If in Mumbai, visit the magnificent monument, the Gateway of India, or Marine Drive, a road along the Arabian sea. Take a trip to Bangalore and visit the stunning Lalbagh Botanical Garden. While there you could drive to Goa and see the Dudhsagar Waterfalls or the famous beaches.
