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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter V
Section 118
Driving Regulations
Control of Traffic
Fine: ₹500Compoundable: YesEndorsement: No
BARE ACT PROVISION
Legal Text
Every driver of a motor vehicle shall drive the vehicle — (a) along the left side of the road; (b) so as to allow traffic proceeding in the opposite direction a reasonable portion of the road; (c) when at an intersection, in accordance with traffic signs; (d) in a clearly visible manner by the use of prescribed signals.
Simplified Explanation
Section 118 and the detailed driving regulations made under it (Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, Rules 3–21) form the core of everyday driving conduct requirements. Keep left rule (drive on the left side of the road — India drives on the left); overtaking only on the right side except in specifically prescribed situations; use of indicators before turning or changing lanes; dipping headlights when meeting oncoming traffic; not using horn in silent zones or near hospitals; lane discipline on multi-lane roads; following distance requirements. While the basic Section 177 penalty (₹500) applies to most violations, some specific violations have their own enhanced penalties — using mobile phones while driving (Section 184/177B — ₹5,000), not using seat belts (Section 194B/138(3) — ₹1,000), not wearing helmets (Section 129 — ₹1,000).
Historical Context
India's driving culture has historically shown low compliance with lane discipline and indicator use. Road safety studies consistently identify improper lane changing and failure to signal as significant accident factors.Critical Changes
Mobile phone use while driving specifically addressed by Section 184 — ₹5,000 penalty.
Automated enforcement (ANPR, AI cameras) detecting lane violations increasingly deployed.
DND (Do Not Disturb) horn use near hospitals and schools — enforced under Section 119.
Practical Scenarios
"Changing lanes without indicating on a Mumbai highway — Section 118/177 violation."
"Driving on the wrong side of the road — Section 118 violation."
"Not dipping headlights for oncoming traffic — Section 118/177 violation."
Common Queries
Yes — Section 118 requires the use of prescribed signals before turning or changing lanes. Failing to indicate is a violation of driving regulations under Section 177 (₹500 fine).
India drives on the left, so overtaking must be done from the right side of the vehicle being overtaken. Overtaking from the left is only permitted in specifically prescribed circumstances (e.g., when the vehicle ahead is turning right).