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Traffic lightsIndia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of India. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
India

14. Traffic lights

Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.

A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.

Traffic lights
Traffic lights at Vengalloor Junction. (Thodupuzha, Kerala, India)
Wikimedia.org • Ranjithsiji • CC BY-SA
What must a driver do at red, amber and green signals in India?

Stop for red at the stop line before the pedestrian crossing, or at the prescribed alternative stopping place if it is absent. Green permits entry only when the way ahead is clear and you have given way to pedestrians and vehicles already within the intersection. Amber requires stopping subject to the stated close-approach exception; do not accelerate to beat it.

🔗 cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in • Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations 2017, regulations 3,8-9,12

May you turn at a red traffic light in India?

The national Driving Regulations allow a left turn on red unless a traffic control device or road sign prohibits it. Give way to traffic approaching from the right and to pedestrians and cyclists crossing on your left. This is not permission to ignore another applicable direction or restriction.

🔗 cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in • Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations 2017, regulations 3,8-9,12

Can a green light remove the need to give way to pedestrians in India?

No. When green appears, give way to pedestrians already within the intersection or at an adjacent pedestrian crossing, and to vehicles already in the intersection. Enter only if the way ahead is clear.

🔗 cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in • Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations 2017, regulations 3,8-9,12

1 India 2 Speed limit 3 Toll road 4 Bus stop 5 Stop sign 6 Roundabout 7 Pedestrian crossing 8 Railway crossing 9 School area 10 Crossing animals 11 Curve 12 Roadworks 13 Priority at the next junction 14 Traffic lights 15 Driving licence 16 Traffic mirror 17 No stopping 18 Reversing 19 Licence plate 20 Charging station 21 Bus 22 Police 23 Ambulance 24 Pothole 25 Path 26 Particulates 27 Air pollution 28 Rush hour 29 Road code 30 Street gutter 31 Cargo bike 32 Forestry vehicle 33 Construction vehicle 34 Semi-trailer truck 35 Trolleybus 36 Speed pedelec 37 Delivery vehicle 38 Idling 39 Tow truck 40 Four-wheel drive 41 Bicycle 42 Motorcycle equipment 43 Rail track 44 Caravan 45 Trailer 46 Tow hitch 47 Fire truck 48 Siren 49 Convoy 50 Emergency vehicle lighting 51 Agricultural machinery 52 Electric bicycle 53 Electric vehicle 54 Pedelec 55 Quadricycle 56 Microcar 57 All-terrain vehicle 58 Van 59 Recreational vehicle 60 Scooter 61 Trikke 62 Personal mobility device 63 Skateboard 64 Segway 65 Kick scooter 66 Roller skates 67 Mailman 68 Hitchhiker 69 Toddler 70 Child 71 Disability 72 Handcart 73 Motorail 74 km/h 75 mph 76 Speedometer 77 Ride height 78 Dirt road 79 Driving 80 Start-stop system 81 Manual transmission 82 Automatic transmission 83 Throttle 84 Tachometer 85 Steering wheel 86 Power steering 87 Visual scanning 88 Mirror 89 Fuel 90 Fuel gauge 91 Petrol 92 Diesel 93 Diesel exhaust fluid 94 Car insurance 95 First aid kit 96 Fire extinguisher 97 High-visibility clothing 98 First aid 99 Concrete step barrier 100 Barriers ...