India Splits Emergency Calls Across Four Numbers (2026)

India keeps traffic on the left, the biggest adjustment for drivers used to the right. The blood alcohol limit is 0.03%, and speeding fines run from INR 1,000 for a small margin to INR 4,000 or more once you’re 30 km/h over. Emergency calls split across four separate numbers: 100 for police, 101 for fire, 108 for ambulance and 112 as a general line.

Cars may do at most 70 km/h inside municipal limits, though local signs are often lower, 80 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on expressways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.03% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.

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Emergency Numbers in India

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 100 | Ambulance: 108 | Fire: 101

Save these numbers before you start driving. In India, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in India

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification S.O. 1522(E) of 6 April 2018 lets passenger cars run at up to 70 km/h on roads within municipal limits, 80 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on expressways. That 70 is a ceiling, not the usual speed in town: states and city traffic police post their own lower limits, and many urban roads are signed 50 km/h or less, so the number on the sign is the one you are held to.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 40 km/h urban, 65 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in India escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: INR 1,000-2,000 (approx. EUR 11-22). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: INR 2,000-4,000 (approx. EUR 22-44). Over 20 km/h: INR 4,000+ (approx. EUR 44+) + possible licence suspension or more.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: INR 1,000-5,000 (approx. EUR 11-55)
• Running a red light: INR 1,000-5,000 (approx. EUR 11-55)
• Seatbelt violation: INR 1,000 (approx. EUR 11)

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the left side of the road. Overtake on the right. At roundabouts, traffic flows clockwise — give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is INR 1,000-5,000 (approx. EUR 11-55). Use hands-free devices only.

Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.

Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in India is 0.03% BAC. This is higher than Pakistan (0.00% (zero tolerance) BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Winter tyres are not required in India. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in India.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in India guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in India must carry the following:

Required:

• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Recommended:

• Warning triangle

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in India. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 12 months.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

IDP required for foreign visitors. Valid for 1 year from entry. Drives on the left.

Parking and Fuel

Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.

Fuel prices in the box above are PPAC’s retail selling prices for Delhi, dated; other metros price differently because of state taxes.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

India has hot climate with monsoon seasons. Check weather forecasts before long journeys and adjust your driving to conditions. Road surfaces and visibility can change quickly with weather.

Useful Driving Phrases in Hindi

Knowing a few phrases in Hindi helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:

Download the Hindi language pack in your translation app for offline use.

Practical Driving Tips for India

• If switching from right-hand traffic, concentrate on turns and roundabouts — these are where most mistakes happen.
• Download offline maps of India before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.