Brampton. If you’ve ever been to India, that’s their driving school. That's why Brampton has some of the highest auto insurance rates of the country. My mates have just returned from a three week guided motorcycle tour of southern India and their guide shared the...
Unofficial Rules of Driving in India
- Forget the Rearview Mirror. What’s behind you doesn’t matter. If you see a gap in front, take it. Whoever is behind will adjust—or honk.
- Every Gap Is Yours. A car-sized gap? Go for it. A motorcycle-sized gap? Even better. A pedestrian-sized gap? Honk twice and squeeze in.
- The Horn Is Your Voice. Indicators are optional.
- Roads Are Just Suggestions. Lane markings? Decorative. Medians? Optional. Sidewalks? Extra lanes for when the main road feels crowded.
- Size = Right of Way. Trucks and buses are kings. Cars bow to them. Motorcycles bow to cars. Pedestrians bow to everyone (and pray).
- Traffic Lights Are Guidelines. Green = Go. Yellow = Go faster. Red = Depends… is there a cop? If not, maybe still go.
- Shoulder? Sidewalk? Go for It. If the main road is blocked, the shoulder is fair game. If the shoulder is blocked, the sidewalk is fair game. If the sidewalk is blocked, well… time to invent a new road.
- Cows Rule All. If a cow is in the road, all bets are off. Cars, buses, trucks, even the police will stop and wait. The cow is always right.
- Roundabouts = Free for All. First come, first serve. Or last come, first shove. Either way, honk and hope.
- Expect the Unexpected. Wrong-way traffic? Normal. Three people on a scooter? Normal. A tractor hauling sugarcane at 10 km/h in the fast lane? Normal. Just keep moving.
This may give some insight as to why our food delivery ebikers seem to follow no rules whatsoever.