Indian rules of the road

So, I know that a few of you are transportation enthusiasts and thought you might be fascinated by the rules of the road here in india. I certainly am... here is what i have picked up on after two weeks in pune.

Rule #1: Drive on the left side of the road.
That is unless the left side is too crowded, or you dont feel like driving on the left side, then by all means drive on the right side of the road.

Rule #2: If there is any moving vehicle in front of you, always try to pass it. This may require driving on the right side of the road when opposing traffic is present, but this is perfectly acceptable.
(This passing rule also seems to apply to any time you are standing in some sort of 'line'. Do not ever stand in line, just try to be first.)

Rule #3: Honk constantly. In fact, many of the trucks have signs on the back of them reminding you to do so (Honk please!). Honk at all the vehicles you see, all the pedestrians you see, and even if you see none at all (quite impossible in Pune) honk repeatedly.

Rule #4: Non-motorized vehicles: this includes bicycles, large push carts to sell fruit or coconut juice, pedestrians, cows, goats, pigs, donkeys and of course dogs. Please join the traffic in the middle of the road. There is no reason to stay to the side of the lane, just jump on in and join the fun!

Rule #5: Signaling. When turning you can stick your hand out, but better yet just honk and cut across traffic. You may need to swerve around oncoming traffic and weave your way across the lane. This is normal.

Rule #6: Pedestrians: Do not attempt to walk on the sidewalk. There are piles of shit the size of footballs and large holes (often times with small children digging in them - i like to imagine they are just playing, not actually day laborers :( ) Walk on the street with the rest of traffic.

Rule #7: Crossing the street. Your best bet is to try to follow an indian. If this is not possible, hopefully you are of the generation that had some experience playing frogger. Always remember: you never, ever, in any situation have the right away as a pedestrian. Eye contact with a driver means get the f out of the way. You must just go for it, do not waiver or balk, walk at an even pace so the drivers can time their swerving, and hope for the best.

Rule #8: Riding in a rickshaw. These are quite fun once you let go of fear of death (one of the vrittis for you yogis). It is like a toy car. Hold on, do not let your limbs hang outside of the vehicle, and enjoy. And as always, where ever you go, have the correct change!


The streets in Pune are really something to watch. Especially the circle intersections which have no lights, and appear to not have any logic. There are honestly cars and rickshaws and motos going every direction. Motos and bikes often feel fine driving on the opposite side of the road near the sidewalk. Rickshaws often use the other lane without hesitation or just drive in the middle. There really are cows and goats and pigs in the road, and im talking about real busy roads, not little side roads. The bicycles really do ride down the middle and the vehicles swerve around them! It is a wonder just to stand there and watch. Like a puzzle really, for my western brain to try to see the logic and order in the mayhem. Quite amazing.