(1) (a) The State Government or any authority authorised in this behalf by the State Government may cause or permit traffic signs to be placed or erected in any public place for the purpose of bringing to public notice any speed limits fixed under sub-section (2) of section 112 or any prohibitions or restrictions imposed under section 115 or generally for the purpose of regulating motor vehicle traffic.
(b) A State Government or any authority authorised in this behalf by the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette or by the erection at suitable places of the appropriate traffic sign referred to in Part A of the Schedule, designate certain roads as main roads for the purposes of the driving regulations made by the Central Government.
(2) Traffic signs placed or erected under sub-section (1) for any purpose for which provision is made in the Schedule shall be of the size, colour, and type and shall have the meanings set forth in the Schedule, but the State Government or any authority empowered in this behalf by the State Government may make or authorise the addition to any sign set forth in the said Schedule, of transcriptions of the words, letters, or figures thereon in such script as the State Government may think fit, provided that the transcriptions shall be of similar size and colour to the words, letters, or figures set forth in the Schedule.
(3) Except as provided by sub-section (1), no traffic sign shall, after the commencement of this Act, be placed or erected on or near any road; but all traffic signs placed or erected prior to the commencement of this Act by any competent authority shall for the purpose of this Act be deemed to be traffic signs placed or erected under the provisions of sub-section (1).
(4) A State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, empower any police officer not below the rank of a Superintendent of Police to remove or cause to be removed any sign or advertisement which is so placed in his opinion as to obscure any traffic sign from view or any sign or advertisement which is in his opinion so similar in appearance to a traffic sign as to be misleading or which in his opinion is likely to distract the attention or concentration of the driver.
(5) No person shall wilfully remove, alter, deface, or in any way tamper with any traffic signs placed or erected under this section.
(6) If any person accidentally causes such damage to a traffic sign as renders it useless for the purpose for which it is placed or erected under this section, he shall report the circumstances of the occurrence to a police officer or at a police station as soon as possible, and in any case within twenty-four hours of the occurrence.
(7) For the purpose of bringing the signs set forth in 1[the First Schedule] in conformity with any International Convention relating to motor traffic to which the Central Government is for the time being a party, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make any addition or alteration to any such sign and on the issue of any such notification, 1[the First Schedule] shall be deemed to be amended accordingly.
Simplified Explanation
Section 116 of the Motor Vehicles Act grants the Central Government, State Governments, and other local authorities the authority to erect traffic signs on roads to regulate, control, and manage traffic. These signs are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians on public roads. Traffic signs provide important instructions, warnings, and guidance to road users.
Key Aspects of Section 116
- Authority to Erect Traffic Signs:
- The Central Government, State Governments, or any authorized local authority (such as a municipal corporation or traffic department) has the power to place, erect, or remove traffic signs on roads.
- These traffic signs can be installed on national highways, state highways, city roads, or any other public roads to regulate traffic and enhance road safety.
- Types of Traffic Signs:
- Traffic signs can be of various types, including:
- Mandatory Signs: These signs provide instructions that must be followed, such as “Stop,” “Yield,” or “Speed Limit.”
- Prohibitory Signs: Signs that indicate prohibitions, such as “No Parking,” “No Entry,” or “No U-turn.”
- Cautionary or Warning Signs: These warn drivers of potential hazards ahead, such as “Sharp Turn,” “Steep Hill,” or “Pedestrian Crossing.”
- Informational Signs: Signs that give information to road users, such as directions, distances, or service areas.
- These signs must conform to the specifications set by the Central Government or relevant authorities, ensuring that they are uniform and easily understood by all road users.
- Traffic signs can be of various types, including:
- Placement and Maintenance:
- The authorities are responsible not only for the placement of traffic signs but also for their maintenance to ensure visibility and clarity. This includes regularly checking for wear and tear, cleaning the signs, and replacing damaged or missing signs.
- Traffic signs must be placed in prominent positions where they are visible to all drivers and pedestrians, ensuring that the road rules are clear.
- Purpose of Traffic Signs:
- The primary purpose of traffic signs is to regulate traffic flow, promote safety, and prevent accidents by providing road users with clear instructions and warnings.
- Traffic signs help ensure orderly movement on the roads, preventing confusion or accidents caused by unclear or missing instructions.
- Temporary Signs:
- Authorities may also erect temporary traffic signs for special situations, such as road construction, diversions, or special events. These signs provide temporary instructions to ensure safety during such conditions.
Responsibilities of Drivers and Road Users
- Obligation to Obey Traffic Signs:
- All road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, are required by law to obey traffic signs. Ignoring or violating traffic signs can lead to fines, penalties, or even accidents.
- For example, failing to stop at a “Stop” sign or violating a “No Parking” sign may result in penalties or fines imposed by traffic authorities.
- Penalties for Violating Traffic Signs:
- Violating the instructions given by traffic signs is considered a traffic offense and can result in fines, suspension of driving licenses, or other legal actions, depending on the severity of the violation.
Impact on Stakeholders
- For Drivers:
- Drivers must be vigilant and follow the instructions given by traffic signs to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road. Obeying traffic signs helps reduce accidents and traffic violations.
- For Road Users (Pedestrians, Cyclists):
- Pedestrians and cyclists also need to adhere to traffic signs, such as those indicating pedestrian crossings or bicycle lanes, to ensure their own safety on the roads.
- For Local Authorities and Traffic Departments:
- It is the responsibility of local authorities and traffic departments to install, maintain, and manage traffic signs in their areas. This ensures smooth traffic flow, reduces congestion, and promotes road safety.
- For Law Enforcement:
- Traffic police and other law enforcement agencies are responsible for monitoring compliance with traffic signs. They can issue fines or other penalties to those who violate the rules indicated by the signs.
Example of Application
If a city experiences heavy congestion in a particular area, the local traffic authority may install “One-Way” traffic signs to regulate the flow of vehicles and ease congestion. Similarly, “Speed Limit” signs may be erected in residential areas or near schools to ensure that drivers reduce their speed and prioritize safety.
In another case, during road construction, temporary traffic signs such as “Diversion Ahead” or “Men at Work” may be placed to warn drivers to take alternate routes or slow down for safety.
Importance of Traffic Signs
- Road Safety:
- Traffic signs play a crucial role in maintaining road safety by providing clear instructions to all road users. They help prevent accidents by controlling speed, directing traffic flow, and warning drivers of potential hazards.
- Efficient Traffic Management:
- Traffic signs help manage traffic congestion, improve road capacity, and ensure smooth movement of vehicles, especially in busy areas or during peak traffic hours.
- Consistency and Clarity:
- Uniform traffic signs ensure that all road users, regardless of where they are driving, can easily understand the rules and act accordingly. This reduces confusion and ensures consistent traffic management across the country.
Compliance
- For Drivers:
- Drivers are legally obligated to obey traffic signs. They must ensure that they understand and follow the rules indicated by the signs, as failure to comply can lead to penalties or accidents.
- For Authorities:
- Local authorities and governments must ensure that traffic signs are properly installed, visible, and maintained. They are also responsible for removing outdated or unnecessary signs to avoid confusion.
In summary, Section 116 of the Motor Vehicles Act empowers the government and local authorities to erect, maintain, and enforce traffic signs to regulate and control traffic flow. These signs are essential for road safety, traffic management, and infrastructure protection, helping prevent accidents and ensuring orderly movement on the roads. All road users are required to comply with traffic signs, and violations can lead to penalties or fines.
