Motor Vehicles Act: Section 119 – Duty to obey traffic signs

(1) Every driver of a motor vehicle shall drive the vehicle in conformity with any indication given by mandatory traffic sign and in conformity with the driving regulations made by the Central Government, and shall comply with all directions given to him by any police officer for the time being engaged in the regulation of traffic in any public place.

(2) In this section “mandatory traffic sign” means a traffic sign included in Part A of the Schedule, or any traffic sign of similar form (that is to say, consisting of or including a circular disc displaying a device, word or figure and having a red ground or border) placed or erected for the purpose of regulating motor vehicle traffic under sub-section (1) of section 116.

Simplified Explanation

Section 119 of the Motor Vehicles Act focuses on the legal obligation for all drivers and riders on the road to comply with traffic signs. This section is crucial for maintaining order and safety on the roads. Here’s a detailed explanation of what this section entails:

Under Section 119 of the Motor Vehicles Act, it is mandatory for every driver, rider, and pedestrian using the roadways to follow the directions provided by properly placed traffic signs. These signs are there to regulate and control traffic flow, ensuring everyone’s safety.

Key Points of Section 119:

  1. Obligation to Follow Traffic Signs:
    • This section mandates that all traffic signs installed by the authority should be obeyed by everyone using the road. It includes signs indicating speed limits, no entry, right or left turns, and other regulatory directions.
  2. Authority to Install Signs:
    • The traffic authorities, under various governmental jurisdictions, have the power to place these signs at necessary points on roads. This could be done by national or local bodies responsible for road safety and regulation.
  3. Types of Traffic Signs:
    • Traffic signs include but are not limited to, regulatory signs (like stop and yield), warning signs (alerting about possible hazards), and informative signs (providing guidance or information).
  4. Consequences of Non-Compliance:
    • Ignoring traffic signs can lead to penal actions including fines, penalties, or even imprisonment depending on the severity and consequences of the violation. It’s also treated as a traffic offense which could lead to demerit points on the driver’s license.
  5. Purpose of Compliance:
    • The main goal of this section is to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow. By following traffic signs, drivers contribute to a safer road environment for themselves and others.

Importance of Section 119:

Complying with Section 119 is vital for several reasons:

  • Safety: It reduces the risk of accidents caused by erratic driving or the failure to heed traffic rules.
  • Order: It helps in maintaining traffic discipline and order on the roads.
  • Legal Compliance: It ensures that road users are not legally penalized for traffic violations.

Understanding and adhering to this section helps in promoting responsible driving behavior, which is essential for the safety and efficiency of traffic systems.

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