No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall cause or allow the vehicle to remain stationary in any public place, unless there is in the driver’s seat a person duly licensed to drive the vehicle or unless the mechanism has been stopped and a brake or brakes applied or such other measures taken as to ensure that the vehicle cannot accidentally be put in motion in the absence of the driver.
Simplified Explanation
Section 126 of the Motor Vehicles Act governs the regulations related to stationary vehicles, focusing on how vehicles should be parked or left stationary to ensure they do not pose a safety hazard or obstruct traffic. This section is important for maintaining traffic flow and ensuring road safety. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Section 126 specifies the conditions under which a vehicle can be considered safely parked or left stationary on public roads. This includes the proper use of parking lights, the positioning of the vehicle in designated areas, and precautions to take when a vehicle must be left unattended in emergency situations.
Key Points of Section 126:
- Proper Positioning:
- Vehicles must be parked in a manner that does not obstruct traffic flow or pedestrian movement. This includes parking in designated areas or along the side of the road where parking is allowed.
- Use of Signals:
- When a vehicle is left stationary on the road, particularly under conditions of poor visibility (like at night or in foggy conditions), the vehicle must have its parking lights on or other appropriate signals in use to alert other road users.
- Emergency Situations:
- If a vehicle breaks down and has to be left stationary in a place that might cause obstruction, the driver must take all possible steps to move the vehicle to a safer spot. If moving the vehicle isn’t feasible, the driver should use hazard lights and place a warning triangle or other indicators to warn approaching traffic.
- Leaving Vehicle Unattended:
- The act may also specify the conditions under which a driver can leave a vehicle unattended. Typically, the vehicle must be locked, and keys should not be left in the vehicle to prevent theft and unauthorized use.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Failing to adhere to these rules can result in fines, penalties, or towing of the vehicle at the owner’s expense, depending on the severity of the obstruction or hazard created.
Importance of Section 126:
- Safety: Ensures that stationary vehicles do not become hazards for other road users.
- Traffic Flow: Helps maintain an uninterrupted flow of traffic by ensuring that vehicles are parked or left stationary in a manner that does not cause congestion or blockages.
- Legal Compliance: Provides a legal framework that drivers must follow when their vehicle is stationary, encouraging responsible behavior and enhancing overall road safety.
By adhering to Section 126, drivers contribute to a safer and more organized road environment, reducing the potential for accidents and ensuring that emergency situations are managed effectively.
