Want to hire a bike in Goa? Read this!

GoanCanuck

A lot of people visiting Goa like to hire a motorcycle/scooter to go sightseeing. But unfortunately many of these tourists are unware of the various fines to be paid for traffic offences, so I decided to put together a list of tips for everybody so that they are better informed and don't get ripped off.


Production of documents. -- A person driving a vehicle,

(i) shall always carry with him his driving license; certificate of registration; certificate of taxation and certificate of insurance of the vehicle and in case of transport vehicle the permit and fitness certificate, also;

(ii) shall on demand by police officer in uniform or an officer of the Motor Vehicle Department in uniform or any other officer authorised by the government, produce the documents for inspection.



When stopped by a policeman never say that you have hired the motorcycle/scooter. Always say that the bike belongs to your friend and that you are borrowing it for the day. Give the phone number of your "friend" when questioned by the police.


DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL:

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in India. In the event of an accident in such a condition, the law deals with offenders with great severity.The punishment is fine and/or imprisonment upto 6 months, and the driving license is suspended for at least six months.



IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS

• Stop and help the injured. Under Section 134 of the Motor Vehicles Act, it is the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident to convey the injured to the nearest hospital / medical practitioner. The doctor in such a case shall be duty bound to provide medical aid without waiting for any procedural formalities.
  
• Offer medical assistance. If the person refuses medical assistance, try to obtain in writing from the person that he does not desire any medical help.
  
• Note down names and addresses of witnesses and registration numbers of vehicles passing by, these could prove useful during investigations.
  
• If a policeman comes on scene, note his name and number as well and provide him with all possible details.
  
• Do not move the vehicle - unless ordered by a police officer to do so / to remove a trapped person / to prevent obstruction to fire services or highway traffic. However if you have to move the vehicle mark the tire positions of the vehicles involved with the directions of their heading using a chalk or paint or any means for further reference to the police investigation.
  
• The victim and his relatives have a RIGHT to obtain the copy of the FIRST INFORMATION REPORT, PANCHNAMA, MEDICAL REPORT and other relevant documents for claiming compensation. The victim can move the Motor Accident Claim Tribunal as prescribed by the law.

DRIVING SAFETY:

No lights other than those permitted in the Motor Vehicles Rules can be fitted on the vehicle. This includes spotlights, searchlights, mercury lamps, moving lights and fancy lights. Dome lights are also not permitted unless specifically authorised.


No red light can be fitted anywhere such that they are visible from the front.

Only red lights and white reverse lights are allowed as visible from behind. During the night, the license plate of a car must be illuminated by a light.


All vehicles must have Hazard lights or Parking lights.

All vehicles must have rear-view mirrors. These must be fitted externally in transport vehicles.

The use of cellular phones is prohibited while driving.

No TV/Video display is allowed in a vehicle where it may be a disturbance to the driver.

No multitone horns can be fitted onto a vehicle. Also, Horns producing musical notes, unduly harsh, shrill or alarming noises are also prohibited.

The glasses of the front and rear windscreen should be such that the visual transmission of light is not less than 70% and in case of side windows, it should not be less than 50%. The thumb rule is that they permit clear vision from inside to outside, and outside to inside.


FINES:

Driving a motorcycle/scooter without a licence---------Rs 450

Driving recklessly or dangerously-----------------------Rs 600

Driving motorcycle/scooter without registration---------Rs 150

Driving at a speed exceeding the maximum speed -------Rs 300

Driving when mentally or physically unit to drive---------Rs 200

Driving uninsured motorcycle/scooter-------------------Rs 400

Violations of standards prescribed for road safety, noise and air pollution
---------Rs 550


Police station phone numbers,

Colva police station------2788396

Anjuna police station------2273233

Calangute police station---2278284

Canacona-----------------2633357

Panaji--------------------2428482 Ext-311

sunilg

usuful info there......but plz post the SOURCE first...........

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...Bismillah

GoanCanuck

The source is the GOA POLICE.

steven_ber

Very useful info GC.

Foreigners also need an International Drivers Licence I think.

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How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions.



Train information.

aholic_2907

hey if im riding a 2 wheeler without gears and if i have only a 4 wheeler motor car driving license, where would i fit in?

GoanCanuck

You would still need a scooter licence if your gearless scooter is 100cc and above.

smohnot

Another question - say you get caught riding without a license/speeding... how much do you bribe the police to get out of it?

cyberhippie

Depends on your haggling skills but it won't be any less than a hundred rupees, count on a great deal more!!

GoanCanuck

This is a tricky question. If you are Caucasian you can get charged more than the official fine as a "bribe".

josan165

Is it compulsory to wear helmets?

I had been there last December and drove without helmet.

Was that by chance that police never stopped me or is it allowed to drive without helmets?

goangoangone

...on the national highway(NH17) yes, otherwise, no. You'll see a rider wearing a helmet, with his wife and kid on the back without.

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GoanGoan......here