Motor Vehicles Act Section 121 — Signals and signalling devices
CHAPTER VIII CONTROL OF TRAFFIC
Civil
Summary
The driver of a motor vehicle must give signals, and must give them on the occasions, that the Central Government prescribes.
The first proviso deals with signals for turning right, turning left, or stopping. Under clause (a), if the vehicle has a right-hand steering control, the signal may be given by a mechanical or electrical device of a prescribed nature that is fixed to the vehicle. Under clause (b), if the vehicle has a left-hand steering control, the signal must be given by a mechanical or electrical device of a prescribed nature that is fixed to the vehicle.
The second proviso allows the State Government to exempt any motor vehicle, or any class or description of motor vehicles, from this section. This exemption can be made for any area or route, and the State Government must consider the width and condition of the roads in that area or route. The exemption is done by a notification in the Official Gazette, and it may be subject to conditions specified in that notification.
Official Text
The driver of a motor vehicle shall make such signals and on such occasions as may be prescribed by the Central Government:
Provided that the signal of an intention to turn to the right or left or to stop—
(a) in the case of a motor vehicle with a right-hand steering control, may be given by a mechanical or electrical device of a prescribed nature affixed to the vehicle; and
(b) in the case of a motor vehicle with a left-hand steering control, shall be given by a mechanical or electrical device of a prescribed nature affixed to the vehicle:
Provided further that the State Government may, having regard to the width and condition of the roads in any area or route, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt subject to such conditions as may be specified therein any motor vehicle or class or description of motor vehicles from the operation of this section for the purpose of plying in that area or route.