Guide to...driving across india

The essential kit and rules that will serve you well when driving across most of India.

1 - EQUIPMENT -
The most essential equipment is to carry a warning triangle in your car. A first-aid kit is also a highly sensible idea. For adventurous locations, like the desert in Rajasthan, or to cover every eventuality, a fire extinguisher, spare bulbs and a highly visibility jacket are recommended. If you wear glasses it makes sense to keep an extra pair in the car.

2 - DOCUMENTS
Keep your original driving license with you. Cops in certain parts of the country will not accept any excuses for not carrying it. Also, keep any other proof of ID ready, things like a pan card or a voter ID card. Other vital documents are your certificate of insurance and your cars registration documents, so you can prove the car is yours.

3 - DRINKING AND DRIVING
Never drink and drive however light the drink you just took. Take turns being the designated driver with your partner or take a taxi if you're traveling solo. Drink-drive limits are not tolerated in certain parts of India. For instance, though Mumbai might be regarded as India's party capital, the police's limit there is zero.

4 - COLD CLIMATES
If you're in a part of the country that experiences a lot of snow, then you'll need snow chains. Once you've bought snow chains then practice fitting them at home - it's easier than waiting to do it for the first time, halfway up a mountain with numb hands. Top up your car with washer fliud and coolant that can tolerate lower temperatures too.

5 - HEADLIGHTS
Adjust your headlights so they won't blind other motorists coming from the other side. Kits are available for most cars but they can be fiddly to fix. If your car has brighter Xenon lamps then take a look in your handbook to see if you can adjust them yourself. You will have to adjust the height of your headlights if carrying a lot people or luggage. Its just a simple flick of the dial in most cars. Some parts of the country insist that you keep low beam at all times.

6 - SPEEDING
Expect on-the-spot fines for speeding. If you are driving very quickly then your car may even be impounded. In general, the speed limit in towns across India is 50kph, but you will find lower speed limits in many instances. Out-of-town limits vary dramatically. So it pays dividends to check out the exact figure of the place that you are visiting rather than pay insane amounts as challans to the local police.