Driving Alert: Noida Lane Change Rules You Can't Miss

New Delhi: The Noida traffic police have implemented strict lane change regulations on major city routes to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Commuters must now change lanes at least 100 meters before designated lane change zones, failing which they will face fines.

Why the New Rules?

Authorities said that frequent lane violations have caused traffic jams and accidents at these intersections. The road from Sector-18 to Rajnigandha will be widened to improve traffic movement. A slip road will be constructed near BHEL to ease congestion.

To facilitate the road expansion:

• Two trees will be relocated with the Forest Department's approval.
• Two public toilets on the footpath will be removed.

Fines and Penalties for Violators

The Noida traffic police began enforcement on Wednesday, issuing 335 challans on the first day. Each violation attracted a ₹2,000 fine under Section 119/177 of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lakhan Singh Yadav warned, "Commuters will not be allowed to change lanes at the end of a junction, as it disrupts traffic. They must follow the signboards and adhere to the rules, or they will be fined."

Where Do New Rules Apply?

Traffic police have deployed teams at three major intersections to monitor compliance:

• Charkha to Kalindi Kunj Turn – Vehicles must change lanes 100 meters in advance.
• GIP to Mahamaya – Drivers should stick to the left lane.
• DND and Chilla – Commuters must stay on the right lane.

A three-member traffic police team has been stationed at each of these locations during peak hours (8 AM-1 PM, 4 PM-9 PM) for manual enforcement. Signboards have been installed to warn drivers in advance. Officials stated that the enforcement may extend to the entire district in the future. In the coming months, automated cameras will be installed to issue fines electronically.

Lane Change Violations Now Punishable

Traffic police have deployed teams at three high-traffic locations—Charkha roundabout near Amity University, Gardens Galleria Mall to Film City, and Bird Feeding Point near Dalit Prerna Sthal. 

On the first day of enforcement, 335 challans were issued, each carrying a ₹2,000 fine under Section 119/177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, officials confirmed.

Noida Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lakhan Singh Yadav stated, “Commuters will not be allowed to change lanes at the end of a junction as it disrupts traffic. Multiple display boards have been installed to guide drivers. Those failing to follow the rules will be fined.”

Fines to Increase for Repeat Offenders

Authorities warned that harsher penalties would be imposed if violations persist. “Once drivers are familiar with the rules, violations will be considered dangerous driving, and a fine of ₹5,000 under Section 184 of the MV Act will be imposed,” a senior traffic officer said. However, two-wheelers are exempted unless abrupt lane changes cause traffic congestion.

Surveillance and Automated Monitoring

To ensure compliance, three traffic personnel have been deployed at each key intersection during peak hours (8 AM-1 PM and 4 PM-9 PM). Currently, fines are being issued manually using mobile phones, but in two to three months, cameras will be installed to automate the process.

How Will the New System Work?

The lane-changing zones will start 500 meters before an intersection and end 100 meters before it. Multiple signboards have been placed to alert drivers.

DCP Yadav explained: "Vehicles coming from the Noida Expressway toward the Chilla border and cruising in the right lane cannot suddenly shift left, blocking multiple lanes of traffic. If they do, a challan will be issued."

The three key lane-changing zones include:

• Bird Feeding Point (Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal) – Diverts traffic to Film City flyover, Chilla, and DND.
• Gardens Galleria Mall Road – Routes traffic from the Botanical Garden and the Elevated Road to Film City and Noida Expressway.
• Charkha Roundabout (near Amity University) – One of the busiest intersections in Noida.

Authorities Urge Drivers to Follow Rules

The traffic police have urged commuters to follow these lane-change rules to ensure smoother traffic flow and avoid heavy fines. Officials warned that strict action will continue against violators to prevent accidents and congestion in Noida.

Authorities urged motorists to follow the new rules to avoid penalties and ensure smooth traffic movement across the city.