Kerala Tightens Lane Rules to Prevent Highway Crashes

August 26, 2026 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani

Safer highways depend not only on road infrastructure but also on how responsibly motorists use every lane.

The Kerala Police headquarters has issued fresh lane discipline guidelines after linking poor lane practices to serious highway accidents.

The Traffic and Road Safety Management wing has also flagged a risky habit among two-wheeler riders.

Many riders travel close to the right shoulder or median. Some believe this position offers greater protection. However, police officials have warned that such behaviour can increase collision risks.

Under the updated lane system, motorists must choose lanes according to their speed and vehicle type.

Slow-moving vehicles and heavy vehicles should remain in the extreme left lane. Vehicles travelling at normal speeds can use the middle lanes.

Meanwhile, the extreme right lane should mainly serve overtaking vehicles. Once the manoeuvre is complete, drivers must return to their earlier lane.

This practice can help keep faster lanes clear and improve overall traffic movement.

Before switching lanes, motorists must activate indicators. They should also check their rear-view and side mirrors. In addition, drivers must maintain enough distance from surrounding vehicles.

Lane changes are permitted across broken white lines when conditions are safe. However, motorists must not cross unbroken white lines.

Police have also advised against overtaking where yellow lines are marked.

Furthermore, drivers should avoid changing lanes near junctions and zebra crossings. Road users must also follow traffic signs and markings displayed along highways.

The police said repeated lane violations have contributed to accidents. Therefore, authorities will conduct stricter inspections to identify and address such violations.

Officials have also appealed to the public to report traffic violations. Complaints can be submitted through the Kerala Police’s ‘Shubhayathra’ road safety initiative on WhatsApp at 97470 01099.

The latest guidelines aim to discourage unsafe riding habits and improve lane discipline. At the same time, they seek to reduce conflicts between slow, regular and faster-moving traffic.

Better compliance could help prevent avoidable crashes and save lives on Kerala’s busy highways.

Image Credit: Ms Sarah Welch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons