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Car Hire in India: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Indian speed limits, National Highway tolls and FASTag, Delhi air-quality restrictions, monsoon and mountain driving, licence requirements and the road rules that matter on a journey through India.

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Before you leave the rental car park

Road conditions in India vary enormously, from modern access-controlled expressways to congested city streets and remote mountain roads. A careful vehicle check before departure is particularly worthwhile.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electricity or another fuel.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister, horn and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Check the tyres: look for obvious damage and confirm that a spare wheel or repair kit is available.
  • Ask about FASTag: confirm how tolls are charged and whether sufficient FASTag balance or another rental-company arrangement is in place.
  • Check your documents: carry the driving licence, International Driving Permit and rental documentation required for your journey.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Drive on the left

Traffic drives on the left in India and vehicles normally overtake on the right.

  • Keep left: remain on the left except when overtaking or where road layout requires otherwise.
  • Roundabouts: traffic generally circulates clockwise.
  • Mixed traffic: expect motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, buses, bicycles and slower vehicles to share the road.
  • Rural areas: be prepared for pedestrians and animals on or beside the road.
  • Avoid assuming that another road user's position or speed will remain constant.

Maximum speed limits in India

Central Government maximum limits for an M1 passenger vehicle such as an ordinary rental car are:

  • Access-controlled expressways: up to 120 km/h.
  • Four-lane or wider divided roads: up to 100 km/h.
  • Roads within municipal limits: up to 70 km/h.
  • Other roads: up to 70 km/h.

These are national maximum limits rather than universal driving speeds. State governments, local authorities and individual road signs can impose lower limits, which must be followed.

Posted limits and road conditions matter more than the national maximum

A road may have a much lower legal limit than the national maximum. Conditions can also require a substantially lower speed.

  • Follow local speed-limit signs even where a higher national maximum would otherwise apply.
  • Reduce speed for pedestrians, animals, junctions, broken road surfaces and slow-moving traffic.
  • Allow extra stopping distance during heavy rain or where standing water is present.
  • Do not use an expressway's maximum speed as a target.

Many National Highways and expressways charge tolls

User fees are collected on many tolled National Highway and expressway sections. India uses the FASTag electronic toll system extensively.

  • FASTag uses a vehicle-specific RFID tag fixed to the windscreen.
  • Toll rates vary by road, toll plaza and vehicle class.
  • FASTag is used across National Highway toll plazas and many other participating toll roads.
  • With a rental car, do not buy or move a separate FASTag without first asking the rental provider how tolls are handled.
  • Keep any rental toll statements or receipts until the rental account has been fully settled.

Check the rental car's FASTag before a long highway journey

FASTag is linked to an individual vehicle and allows electronic payment while passing through participating toll plazas.

  • Ask the rental provider whether tolls are deducted automatically or billed after the rental.
  • If the provider expects you to maintain the FASTag balance, confirm how it can be checked and recharged.
  • Do not remove or transfer the FASTag from the windscreen.
  • Ask the rental provider what to do if the FASTag does not work at a toll plaza.

Vehicle restrictions in Delhi NCR can change with air quality

Delhi and the wider National Capital Region use the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Additional restrictions can be introduced, intensified or revoked as air-quality conditions change.

  • Do not rely on an old travel guide for current Delhi vehicle restrictions.
  • GRAP measures can change at relatively short notice.
  • Vehicle type, emissions standard and registration details can matter under particular restrictions.
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management publishes current GRAP orders for Delhi NCR.
  • If collecting a rental car for use in Delhi NCR, ask the rental provider whether any current restriction affects the vehicle.

Driving in large Indian cities

  • Traffic can include cars, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, auto-rickshaws and pedestrians using the same road space.
  • Leave extra space and expect surrounding vehicles to change position frequently.
  • Use mirrors regularly and check carefully before changing lane.
  • Plan routes before entering the busiest central areas.
  • Allow substantial extra time for airport returns during peak traffic.

Parking rules are local

  • Parking arrangements differ substantially between cities and individual streets.
  • Follow local signs, road markings and authorised parking instructions.
  • Do not leave the vehicle where it obstructs traffic, pedestrians, junctions or emergency access.
  • Hotel or managed parking can be simpler than searching for street parking in dense city centres.

Monsoon driving requires extra caution

Heavy seasonal rainfall can reduce visibility, create standing water and disrupt roads in many parts of India.

  • Slow down before water-covered sections because the depth and road condition may be impossible to judge.
  • Do not drive through flood water where the depth, current or road surface is uncertain.
  • Increase following distance in heavy rain.
  • Check weather and local traffic information before long journeys during severe rainfall.
  • Never assume a road remains open simply because navigation software proposes it.

Himalayan and mountain roads

  • Mountain routes can be narrow, steep and exposed.
  • Landslides, snow, heavy rain and roadworks can close routes with little warning.
  • Use an appropriate gear on long descents rather than relying continuously on the brakes.
  • Avoid unnecessary night driving on unfamiliar remote mountain roads.
  • Check local road status before departure.

Some areas require permits

  • Border and protected areas can have access controls or permit requirements.
  • Rental-company rules may restrict particular roads or regions.
  • Ask the provider before planning travel to remote border areas.
  • Do not assume a rental vehicle can enter every destination shown by navigation software.

Consider avoiding long unfamiliar journeys after dark

Night driving can be more demanding because road lighting and road markings vary, while pedestrians, animals and slow vehicles can be difficult to see.

  • Plan longer intercity journeys to arrive in daylight where practical.
  • Reduce speed where visibility is limited.
  • Expect unlit or poorly lit road users on some roads.
  • Take regular breaks on long-distance journeys.

Drink-driving limit

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, driving with alcohol exceeding 30 mg per 100 ml of blood is an offence.

  • Police can carry out breath-alcohol enforcement.
  • Driving while impaired by drugs can also be an offence.
  • Do not treat the statutory threshold as a safe drinking target.
  • The simplest approach with a rental car is not to drink before driving.

Mobile phones and distractions

  • Do not hold or operate a mobile phone while driving.
  • Set navigation before moving.
  • Mount the device securely if it is being used for directions.
  • Stop somewhere legal and safe if you need to make substantial route changes.

Seat belts and child safety

  • Use fitted seat belts and make sure passengers are restrained.
  • Arrange an appropriate child restraint with the rental provider where required.
  • Check the seat or restraint is fitted correctly before leaving the branch.
  • Do not carry more passengers than the vehicle is designed for.

Foreign visitors need the correct driving documents

Visitors planning to drive in India should arrange the appropriate International Driving Permit before travelling and carry it with their full national driving licence.

  • Irish visitors: obtain the appropriate International Driving Permit before travelling and carry it with your full Irish driving licence.
  • Ireland issues International Driving Permits under the 1949 and 1926 conventions, with the 1949 permit being the most commonly required version.
  • Check that the permit covers the vehicle category being hired and remains valid for the dates of travel.
  • Carry the original national driving licence as well as the IDP.
  • Rental providers can impose additional minimum-age, licence-holding and documentation requirements.

Indian trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Rajasthan

A car can provide flexibility between cities, forts and smaller destinations, although distances are substantial and city traffic can be demanding.

Goa and the Konkan coast

Driving can make it easier to reach beaches, villages and inland destinations away from the main resort areas.

Kerala

A hire car can be useful for combining coastal areas, backwaters, hill country and smaller towns, with extra care needed during heavy monsoon rain.

Himachal and Uttarakhand

A vehicle provides flexibility for mountain destinations, but road conditions, weather and local access restrictions need careful checking.

Golden Triangle and surrounding areas

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are connected by major roads, but dense traffic and current Delhi NCR vehicle restrictions should be considered when planning the journey.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop somewhere safe if possible and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone requires emergency medical assistance.
  • Call 112 if emergency assistance is required.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant driver, vehicle and insurance information.
  • Photograph the scene where it is safe to do so.

Emergency number in India

  • Emergency services: 112

Dial 112 for emergency assistance including ambulance, fire and police services.

For an ordinary rental-car breakdown, use the roadside-assistance service specified in the rental agreement.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact branch or airport return location.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow substantial extra time around major cities and airports.
  • Confirm how outstanding toll charges will be handled.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork until the deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in India

Which side of the road do you drive on in India?

Traffic drives on the left and vehicles normally overtake on the right.

What are the speed limits in India?

For an ordinary M1 passenger car, Central Government maximums are up to 120 km/h on access-controlled expressways, 100 km/h on four-lane or wider divided roads, and 70 km/h within municipal limits and on other roads. State, local and road-specific limits can be lower, so posted signs always take priority.

How do tolls work with a rental car in India?

Many National Highways and expressways are tolled and use FASTag. Because FASTag is vehicle-specific, ask the rental provider how toll charges, balance and post-rental billing are handled.

Can I drive in India with an Irish driving licence?

Arrange the appropriate International Driving Permit before travelling and carry it together with your full Irish driving licence. You should also confirm the rental provider's own documentation requirements before collection.

Can driving restrictions change in Delhi?

Yes. The Delhi NCR Graded Response Action Plan can introduce or withdraw vehicle restrictions according to air-quality conditions. Check current Commission for Air Quality Management orders before travelling.

What emergency number should I use in India?

Dial 112 for emergency assistance, including ambulance, fire and police services.

Official and reliable driving information for India

Speed limits, toll arrangements, air-quality restrictions and road conditions can change. The links below were checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026.