Driving in Kolkata is a dangerous affair and travelers should be aware of this fact. India leads the world in traffic related deaths with many of those deaths being tourists that are unfamiliar with Indian roads. Driving in Kolkata is a far different experience than driving anywhere else.

In other countries such as the United States or England driving is done with a certain sense of civic responsibility. Drivers practice defensive driving and are aware of the world around them while paying attention to the road. Drivers in Kolkata, however, are less than safe and often blatantly violate traffic laws even driving on sidewalks, down cramped dark alleys, and through areas marked just for pedestrians.

If you are traveling to Kolkata and wondering what are the regulations and possible traffic infractions there are a few resources that provide information. Your government embassies will have information on the various traffic laws that you can request before traveling aboard. You can even get this information through the Indian government’s website or at the embassy once you land in the country. The Kolkata police department has even turned to social media sites like Facebook where you can report infractions or ask questions about what is and is not breaking the law while on the road.