Delhi Police To File FIRs For Wrong-Side Driving; Could India Soon See New Rule?

In a move to intensify its efforts against traffic violations, the Delhi Police has registered two FIRs related to driving on the wrong side of the road. The decision to file criminal cases against traffic offenders marks a significant shift in law enforcement practices, moving away from issuing challans. These FIRs were filed by traffic assistant sub-inspectors assigned to their respective traffic circles.

This marks the first instance in any Union Territory of the country where the police are filing criminal cases against traffic rule offenders. Both cases have been booked under BNS Section 281 (rash driving) and relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, according to police officials. The FIRs were registered by traffic assistant sub-inspectors assigned to their respective traffic circles, Indian Express reported.

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The FIR in Kapashera was filed after a driver was found operating his vehicle on the wrong side near Kapashera Chowk. The driver allegedly told the traffic policeman that he was in a hurry and wanted to avoid the traffic jam.

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Driving on the wrong side incurs a penalty of Rs 5,000. However, an FIR filed under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 could lead to a maximum jail term of six months, a fine of Rs 1,000, or both, and the vehicle will be confiscated. The offenders mentioned in the first two FIRs have been released on bail after their arrest, as reported by the Indian Express.

Police officials stated that filing FIRs for wrong side driving will not become a norm but is being implemented as a deterrent. The report also cites an official saying that an FIR will be filed if the Traffic Officer identifies an offender endangering lives or driving in areas with heavy traffic.