Delhi Traffic Police have introduced stricter enforcement against wrong-side driving, clarifying that such violations can now attract criminal action, including the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) and potential jail time in serious cases. However, officials have emphasized that criminal proceedings will be applied selectively and only when the offense poses a significant risk to life or public safety, rather than as a default response to every instance of wrong-side driving.

Senior officers explained that the primary objective is to curb reckless and dangerous driving practices while continuing to rely on awareness campaigns, traffic challans, and notices for routine violations. FIRs will be registered only in specific circumstances, such as when wrong-side driving involves high-speed maneuvers, creates a life-threatening situation, has the potential to cause a major accident, or reflects a pattern of repeated violations by the same individual.

Before initiating criminal action, police will assess whether the violation resulted from genuine mistakes, such as unclear road markings, inadequate signage, or confusing road layouts. Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Neeraj Thakur told PTI that officers have been instructed to exercise discretion, particularly in cases where environmental factors may have contributed to the error. “This is not about criminalizing minor or routine infractions,” Thakur stated, stressing the focus on improving overall road safety.

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Under the new approach, wrong-side driving is being prosecuted by invoking Section 281 (rash driving) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita alongside relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. At least eight FIRs have already been registered under this framework, marking the first instances of such action in Delhi. All cases so far have been bailable offenses, with the accused released on bail after arrest.

The selective enforcement strategy aims to act as a strong deterrent against habitual and hazardous wrong-side driving while avoiding overburdening the criminal justice system with minor cases. Delhi Traffic Police continue to conduct routine drives and awareness initiatives to promote safer road behavior across the capital.

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