No mercy on wrong-side driving in Delhi: Why traffic police took this decision

• Delhi registers FIRs against wrong-side driving, a first in India.
• Offenders face jail, fines, and vehicle seizure under new legal action.
• Police aim for safer roads with stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns.

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For the first time in the country, Delhi has begun registering criminal cases against motorists caught driving on the wrong side of the road. Delhi Police officials said this makes the national capital the first Union Territory to take such a strict legal step against the dangerous traffic violation.

So far, four First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered. While the offences are bailable and the accused were released on bail, police say the move is meant to send a strong message.

Why Delhi Police took this step

Wrong-side driving has become a serious concern on Delhi’s roads. Police data shows a sharp rise in such violations over the past few years. In 2025 alone, more than 3.05 lakh cases of wrong-side driving were reported. Of these, nearly 1.78 lakh challans were issued, while notices were sent in over 1.27 lakh cases. In comparison, the total number of challans and notices in 2024 stood at around 2.49 lakh.

Police officials say wrong-side driving is one of the major causes of road accidents, as it puts not only the driver but also pedestrians and other motorists at risk. Registering FIRs for such offences had been under discussion for some time, and the rising numbers pushed authorities to act.

What has changed for motorists

Until now, wrong-side driving was treated mainly as a traffic offence punishable by a fine of Rs 5,000. However, with FIRs now being registered, the consequences are more serious. Cases are being booked under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which deals with rash or negligent driving on public roads.

Under this section, an offender can face up to six months in jail, a fine of Rs 1,000, or both. The vehicle involved is also seized. Although the offence is bailable, the process becomes longer and more inconvenient, as the driver must visit the police station and court to secure bail and get the vehicle released.

Will every violation lead to an FIR?

Police have clarified that not every case of wrong-side driving will automatically result in an FIR. However, if a traffic officer finds that the offence occurred on a busy road or posed a serious risk to lives, an FIR will certainly be registered. Officials believe that even the fear of criminal action will act as a strong deterrent, The Indian Express reported quoting Traffic Police, Joint Commissioner Kime Kaming and Additional Commissioner D K Gupta as saying.

So far, four FIRs have been registered in different parts of Delhi. Two cases were reported from Delhi Cantonment, while one case each was registered in Vasant Kunj and Kapashera. Police say more such cases could follow if violations continue.

Police plan ahead

Delhi Police plan to continue strict enforcement through both challans and FIRs. They also aim to improve road signage, run sustained awareness campaigns, and introduce on-site traffic solutions to prevent wrong-side driving.

Unlike regular e-challans that can be paid online, FIR-related cases require court appearances, making the punishment more time-consuming and serious. Police hope this approach will lead to safer roads and more responsible driving behaviour across the capital.