Wrong-side driving to land you in jail? Delhi Traffic Police explain when FIRs will be filed

Delhi Traffic Police say wrong-side driving can attract FIRs and possible jail time in serious cases, but criminal action will be selective and based on risk.

Wrong-side driving in Delhi can now lead to criminal action in certain cases. However, the Delhi Traffic Police have clarified that jail is not the default outcome for such violations, and FIRs will be registered only in specific, serious situations.

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Delhi Traffic Police personnel check vehicles during a routine enforcement drive as authorities step up action against dangerous wrong-side driving.(PTI)

Senior officials said the move is aimed at curbing dangerous driving practices rather than criminalising routine traffic offences. Awareness drives, challans and notices will remain the primary methods of enforcement, with FIRs being used selectively as a deterrent.

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When can an FIR be filed?

According to the Delhi Traffic Police, an FIR may be registered if wrong-side driving is found to be life-threatening, involves high-speed manoeuvres, or shows a pattern of repeat violations.

“The FIR will depend on the nature of the offence. If it poses a serious risk to life or has the potential to cause a major accident, criminal action may be initiated,” a senior traffic police officer said. Repeat offenders will also be dealt with more strictly.

Before taking criminal action, officers will assess whether the violation was the result of a genuine mistake, such as unclear road markings or inadequate signage.

Discretion built into enforcement

Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Neeraj Thakur told PTI that the intention is to deter reckless behaviour while avoiding unnecessary criminal cases.

Police have been instructed to exercise discretion, particularly in locations where confusing road layouts or poor signage may have contributed to the violation, he said.

“This is not about criminalising minor or routine infractions,” Thakur said, adding that the focus remains on improving road safety.

First FIRs under new approach

At least eight FIRs have been registered so far, marking the first time Delhi has invoked Section 281 (rash driving) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act for wrong-side driving.

Police clarified that these offences are bailable and that all accused were released on bail after arrest.

The first FIR was filed on January 3 at Delhi Cantt police station against Aman, a resident of Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly driving his car at high speed on the wrong side near the Hanuman Mandir red light.

Two more FIRs followed on January 5 at Kapashera and Vasant Kunj South police stations against a motorcyclist and a car driver. Five additional cases were registered on January 6 across Chanakyapuri, Vasant Kunj South, Kishangarh, Tughlaq Road and Mandir Marg, involving cars, a scooter and an auto-rickshaw.

Why the stance is changing

Traffic police data shows a rise in challans, which increased to 1,44,490 in 2025 from 1,04,720 in 2024, while notices dropped to 1,27,395 from 1,78,448 over the same period.

Officials said wrong-side driving, especially on arterial roads during peak hours, has contributed to serious accidents, prompting the need for a stricter, though targeted, enforcement strategy.

Police reiterated that FIRs will remain an exception, with criminal proceedings reserved for the most dangerous and repeated violations rather than everyday traffic lapses.