For the first time in Delhi, the police have registered criminal cases against motorists for driving on the wrong side, making the national capital the first Union Territory to criminalise this traffic violation, officials confirmed.
In an unprecedented move, the Delhi Police have begun filing criminal cases against motorists caught driving on the wrong side of the road. Officials say this makes Delhi the first Union Territory in India to take such a step. At least three FIRs have been lodged so far, with all accused released on bail.
Police officials emphasised that the decision is part of a larger effort to curb reckless driving and enhance road safety in the capital, where traffic violations often lead to fatal accidents.
A senior Delhi Police officer said, “This measure is aimed at sending a clear message to habitual violators. Driving on the wrong side not only endangers the driver but puts pedestrians, cyclists, and fellow motorists at severe risk. We hope legal accountability will instil caution among all road users.”
The offences are bailable, meaning the accused can obtain bail, but the FIRs ensure that the violation is recorded formally, allowing for further legal scrutiny if repeated offences occur.
Road safety experts have welcomed the move, suggesting that criminalising such behaviour may finally compel motorists to adhere to traffic rules.
The Numbers Behind the Move
Traffic violations have long been a persistent problem in Delhi, with wrong-side driving contributing significantly to accidents and fatalities. According to police data, wrong-side driving is responsible for a large share of collisions on narrow and busy city roads.
Despite repeated awareness campaigns and fines under the Motor Vehicles Act, compliance has remained weak, prompting authorities to take stricter measures.
“The decision to lodge FIRs comes after repeated warnings and challans failed to deter offenders,” explained another police official. “We believe that documenting these violations as criminal offences will strengthen deterrence.”
While precise statistics on the number of wrong-side driving incidents leading to FIRs are limited, officials confirmed that at least three FIRs have been registered in the initial phase. Each case involved drivers who blatantly ignored traffic rules, putting themselves and others at risk.
The police have clarified that no fatality was involved in these cases, but the potential for harm was significant.
The Road Safety Context
Delhi has long struggled with traffic-related fatalities, with hundreds of accidents reported each year, many involving two-wheelers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Wrong-side driving, often seen as a minor violation, has been linked to serious crashes, particularly in congested areas or near busy intersections.
Urban planners and safety advocates argue that tackling this issue requires a combination of enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements. “While FIRs and fines are necessary, they are not sufficient on their own,” said Dr. Meera Sharma, a traffic safety researcher. “Cities must also invest in clear lane markings, proper signage, and awareness campaigns to promote safe driving behaviour.”
Previous efforts by the Delhi Police included awareness drives, traffic challans, and point-based penalties. However, repeat offenders continued to flout rules, prompting authorities to escalate the response.
By treating wrong-side driving as a criminal offence, Delhi joins other jurisdictions worldwide that classify certain traffic violations as legal misdemeanours to enhance public safety.
Reactions from the Public and Road Safety Advocates
The move has sparked mixed reactions among Delhi’s commuters. Some motorists express concern that criminalising a traffic offence could lead to unnecessary harassment, especially in cases where violations occur unintentionally due to road confusion. Others, however, welcome stricter action as long overdue.
“People often ignore traffic rules thinking the consequences are minor. If the law treats wrong-side driving seriously, perhaps more drivers will follow rules consistently,” said Priya Rathi, a road safety activist.
Meanwhile, social media discussions reflect a wider debate over balancing enforcement with understanding human error on busy urban roads.
The Delhi Police have also clarified that enforcement will be fair and targeted. “We are not aiming to penalise every minor error. FIRs will be lodged only in clear cases of reckless driving where public safety is at risk,” a spokesperson said.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that road safety is a shared responsibility, requiring both enforcement and public cooperation.
Legal action against dangerous driving is a step toward protecting lives, but meaningful change also depends on education, empathy, and community engagement.
Punitive measures alone can instil fear temporarily, but lasting behavioural change comes from understanding the consequences of one’s actions.
Citizens must be encouraged to respect traffic laws not out of fear, but out of awareness and concern for fellow road users.
As Delhi leads the way in criminalising wrong-side driving, it is an opportunity for society to reflect on how individual choices affect collective safety.
