In a major move to curb road accidents, the Delhi Police has begun registering First Information Reports (FIRs) against motorists caught driving on the wrong side of the road.1 This marks the first time in India that a Union Territory has criminalized this traffic violation, shifting it from a simple fine to a punishable crime under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
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1. Why the Shift to Criminal Charges?
Traditional fines (challans) have failed to act as a sufficient deterrent.2 Delhi witnessed a massive surge in wrong-side driving incidents in 2025.
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Violation Stats: Over 3.05 lakh cases were reported in 2025 alone, up significantly from 2.49 lakh in 2024.3
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Fatal Consequences: Data shows that wrong-side driving is a leading cause of head-on collisions and pedestrian fatalities in the capital, which loses an average of four lives daily to road accidents.4
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The Goal: To instill “fear of the law” and a sense of responsibility among commuters who drive against traffic to save time or avoid U-turns.
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2. Penalties: Challan vs. FIR
Under the new enforcement drive, violators face much harsher consequences than a standard e-challan.
| Feature | Traffic Challan (Old/Standard) | Criminal FIR (New/Strict) |
| Legal Section | Motor Vehicles Act | Section 281 of BNS 2023 |
| Fine Amount | ₹5,000 (standard) | Court-imposed fine up to ₹1,000 + legal costs |
| Jail Term | None | Up to 6 months |
| Vehicle Status | Usually not seized | Immediate Seizure |
| Resolution | Can be paid online instantly | Requires Court Appearance for bail & release |
Note: Section 281 of the BNS deals with “rash or negligent driving on a public way” that endangers human life.7 While the offense is bailable, the legal process of visiting a police station and appearing in court is intended to be a major deterrent.
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3. Current Enforcement & Locations
The police are currently focusing on high-risk areas and “selective” registration of FIRs where the violation poses a severe threat.9 As of January 7, 2026, four FIRs have already been filed:
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Delhi Cantonment: 2 cases (including the first FIR against a driver in a WagonR).
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Kapashera: 1 case (near Kapashera Chowk).
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Vasant Kunj South: 1 case (on the Mehrauli–Mahipalpur road).
4. When Will You Face an FIR?
The Traffic Police, led by Joint Commissioner Kime Kaming, clarified that not every wrong-side turn will result in a criminal case.
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FIR Criteria: High-speed driving, driving on busy arterial roads, or actions during peak hours that disrupt traffic or endanger others.
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Challan Only: Minor violations on narrow, slow-moving internal colony roads may still result only in a fine.
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