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The wrong side of the law: Why FIRs were lodged for the first time for wrong-side driving in Delhi

Two senior officers of the Delhi Traffic Police spoke to The Indian Express on why they have launched a drive to get FIRs registered — unlike the usual route of issuing challans — and how the prosecution will proceed

3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jan 7, 2026 07:56 PM IST

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If a Traffic officer finds an offender on a road with heavy traffic, or determines that the action of the driver could have endangered lives, an FIR will definitely be registered.

For the first time in Delhi, police registered two FIRs for traffic violations related to driving on the wrong side of the road. While one of the FIRs was filed at Delhi Cantonment police station on January 3, another was registered at Kapashera police station on Monday — both under BNS Section 281 (rash driving) and relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Significantly, it was assistant sub-inspectors of the Traffic Police who got the FIRs registered. The Traffic Police personnel contacted the local police station through the emergency number, 112, to inform them of the violation. The complaint was subsequently converted to an FIR under sections of BNS and the Motor Vehicles Act by the local police.

Two senior officers of the Delhi Traffic Police, Joint Commissioner Kime Kaming and Additional Commissioner D K Gupta, spoke to The Indian Express on why they have launched a drive to get FIRs registered — unlike the usual route of issuing challans — and how the prosecution will proceed.

An FIR for a traffic violation – why?

Instances of driving on the wrong side of the road have increased significantly over the past few years. In 2025, a total 3,05,843 cases were reported, for which 1,78,448 challans were issued, and notices were served for the remaining 1,27,395 cases. The total number of challans and notices issued in 2024 was much lower at 2,49,210.

Driving on the wrong side, which endangers the lives of both the driver and others, has become a major reason for road accidents. Registering FIRs for wrong-side driving has been under consideration for some time. It will help reduce accidents, act as deterrence, and instill responsibility.

It’s a fine currently. What will change?

The fine for wrong-side driving is Rs 5,000. But an FIR registered under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (rash driving or riding on a public way) attracts a prison term up to six months, or a fine of Rs 1,000, or both, and the vehicle is seized. It is a bailable offence, but the process is long — the individual must visit the police station and court to secure bail and to get the vehicle released.

Will there be an FIR in every case?

While every case of wrong-side driving may not attract an FIR, the mere possibility is expected to be a deterrent. If a Traffic Police officer finds an offender on a road with heavy traffic, or determines that the driver’s action could endanger lives, an FIR will definitely be registered.