From challans to FIRs: Delhi Police crack down on wrong-side driving

Abhay / TNN / Jan 07, 2026, 11:21 IST

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From challans to FIRs: Delhi Police crack down on wrong-side driving

Delhi Police is now registering FIRs against wrong-side drivers, escalating penalties beyond simple fines. (File photo)

Cops tighten screws on wrong-side driving If you have the itch to avoid a U-turn and drive against the flow of traffic, be warned: Delhi Police has escalated its crackdown from simple fines to criminal proceedings. In a significant shift in enforcement, cops have begun registering FIRs against motorists caught driving on the wrong side. FIRs registered so far Delhi Cantt: 2 Vasant Kunj: 1 Kapashera: 1 Legal provisions invoked

BNS section 281 Rash or negligent driving on a public way Motor Vehicles Act sections 146 and 196 for driving without valid insurance January 5 | 07:40 PM Case 1 | Kapashera Motorcyclist apprehended on wrong carriageway at Kapashera Chowk Rider identified as Ankit Gaur (29) from Samalkha village Admitted to wrong-side driving due to traffic congestion and urgency Produced valid licence, but failed to show insurance documents Scale of problem 3,05,838 Challans issued last year for wrong-side driving violations Monetary penalties Fine up to Rs 5,000Repeat offence:Penalty doubles Rs 10,000 Additional actions: Licence may be seized, and vehicle impounded

January 5 | 07:40 PM Case 2 | Vasant Vihar

Car seen driving against traffic on Mahipalpur-Mehrauli Road near Mata Chowk
Driver identified as Sanjay, resident of Amethi
PCR call made; driver and vehicle handed over for further action

January 3 | 04:45 PM Case 3 | Delhi Cantt

Car spotted driving at high speed on wrong side near Hanuman Mandir red light
Driver identified as Aman (34) from Kusumpur Pahadi
Claimed congestion near Mehram Nagar red light forced him to take wrong side
Failed to produce valid driving licence and insurance papers

Police strategy going forward

Stricter enforcement through challans and FIRs
Installation of clearer and more effective signage
Sustained public awareness campaigns
On-site traffic solutions to prevent wrong-side driving
Unlike standard e-challans that can be paid online, FIR-related cases require the offender to appear before a court

About the AuthorAbhay

Abhay is a Special Correspondent at The Times of India, Delhi, with extensive experience in investigative journalism. Since 2014, he has been covering crime and prisons, providing in-depth analysis and thought-provoking reports.

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