Delhi Traffic Crackdown: Four-Wheelers Dominate Wrong-Side Driving Violations
In a significant enforcement drive, the Delhi Police has revealed that cars and taxis are the primary offenders in wrong-side driving cases across the national capital. Official data shows that four-wheelers have topped the list of vehicles being driven on the incorrect side of the road this month, following the police department's unprecedented decision to file First Information Reports (FIRs) against such violations.
Statistical Breakdown of Booked Vehicles
According to traffic police statistics accessed by The Indian Express, a total of 154 vehicles have been booked under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving on public ways in the last twenty days. Among these, light motor vehicles including cars and taxis constitute the largest category with 65 four-wheelers facing legal action.
The comprehensive data reveals the following distribution of booked vehicles:
- 65 four-wheelers including cars and taxis (light motor vehicles)
- 37 light goods vehicles such as tempos and loaders
- 28 three-wheelers including auto rickshaws and e-rickshaws
- 6 two-wheelers comprising bikes and scooters
- 18 other vehicles including trucks, gramin seva vehicles, dumpers, tractors, and hydra cranes
Police Station-Wise Distribution of Cases
The FIRs against wrong-side driving are being registered at various police stations across Delhi based on complaints filed by traffic personnel. An area-wise analysis of the data provides insight into the geographical spread of these violations:
Vasant Kunj police station in Southwest Delhi recorded the highest number with nine FIRs filed specifically against seven cars and two light goods vehicles. Other prominent locations with significant violations include:
- Saket police station (4 FIRs)
- Connaught Place police station (4 FIRs)
- Paschim Vihar police station (4 FIRs)
- Hauz Khas police station (4 FIRs)
- IGI Airport police station (4 FIRs)
Additional police stations reporting cases include Mehrauli (3), Barakhamba (3), Nangloi (3), Sarai Rohilla (2), Gokalpuri (2), and Seelampur (1). Delhi operates through more than 180 police stations in total.
Legal Implications and Enforcement Protocol
The new enforcement initiative represents a significant escalation in penalties for traffic violations. While wrong-side driving typically attracts a fine of Rs 5,000 in Delhi, an FIR registered under Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita carries much more serious consequences:
- Potential prison term of up to six months
- Fine of Rs 1,000 (in addition to or instead of imprisonment)
- Immediate seizure of the vehicle
Although classified as a bailable offense, the legal process requires drivers to visit both the police station and court to secure bail and retrieve their impounded vehicles, creating substantial inconvenience and acting as a deterrent.
Official Perspective and Historical Context
When contacted about the enforcement data, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) DK Gupta explained that four-wheelers naturally top the violation list due to their substantial presence on Delhi's roads. "We hope this will significantly reduce incidents of wrong-side driving and related accidents in the city," Gupta told The Indian Express.
The enforcement protocol follows a specific procedure: traffic police personnel file complaints about wrong-side driving violations, after which local police stations impound the involved vehicles and detain the drivers. For instance, in one documented case at Delhi Cantonment Police Station on January 3, an Assistant Sub-Inspector noticed a WagonR car moving on the wrong side toward Delhi airport. The traffic official immediately contacted the Police Control Room (112), leading to the vehicle's impoundment and driver detention by local police.
Historically, Section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was primarily applied in accident cases, but the recent policy shift has expanded its use to rash driving incidents even without collisions. Police officers confirm that investigations are currently underway for all registered cases, with chargesheets expected to be filed within two to three months of FIR registration as per legal provisions.
Comparative Traffic Violation Data
The current enforcement drive comes against the backdrop of concerning traffic violation statistics. Official records indicate that in 2025 alone, Delhi reported a staggering 3,05,843 cases of wrong-side driving. Enforcement actions included:
- 1,78,448 challans issued
- 1,27,395 notices served
This represents a significant increase from 2024, when the total number of challans and notices issued stood at 2,49,210, highlighting the growing challenge of traffic discipline in the national capital.
The Delhi Police's new FIR-based approach to wrong-side driving violations marks a determined effort to enhance road safety through stricter legal measures. By targeting the most common offenders and implementing more severe penalties, authorities aim to create a substantial deterrent effect that will ultimately reduce reckless driving incidents across Delhi's extensive road network.
