Wrong-side drivers in Okhla beware! FIRs now being filed
Wrong-side driving in Jamia Nagar may soon be curbed. Police have begun registering first information reports (FIRs) against violators.
According to Delhi Traffic Police data, more than 305,000 challans were issued for wrong-side driving in 2025, compared with over 240,000 in 2024, reported the HT.
It has been reported that in the last 16 days more than 125 FIRs have been lodged. It started after Delhi Police started booking motorists for wrong-side driving.
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However, it remains unclear whether FIRs have been filed against wrong-side drivers in Jamia Nagar, where the practice is common in several areas, including Batla House, Okhla Head and Ghaffar Manzil.
Repeated efforts to persuade violators to follow traffic rules have failed. The problem has persisted despite intervention by Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan, who had earlier promised to address the issue and even deployed his workers to manage traffic and stop wrong-side driving.
However, the task has proved difficult, as many motorists continue to drive on the wrong side in a rush to reach home early, said activist Md Sagheer, whose team is deployed during Ramzan to prevent traffic jams and help residents reach home in time for breaking their fast.
Officials said criminal cases are being pursued only in instances where the violation posed a risk to life, could cause an accident, or created significant congestion. The first FIR was lodged on January 3 in Delhi Cantt.
A senior police officer said notices and fines had failed to curb the behaviour. “Many fatal accidents and serious crashes are directly linked to wrong-side driving. We started lodging FIRs under rash driving sections this year to prevent accidents,” the officer said.
Motorists are being booked under section 281 (rash driving) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. “All sections invoked are bailable, so arrests can be made on the spot and the accused are released after completing formalities,” the officer added.
Earlier, wrong-side driving was punished only with a fine. First-time offenders had to pay ₹5,000, while repeat violators were fined ₹10,000. In cases of repeated violations, the police said the driver’s licence could also be suspended for a short period.
According to police, most FIRs have been registered in southwest, south, New Delhi and north districts. “All districts are lodging FIRs. The problem is particularly severe in crowded markets, where two-wheelers are frequently found driving on the wrong side,” the officer said.
Last year, more than 200,000 of the 305,000 challans for wrong-side driving were issued to two-wheeler riders. “Since we began lodging FIRs, we have also detected several riders and drivers without pollution-under-control certificates and without valid driving licences. This has strengthened traffic enforcement overall,” the officer added.
“The FIR will largely depend on the nature of the offence. If it is life-threatening or has the potential to cause a serious accident, criminal action may be initiated,” the officer said. He added that repeat violations would be a key factor in the decision.
Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Neeraj Thakur told PTI the move aims to deter reckless behaviour on roads without criminalising minor or routine infractions.
“Filing an FIR is not our first step. Our emphasis remains on compliance through challans, notices and public awareness. Criminal cases will be registered only in serious instances where the violation endangers lives, shows wilful disregard for the law or involves repeat offenders,” Thakur said.
