Mumbai: Go down one-way, get FIR against your name

Bikers take a wrong-way turn to avoid heavy traffic on the Western Express Highway at Goregaon, on July 30, 2021. Pic/Satej Shinde

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, city traffic police will book motorists and riders taking the wrong side of the road. Newly appointed Commissioner of Police (CP) Sanjay Pandey has ordered police to file FIRs against offenders under Sections 279 (rash driving/riding) and 336 (endangering human life and safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant Sections of the Motor Vehicle Act.

Pandey has asked traffic police to file FIR against anyone driving or riding on the wrong side. Earlier, such offenders were only fined when caught.

A traffic cop stops a motorist driving on the wrong side, at Andheri West, on February 2, 2021. Pic/Anurag Ahire

The strict order comes just a day after the new CP gave relief to motorists, by stopping towing of vehicles for a week. After taking charge of the CP's office, Pandey had made his mobile number public, through social media, seeking inputs from the public. He received various inputs and ordered ‘no-towing' of vehicles parked in no-parking zones for a week. Within the next 24 hours, during his first public address through Facebook, he announced his harshest decision so far.

Implemented on Monday

"The order is clear, it says to book motorists and riders who drive/ride on the wrong side, under Sections 279 (rash driving) and 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC, and relevant Sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. The order was given on Sunday and its implementation started on Monday," said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity.

Bikers ride on the wrong side of the WEH at Kandivli on July 7, 2021. Pic/Satej Shinde

Until Monday evening, one FIR each was registered at all the 30 divisions of the Traffic Police Department. Reacting on his decision, Pandey took to social media and said that driving or riding on the wrong side is dangerous and that he hopes youngsters take note of this. So far, no official information or order has been shared by Mumbai police.

Sanjay Bhalerao, senior inspector at Chembur traffic division, told mid-day, "Driving/riding in the wrong lane can cause accidents, involving not only motorists but pedestrians, too. Strict action against such drivers/riders will definitely spread the message and help in reducing fatalities and incidents of altercations."

"Driving on the wrong side puts everyone's life in danger. We will not show any leniency and will book as many offenders as possible. Every citizen must take serious note of this and follow traffic rules for their own safety," said Rajvardhan, joint commissioner (traffic).

In 2021, Mumbai police fined 63,699 motorists for driving in the wrong lane, and 1,777 accidents due to rash driving were reported throughout the city in 2020.
What will change

Until Sunday, drivers/riders were fined anywhere between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 for taking the wrong lane when caught by police. Now, with the new order, this offence becomes cognisable, but bailable. If caught, a motorist/rider would have to secure bail either at the police station or through the magistrate. If the offence is proven in court, the guilty person may face up to six-month jail time and a fine of R1,000 under Section 279, and up to three-month jail time and a fine under Section 336.

The people speak

"Wrong-side driving is a huge issue in the city. This not only creates hindrance to smooth traffic but can cause serious accidents as well. This decision may sound strict for some, but it's necessary for traffic discipline," said Harsh Shah, a commuter.

"This is a very good decision. When motorists/riders will see a police station and court for driving in wrong lanes, next time they won't dare to do so. Adhering to traffic rules is highly necessary for a city like Mumbai. If this action is continued even for six months, it will bring change," said P S Pasricha, former Maharashtra DGP.

‘Too harsh'

"Nobody takes the wrong side of the road willingly, they are compelled by the situation . There are times when a U-turn is not near or one has to go somewhere nearby, so they take the wrong lane. Driving rashly in the wrong lane should be punishable. But this [order] is too harsh. Police should focus on making helmets mandatory and ban heavy vehicles in day time, it will reduce accidents and fatality," said Sneha Yadav, a motorist.

How an FIR will affect your life

. Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to Rs 1,000, if offence proven in court under Sec 279

. Up to 3 months in jail and a fine of up to Rs 1,000, if offence proven in court under Sec 336