In a bid to curb the menace of reckless driving and illegal racing, the State Transport Department has launched a rigorous campaign targeting violators. "Reckless behavior such as bike racing and car racing, commonly observed on highways and city roads, is being addressed under stringent legal provisions" said an official.
According to officials, vehicles involved in such acts will be seized, and offenders will face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Section 281 of the BNS penalizes rash or negligent driving, posing a danger to human life. Offenders can face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Rs1,000, or both.
Additionally, Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act imposes harsher penalties, with first-time offenders facing imprisonment up to one year or a fine up to Rs 5,000, and repeat offenders within three years risking imprisonment up to two years or a fine of Rs10,000. Ravi Gaikwad, Joint Transport Commissioner of Maharashtra, in a written statement issued recently emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic rules, stating, "Reckless driving is not only illegal but endangers innocent lives. We urge all citizens to drive responsibly to ensure the safety of everyone on the road."
On January 3, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, two individuals, aged between 19 and 22, were apprehended for reckless driving of vehicles with registration numbers MH 12 FY 7263 and MH 03 AW 2255. They were caught racing at high speeds on the Coastal Road, under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Central RTO. During racing, the vehicle with registration number MH 12 FY 7263 collided with the Coastal Road wall, resulting in an accident.
A case has been registered at Malabar Hill Police Station. Both vehicles have been seized by the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Department (RTO), and fines have been imposed under the Motor Vehicle Act. Additionally, the driving licenses of both drivers have been suspended for three months, further stated the statement.
The state transport department's campaign aims to raise awareness about the consequences of dangerous driving. Strict enforcement measures will be taken to deter individuals from engaging in high-risk behaviors, contributing to safer roads across the city," said an official, requesting citizens to report incidents of reckless driving and illegal racing to the transport department, ensuring prompt action against violators.
