Home » Wrong Side Driving? You Could Lose Your License

The state of Telangana is introducing a new rule to improve road safety. Hyderabad’s traffic police have decided to take strict action against motorists who drive on the wrong side of the road. This behavior is one of the leading causes of accidents in busy cities like Hyderabad. To address this, the traffic police have announced that anyone caught driving on the wrong side will have their driving license canceled immediately.

Why the New Rule?

Wrong-side driving has been a serious issue in India for many years, especially in high-traffic areas. Hyderabad, being a densely populated city, has seen a rise in accidents due to this reckless behavior. The new rule aims to discourage wrong-side driving and make the roads safer for everyone. In the past, license cancellation was mostly reserved for drunk driving offenses. However, with the growing number of accidents caused by wrong-side driving, the authorities are expanding the penalty to include this dangerous habit.

When Will the Rule Start?

The proposal to cancel licenses for wrong-side driving has already been submitted to the transport department. Once approved, it will be enforced across the Greater Hyderabad area. This new rule will be taken as seriously as drunk driving, highlighting the authorities’ commitment to road safety.

Strict Measures for Road Safety

The Hyderabad traffic police are working hard to ensure safer roads. Apart from this new rule, they continue to enforce heavy penalties for drunk driving. Fines for drunk driving range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000. For repeated offenses, a driver’s license may be suspended for three to six months. If a drunk driver is involved in an accident, this will be noted in their charge sheet, leading to harsher punishments by the courts.

Identifying Accident-Prone Areas

Hyderabad’s traffic police have identified 130 accident-prone areas in the city. Many of these spots fall under the jurisdiction of the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate. To make these areas safer, the authorities are working with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on a comprehensive road safety plan.

Legal Action for Wrong-Side Driving

Wrong-side driving is now a criminal offense under Section 336 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with actions that endanger human life or safety. The Cyberabad Police, another division of Hyderabad’s traffic police, have intensified their efforts to stop this dangerous behavior. As of June 22, 2024, 122 First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against motorists for driving on the wrong side. Over 631 vehicles have also been booked for this offense.

Other Road Safety Initiatives

Alongside cracking down on Driving in the Wrong Direction, the Cyberabad Traffic Police are also conducting regular drunk driving tests. In a drive on the night of June 22, 2024, 385 individuals were arrested for drunk driving. This included 292 two-wheeler riders and 80 four-wheeler drivers. Some of these individuals had blood alcohol content (BAC) levels far above the legal limit.

Conclusion

The new rule in Telangana aims to curb wrong-side driving, which has been responsible for many accidents. By canceling the licenses of offenders, the Hyderabad traffic police hope to make the roads safer for everyone. The city continues to enforce strict penalties for other dangerous behaviors like drunk driving, ensuring that road safety remains a priority.

Original SourceDeccan Chronicle.

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Mansoor Ali, a Feature Writer, embarked on his journey five years ago with showroomex.com, fueled by his enthusiasm for cars. Starting as an eager journalist, he quickly became a seasoned professional, expanding his expertise to cover both bikes and cars. (Full Bio)