Over 14K challans issued for wrong-side driving in Gurugram

The Gurugram traffic police issued over 14,000 challans in July for driving on the wrong side of the road. On average, more than 470 motorists were penalised daily.

According to a senior traffic police official, a total of 14,739 drivers were fined under the Motor Vehicles Act in Kuly during a special drive targeting traffic rule violations. The cumulative fine collected from these offenders amounted to Rs 79,21,500.

Wrong-side driving remains one of the most widespread traffic violations in Gurugram, with offenders including two-wheeler riders, car drivers and even school bus operators, often doing so to save time. It is also a significant contributor to road accidents in the district.

The penalty for this offence has recently been increased to Rs 5,500, ten times the earlier amount, as part of intensified enforcement efforts. In addition to issuing challans, traffic police have also been impounding vehicles to curb this dangerous practice.

An internal traffic police survey revealed that around 15 per cent of fatal accidents in Gurugram are linked to wrong-side driving. Authorities have identified 80 locations across the district where this offence is particularly prevalent.

“The main aim of the traffic police is not only to issue challans but also to make traffic movement smooth and safe. Driving in the wrong direction is a major violation of traffic rules and strict action will be taken against those flouting norms,” said Rajesh Mohan, DCP (Traffic).