Beware motorists! Wrong-side driving or triple riding will invite huge fines in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Hyderabad traffic police will conduct a special drive against wrong-side driving and triple riding on a motorcycle in an attempt to avert road traffic crashes and improve road safety. This special drive will begin today in Hyderabad. Prior to this, the drive to "educate" the commuters against wrong-side driving and triple riding will start on 21 November.

As per the Motor Vehicle Act, sections 119/177 and 184, driving on the wrong side can be fined up to Rs. 200 the first time they are caught. If a person is caught violating a second time then an additional Rs 500 is charged taking the total challan amount to Rs 700.

Additionally, section 128 of the MV Act states that triple riding is wrong and can be fined up to Rs. 1,200.

"Several fatal accidents and deaths have been recorded due to wrong-side driving and triple riding," said joint commissioner of traffic A.V Ranganath. "The public needs to understand that driving on the wrong side or triple riding can cost their lives. This drive is an attempt to create awareness and to educate citizens," he added.

In 2020, 15 people died due to wrong-side driving and 24 due to triple riding in Hyderabad city.

In 2021, 21 died due to wrong-side driving and 15 due to triple riding.

In 2022 (until 31 October), 15 died due to wrong-side driving and 8 due to triple riding.

"The data contemplates the need for severe action to prevent loss of lives, which can be saved just by observing simple traffic rules," the Hyderabad traffic police noted. Citizens have been requested to abide by the traffic laws as a measure for their own and others' safety.