Hyderabad police issue 25.5 L challans for helmetless riding, 86,048 for using cell phone in 2024: RTI
Hyderabad is seeing an alarming rise in traffic violations with helmetless riding and wrongside driving very high
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
File Photo
Hyderabad: Hyderabad is witnessing an alarming rise in traffic violations. Helmetless riding, wrong-side driving by two- and three-wheelers, and mobile phone usage while driving are posing serious risks to public safety and road discipline.
This information was disclosed in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by city-based resident Lokender Singh, who sought data on traffic enforcement under the Hyderabad Commissionerate jurisdiction.
According to official traffic data, over 25.5 lakh challans were issued in 2024 for riders without helmets, up from 19.1 lakh in 2023, making it the most common offense.
In parallel, wrong-side driving by two- and three-wheelers accounted for a staggering 4.37 lakh violations in 2024, and cell phone driving cases saw a 48 percent surge, reaching 86,048 challans, compared to 57,866 in the previous year.
These numbers reflect a persistent challenge in enforcing road discipline, especially among two-wheeler riders who continue to dominate the stateās vehicle population.
Helmet rule violations at record high
Helmet violations once again topped the charts. A total of 25,55,419 challans were issued to riders flouting helmet rules under Section 129/177 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Authorities noted a worrying trend of not just non-compliance but also improper usage, with 1,333 cases booked for not fastening helmet straps correctly.
Pillion riders, too, were found violating helmet rules, albeit in far fewer numbers, with 68 cases registered in 2024.
Two-wheelers driving on the wrong side a major concern
Among the most dangerous and frequent violations, wrong-side driving by two- and three-wheelers resulted in 4,37,542 challans, a figure only slightly lower than the 5.11 lakh recorded in 2023. Traffic authorities flagged this as a major safety hazard contributing to head-on collisions and pedestrian risks, especially in urban and semi-urban zones.
Four-wheelers were comparatively better, with wrong-side driving violations dropping significantly from 30,083 in 2023 to 4,271 in 2024.
Mobile phone driving violations jump by nearly 50 percent
Another worrisome trend is the increasing number of motorists caught using mobile phones while driving, with 86,048 challans issued under Section 184 in 2024. This marks a nearly 50% rise compared to 57,866 cases in the previous year, indicating a growing distraction risk on the roads.
Other key violations in 2024
Lane/line violations: 3.34 lakh cases, down from 4.41 lakh in 2023
Underage driving (below 18 years): 3,281 cases, up from 1,876
Obstruction at free left turns: 78,100 cases
Footboarding in RTC buses: 245 cases, a sharp rise from 34 in 2023
Racing and trial of speed: 30 cases
Seat belt violations (driver): 22,300 cases
Enforcement and Awareness Continue
Traffic police officials say they are intensifying enforcement through AI-based surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and mobile patrols, but emphasized that long-term change requires sustained awareness campaigns, stricter penalties, and behavioral shifts among drivers.
Authorities have urged commuters, especially two-wheeler users, to follow basic safety norms, warning that rising violations not only risk legal consequences but also continue to claim lives on Hyderabad's roads.
