The Laws on Street Racing in India

I mean who wouldn’t love to rule as the Vin Diesel of the Tracks? There is the thrill akin to stolen kisses when we race our bikes through the streets, isn’t it? I can’t deny. 

But, before you jump the gun, watch out for the laws. First and foremost, scroll down to Section 189 of the Motor Vehicles Act. It reads thus, -

“Whoever without the written consent of the State Government permits or takes part in a race or trial of speed of any kind between motor vehicles in any public place shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.”

Yes. You heard it right. Imprisonment which may extend to six months and/or fine up till Rs 500/- is the penalty for street racing in India. With the written consent of the State Government, one can authorise car/bike racing in India and can take part in it. But, street racing is absolutely prohibited under Section 189 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Now that I have taken you through the gist of street racing laws, here are some other penal provisions that you should know in relation to street racing.

Section 112 of the MV Act, 1988 is the basic. It provides the powers for both the state and central government to impose speed restrictions for the vehicles. In 2018, theMinistry of Road Transport and Highways revised the Speed Limits for the country. The table below provides a shortened version :-

	Expressway	4 lane and plus Divided carriageways	Municipal Roads	Others
M1 Category Vehicles 8 seats + Driver	120	100	70	70
M2 and M3 9 seats and more + Driver	100	90	60	60
Goods Carriage	80	80	60	60
Motor Cycle	80	80	60	60
Three-wheelers		50	60	60

Take note :- the speed limits fixed by the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, UP, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka is lower than this.

Violation of Speed Limits will bring a fine of Rs 400 for the first time offenders and Rs 1000 for subsequent convictions.

Another legal provision to take note of is Section 184 of MV Act, 1988 against Dangerous Driving. The basic ingredient for satisfying this offence is that the person should drive the motor vehicle at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public. The decision as to whether the speed is dangerous is subjective to the circumstances of the case – the place where it was driven; time; traffic and the reasonable expectations of speed and driving in that place.

First time offenders may be awarded an imprisonment extending up till six months and/ or Rs 1000 fine. Second time offenders may be awarded an imprisonment extending up till two years and/ or Rs 2000 fine.

Remember, if you are convicted for street racing or dangerous driving, your driving licenses can be disqualified by the Court for such period as it may decide. (Section 20(3))Your driving license can be suspended/disqualified by the licensing authority as well if you are convicted for dangerous driving or street racing. (Sections 19 to 23)

In addition to the MV Act, 1988, you can be prosecuted under General Provisions of Indian Penal Code as listed below :-

IPC	Offence	Punishment
Section 279	Rash Driving on a Public Way	Imprisonment which may extend to 6 months and/or Rs 1000 fine
Section 337	If hurt is caused while  doing the Rash act	Imprisonment which may extend to 6 months and/or Rs 500 fine
Section 338	If Grievous hurt is caused while  doing the Rash act	Imprisonment which may extend to two years and/or Rs 1000 fine
Section 304A	If Death is caused	Imprisonment which may extend to two years and/or fine

So these are the risks involved in flouting the rules and joining the fast and furious club. Please make the wise decision and restrict your dreams to just watching the movie. And Take Care (literally) !!!