Bike Stunts on Public Roads: Where to Complain, What the Law Says, and the Punishment Involved

Jaisalmer/Jaipur, January 16:
A viral video from Jaisalmer showing a youth performing dangerous bike stunts on a public road has once again raised serious concerns over road safety in Rajasthan. Such reckless acts, often carried out for thrill or social media fame, pose a grave risk not only to the rider but also to pedestrians and other road users.

Authorities have reiterated that performing bike stunts on public roads is a serious and punishable offence under Indian law, and strict action can be taken against violators.

Bike Stunts Are a Serious Crime

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (amended in 2019), performing stunts or racing on public roads is illegal across India, including Rajasthan. These acts fall under dangerous and reckless driving, as they endanger public safety and disrupt normal traffic movement.

Traffic officials have noted a rise in such incidents, especially among youngsters, leading to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

Which Traffic Rules Are Violated?

Bike stunts typically attract multiple legal provisions:

• Section 184 (Dangerous Driving):
  Applies when a vehicle is driven in a manner dangerous to the public. Bike stunts clearly fall under this category.
• Section 189 (Racing or Speed Trials without Permission):
  Conducting stunts or racing on public roads without written permission is strictly prohibited.
• Section 190 (Violation of Pollution and Vehicle Standards):
  Use of modified silencers or excessive noise during stunts can invoke this section.
• IPC Section 279 (Rash and Negligent Driving):
  Applied if the act amounts to negligent driving endangering human life, especially in case of accidents.

In many cases, Rajasthan Police also seize the vehicle under charges of reckless driving.

Punishment and Penalties

The law provides for heavy fines, imprisonment, suspension or cancellation of driving licences, and even vehicle seizure in serious cases.

Punishment under the Motor Vehicles Act:

• Dangerous Driving (Section 184):
• First offence: Fine of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 or up to 6 months’ imprisonment, or both
• Repeat/serious offence: Fine up to ₹10,000 or up to 2 years’ imprisonment, or both
• Additional action: Licence suspension for 3–6 months, possible vehicle seizure
• Stunt Driving / Racing (Section 189):
• First offence: Fine up to ₹5,000 or up to 3 months’ imprisonment, or both
• Repeat offence: Fine up to ₹10,000 or up to 1 year’s imprisonment, or both
• Additional action: Licence cancellation, vehicle seizure; IPC sections if an accident occurs
• Modified Silencers / Noise Pollution (Section 190):
• Fine of ₹10,000 or more
• Seizure and destruction of illegal silencers or horns

Where to Lodge a Complaint

Citizens can report bike stunts and reckless driving through the following channels:

• Nearest traffic police station
• Police control room or helpline numbers
• Rajasthan Traffic Police’s official social media handles, by sharing videos, photos, location, and time of the incident

Providing clear evidence helps police take swift action.

Police and Administration Appeal

The Rajasthan Traffic Police and Transport Department have urged youths not to treat public roads as stunt arenas. “Roads are meant for safe travel, not dangerous adventures,” officials said, warning that strict enforcement will continue against those who violate traffic laws and put lives at risk.

The recent Jaisalmer incident serves as a reminder that thrill-seeking on roads can have deadly consequences—and the law will deal firmly with offenders.