Section 279 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

As per Section 279 of the Indian Penal Code, any individual found guilty of rash or negligent driving, endangering human life, can be punished by law. As per the law, such an individual can be imprisoned for a period of up to 6 months, fined ₹1,000, or both. Negligent driving refers to a situation wherein an individual is driving without following the basic road safety rules, putting other people’s lives at risk. In case of an injury to or death of a person due to negligent driving, the driver will be booked under Section 337 and Section 338 of the Indian Penal Code.

Under Section 279 of the Indian Penal Code, any individual who is driving or riding a vehicle in a negligent manner, thereby endangering human life, will be punished by law. The punishment under this section is imprisonment up to six months, a penalty of ₹1,000, or both.

Now, let's look at what could be considered as reckless or negligent driving.

When an individual is driving a vehicle without following the driving or road safety rules, it is considered an offence. However, just overspeeding a little does not count as reckless or rash driving. In fact, if the driver is capable of controlling the car at high speed, or if the road being driven on is empty, then it is not considered negligent or rash driving.

However, if an individual is carelessly driving a vehicle on public roads, thereby putting other people’s lives at risk, they will be found guilty u/s 279 of IPC.

If the driver of any vehicle causes an accident due to negligent driving, thereby endangering the lives of human beings, they are considered guilty under Section 279 of the IPC. They will also be guilty u/s 337 of IPC, and Section 338 of IPC.

If the driver causes the death of a person while driving under the influence of any intoxicants, they will be considered guilty u/s 304A of the IPC.

Therefore, Section 279 of the IPC only deals with negligent and rash driving/riding on public roads that can put the lives of other people in danger. However, if the driver causes death or any bodily injuries to other people, then the person is also charged u/s 337, 338, and 304A of the IPC.

If you are found guilty of an offence under Section 279 of IPC, you will have to face the consequences as mentioned above. Hence, it is your responsibility to drive carefully because even a minor error can send you behind bars.

The government has implemented laws like Section 279 IPC to ensure that Indian roads are safe to travel. Another law under the Motor Vehicle Act is the requirement of a valid motor insurance for your vehicle. So, if you don't have valid insurance for your car or bike, explore the motor insurance plans available at Bajaj Markets.