Section 279 IPC: Rash driving or riding on a public way

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 279 IPC at a Glance

Section 279 IPC deals with rash driving or riding on a public way. It is bailable and cognizable, triable by any Magistrate; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 281 BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or fine, or both.

Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 281 →

Section 279 IPC Bare Act Text

279. Rash driving or riding on a public way

Whoever drives any vehicle, or rides, on any public way in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Source: Section 279, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 279 IPC in Simple Words

Section 279 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes whoever drives any vehicle, or rides, on any public way in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person.

The punishment is imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, the offence is cognizable, bailable, and triable by any Magistrate.

Ingredients of Section 279 IPC

  • Driving a vehicle, or riding, on a public way
  • The driving or riding is done in a rash or negligent manner
  • The manner of driving or riding endangers human life, or is likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person

Punishment Under Section 279 IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or fine, or both.

Fine

Fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, alone or with imprisonment.

Bailable ⓘCognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Any Magistrate ⓘ

Rash driving or riding on a public way is punishable with imprisonment of either description for up to six months, or with fine of up to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Example of Section 279 IPC

In 2023, Vikrant drove a passenger car along a busy public avenue in Dehradun while looking at videos on his mobile phone instead of watching the traffic ahead. He sped through a school crossing without slowing down and drifted into the opposite lane toward oncoming cyclists. By driving the vehicle on a public way in such a rash and negligent manner, Vikrant endangered human life and made it likely to cause hurt or injury to other people on the avenue, even though cyclists steered away in time. Vikrant is punishable under Section 279 IPC.

When Section 279 IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 279 IPC does not apply when the vehicle is driven or ridden inside a fenced private estate rather than on a public way.
  • Section 279 IPC does not apply if the driver exercises due care and caution and is neither rash nor negligent.
  • Section 279 IPC does not apply where the driving or riding neither endangers human life nor creates any likelihood of causing hurt or injury to another person.

Section 279 IPC in the BNS

Section 279 IPC is now covered under Section 281 BNS.

Section 279 IPC is now Section 281 BNS. The title, the statutory wording, and the punishment of imprisonment for up to six months, or fine up to one thousand rupees, or both remain word for word the same.

View detailed comparison (IPC 279 vs BNS 281) →

FAQs on Section 279 IPC

What does Section 279 IPC punish?▼

It punishes driving any vehicle, or riding, on any public way in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person.

What is the punishment under Section 279 IPC?▼

Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

Does Section 279 IPC require an actual accident or injury?▼

No. The offence is complete when the vehicle is driven or ridden rashly or negligently on a public way in a manner that endangers human life or is likely to cause hurt or injury, even if no collision or injury occurs.

Does Section 279 IPC apply to driving on private property?▼

No. The section requires driving or riding on a public way. Driving on private land or a private path does not fall under Section 279 IPC.

Is Section 279 IPC bailable?▼

Yes. Under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure, an offence under Section 279 IPC is bailable and cognizable.

Which court tries an offence under Section 279 IPC?▼

It is triable by any Magistrate.

Can an offence under Section 279 IPC be compounded?▼

No. Section 279 IPC is not compoundable under Section 320 CrPC.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·