Pune Traffic Police Crack Down on Mobile Phone Use While Driving, Fining Over 11,000 Two-Wheeler Riders
In a major enforcement drive, Pune's traffic police have issued fines to more than 11,000 two-wheeler riders over the past two months for using mobile phones while operating their vehicles. This action falls under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, targeting a dangerous habit that significantly increases road accident risks.
Steep Fines for Repeat Offenders as Numbers Double Year-on-Year
According to Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil, first-time offenders were slapped with a fine of Rs 1,000 each, while repeat offenders faced a hefty penalty of Rs 10,000 each. "The crackdown is intensifying, with a focus on all vehicle types, but two-wheeler riders constitute the majority of those caught," Patil stated in an interview with TOI.
The statistics reveal a worrying trend: in the first two months of 2024, 2,300 two-wheeler riders were fined, which surged to 5,200 during the same period in 2025. This year, the number has doubled, indicating both increased enforcement and persistent violations. Last year, police booked 42,838 two-wheeler riders for similar offences, and another 24,724 motorists were penalized in 2024.
Why Mobile Phone Use While Driving Is a Critical Safety Hazard
Patil emphasized that talking on a cellphone while driving is a primary cause of distraction on roads, leading to numerous fatal accidents. "The reaction time of two-wheeler riders using mobile phones is drastically reduced. This lack of attention often results in accidents," he explained. He added that officers have observed riders losing balance and falling as they use hands for phones instead of handlebars, and they frequently change lanes without proper indicators.
While the crackdown extends to three- and four-wheeler drivers, including bus operators, catching four-wheeler offenders is more challenging. "Many use speaker mode or connect phones to music systems, making detection harder. However, using mobile phones for calls or texting still poses serious accident risks for them," Patil noted.
Evidence-Based Enforcement and Activist Warnings
Most cases were identified through CCTV footage, where photographic evidence is captured clearly, leading to challans that offenders cannot refute. "This method ensures accountability and deters future violations," Patil said.
Road safety activist Tanmay Pendse echoed these concerns, stating, "People using mobile phones or headphones while driving risk not only their lives but also endanger others. Some even watch films in traffic, which is highly irresponsible." He highlighted that full attention to driving is crucial, as even a one-second delay can cause loss of life, citing personal observations of non-fatal accidents due to phone distractions.
This enforcement drive underscores Pune's commitment to road safety, aiming to curb reckless behavior and promote safer driving practices across the city.
