Rash driving or riding on a public way
What this section does
Penalises rash or negligent driving or riding on a public way that endangers human life or is likely to cause hurt or injury to another person. The offence covers any vehicle or mode of riding on a public road.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both.
- Triable by
- Any Magistrate
- Cognizable
- No
- Bailable
- Yes
- Compoundable
- Yes
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused drove a vehicle or rode on a public way
- The manner of driving or riding was rash or negligent
- Such rashness or negligence endangered human life or was likely to cause hurt or injury to another person
Derived from IPC s.279.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 281, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 281 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.