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MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter IX
Section 184
Driving Dangerously
Offences, Penalties and Procedure
Fine: ₹1,000–₹5,000Compoundable: NoEndorsement: Yes
BARE ACT PROVISION
Legal Text
Whoever drives a motor vehicle at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances of the case including the nature, condition and use of the place where the vehicle is driven and the amount of traffic which actually is at the time, or which might reasonably be expected to be, in that place, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both; and for any subsequent offence with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
Simplified Explanation
Section 184 addresses driving that is dangerous to the public — a qualitative assessment beyond mere speed (Section 183). 'Dangerous' is assessed contextually: the same speed may be safe on an empty expressway and dangerous in a school zone. The assessment includes the nature of the road, traffic conditions, weather visibility, and vehicle condition. Common applications: dangerous overtaking on blind curves; driving through dense crowds; ignoring pedestrian crossings at high speed; driving with dangerously defective brakes; street racing. A specific and major application added by the 2019 Amendment is mobile phone use while driving — specifically captured under Section 184 as a dangerous practice: ₹5,000 fine. This is one of the few provisions specifically targeting distracted driving. Offenders face both the Section 184 criminal penalty and the risk of aggravated charges under BNS Section 106 (causing death by negligence) if dangerous driving results in death.
Historical Context
Section 184 is the MVA's most broadly applicable 'bad driving' provision — capturing all forms of driving that endanger the public beyond mere speed violations. Its use in serious accident prosecutions alongside BNS 106 has increased significantly.Critical Changes
Fine increased: first offence ₹500 → ₹1,000; subsequent ₹1,000 → ₹5,000 — 2019 Amendment.
Mobile phone use while driving specifically categorised as Section 184 offence: ₹5,000.
Second Section 184 offence also leads to licence suspension under Section 19.
Practical Scenarios
"Overtaking on a blind curve at high speed — Section 184, ₹1,000 + licence endorsement."
"Using a mobile phone while driving — Section 184, ₹5,000."
"Street racing on a public road — Section 184, potential imprisonment."
Common Queries
Mobile phone use while driving is treated as dangerous driving under Section 184 — fine of ₹5,000 (second or subsequent offence). For a first offence, ₹1,000. This is non-compoundable and carries licence endorsement.
Yes — Section 184 provides for imprisonment (6 months for first offence, 2 years for subsequent). If dangerous driving results in death, BNS Section 106 (causing death by negligence) applies with much higher penalties.