Visakhapatnam police are taking decisive action against illegal bike racing and stunts, which have increasingly become a safety concern for motorists and pedestrians alike. According to Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi, special enforcement drives were initiated across the city on March 2, 2025, resulting in the arrest of 38 youths engaged in such reckless activities.
During a press conference held at the III Town police station, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) K. Praveen Kumar emphasized the department's commitment to maintaining safety on the roads. "Anyone engaging in illegal bike racing, stunts and reckless high-speed driving will face strict legal consequences," Kumar stated. This crackdown follows numerous reports of dangerous driving creating significant inconvenience and risk for other road users.
These special operations led to the seizure of 38 motorcycles, many of which are high-end sports bikes valued between ₹2 lakh and ₹3 lakh. K. Praveen Kumar explained, "We managed to catch 38 youths who were involved in such dangerous driving," highlighting the seriousness of the enforcement efforts. The police's special teams conducted raids across several zones, including III Town, Dwaraka, and North sub-divisions, aiming to lessen the prevalence of reckless driving.
To tackle these issues, the Visakhapatnam police have introduced revised penalties and stricter fines to discourage such behavior on the roads. Under the new provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, the fines associated with unauthorized racing and stunts have surged by tenfold—from ₹500 to ₹5,000. More egregious violations, particularly for repeat offenders, can result in penalties reaching ₹10,000, alongside the possibility of up to one year of imprisonment.
The increased fines extend to other violations, as Kumar noted. Riders caught without helmets, or those lacking driving licenses, now face steep fines, raising from ₹100 to ₹1,000 for not wearing helmets, and from ₹500 to ₹5,000 for driving without a license. The stakes have climbed considerably, with the new rules aiming to enforce responsibility among drivers.
Legal consequences are equally severe for the usage of modified silencers, deemed unsafe. Any infractions can result in imprisonment for up to three years or fines of ₹10,000, underscoring the intent to clean the streets of such unsafe practices. Repeat offenders may face even stricter sentences, signaling the police's firm stance against reckless driving and illegal modifications.
Speaking on the wider impact of these measures, K. Praveen Kumar reiterated the importance of adhering to traffic rules. "Dangerous driving has caused risks not just to the riders, but to other innocent motorists and pedestrians as well. We urge all motorists to prioritize safety and comply with current laws to prevent accidents and save lives." Kumar's message serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility required to keep roadways safe.
This crackdown is part of a larger movement by law enforcement to create safer driving environments throughout Visakhapatnam. The police's commitment to enforcing traffic regulations has been met with support from community members who demand accountability from those who engage in reckless behavior.
With the revamped penalties and zero tolerance for illegal racing practices, the Visakhapatnam police are signaling their intention to uphold order on the roads. The efficacy of these measures will likely be monitored closely, as public safety remains the primary focus of law enforcement.
Overall, the recent operations highlight the police's proactive approach to addressing illegal biking activities within the city. With stricter fines and legal action, they aim to deter any future occurrences and cultivate a culture of responsible driving among the youth.