Rash driving of a motor vehicle gives rise to penalties on the criminal side also. A mere formal statement of a police officer that the accused was driving the vehicle along a public road at a high speed or in a dangerous manner and that there were some people going on the road at the time is not sufficient for a conviction. There should be independent evidence showing the nature, the condition and use of the place where the vehicle was driven and the amount of traffic which actually was at that time or which might reasonably be expected at that place. Talking on a mobile phone, while driving, may support a case of dangerous driving.
Dangerous driving shall be punishable for the first offence with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and for any second or subsequent offence if committed within three years of the commission of a previous similar offence with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both. Under the proposed Amendment Bill 2016, the penalty may be imposed up to INR 5000.