One-wheeling on the road? That is a crime.

Myth or fact?

What people often think.

• Myth: It is only a stunt. Nobody got hurt, so there is no case.
• Fact: Riding so rashly on a public way that it endangers life is a crime by itself: up to 2 years (PPC s.279). No one has to be hurt.

The law.

Section 279, PPC.

“Whoever drives any vehicle, or rides, on any public way in a manner so rash or negligent as to endanger human life, or to be likely to cause hurt or injury to any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years ...”

Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 279, Rash driving or riding on a public way

What counts.

Section 279, PPC.

• WhoAnyone who drives a vehicle, or rides.
• WhereAny public way.
• HowSo rash or negligent it endangers life, or is likely to hurt someone.

The punishment.

Section 279 and Schedule II, CrPC.

• The termUp to 2 years, or fine, or both.
• ArrestPolice may arrest without a warrant.
• BailBailable. Not compoundable.

Quick quiz. The main road.

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

• A. Yes, under s.279
• B. No, nobody was hurt
• C. Only a traffic ticket

Answer: A. Danger is enough.

Which section, by result.

• Only dangers.279, PPC.
• Someone hurts.337-G, PPC.
• Someone killeds.320, PPC.

Not both.

Lahore High Court, Crl. Revision 1185 of 2010.

• The rules.279 is for danger. Once hurt is caused, s.337-G applies.
• The resultThe s.279 conviction was set aside. The s.337-G one stayed.
• If someone diesThe section is s.320, PPC.

Speed alone is not proof.

Peshawar High Court, Crl. Appeal 586 of 2011, 20 Jan 2012.

• The pointHigh speed by itself is not rash or negligent driving.
• The gapNo evidence of the traffic, the road, or a broken rule.
• The resultAcquitted.

Your licence can go.

Lahore High Court, W.P. 13590 of 2003, 4 Apr 2005.

• The orderUse s.16(1) of the Motor Vehicles Ordinance against one-wheel riders.
• The linkA copy of each case goes to the licensing authority.

How it works.

Section 16, Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965.

• GroundUsing a vehicle in a cognizable offence.
• OrderDisqualified for a set period. Licence surrendered.
• AppealWithin 30 days.

Before the next stunt.

What one ride can cost.

• A police caseArrest without a warrant is allowed.
• The licenceDisqualification under s.16(1)(b).
• If someone is hurtA heavier case under s.337-G.

Not sure?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

• My son was caught doing one-wheeling. What case can police make?
• What is the difference between section 279 and 337-G PPC?

Example questions

Sources

• Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 279
  Rash driving or riding on a public way Pakistan Code