Across several Indian cities, a growing number of risky road stunts captured on mobile phones and shared on social media platforms have prompted strong responses from law enforcement agencies and renewed debate about public safety. From riders performing wheelies on busy highways to passengers standing through moving vehicle sunroofs, viral videos have increasingly drawn attention not only for their daring visuals but also for the dangers they pose to commuters and pedestrians.
In recent weeks, traffic police in multiple states have acted against individuals seen engaging in such stunts after footage circulated widely online. In Gurugram, a viral clip showing a young man standing through the sunroof of a moving SUV on the Dwarka Expressway led to the registration of a case under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and sections related to rash and negligent driving. Authorities traced the vehicle through its registration details and initiated legal proceedings. Similar incidents have been reported in Chhattisgarh, where students were seen leaning out of moving cars and performing celebratory stunts during farewell events, prompting police to seize vehicles and impose fines.
In Bhopal and Bengaluru, traffic police have intensified patrols on major stretches known for late-night speeding and stunt riding. Officials have reiterated that public roads are not designated performance zones and that any act endangering lives will invite strict legal consequences. Vehicles have been impounded, licenses suspended and substantial fines imposed in confirmed cases of reckless driving. In some cities, surveillance through CCTV footage and monitoring of viral clips has become an important enforcement tool, allowing authorities to identify offenders even after the incident has occurred.
The rise of such stunts is closely linked to the rapid growth of short-form video platforms, where dramatic and high-risk content often attracts significant engagement. Experts in road safety note that social media visibility can create incentives for risky behavior, particularly among young riders and drivers seeking attention or peer validation. However, they stress that the consequences extend far beyond online popularity. Dangerous maneuvers on public roads can lead to severe injuries, fatalities and collateral harm to unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians.
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, rash and negligent driving, overspeeding and dangerous driving are punishable offenses. Amendments introduced in recent years have increased penalties for traffic violations, reflecting the government’s broader push to reduce road accidents. According to official road safety data released annually by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, India continues to record a high number of road traffic accidents and fatalities, making enforcement and preventive measures a national priority. Authorities argue that stunt riding and reckless displays further compound an already serious public safety challenge.
The phenomenon is not confined to India. Internationally, similar viral trends have led to legal action in various countries, with police agencies warning that online fame does not exempt individuals from accountability. Traffic experts globally have pointed out that high-speed stunts, burnouts and wheelies on public roads disrupt traffic flow, increase collision risks and strain emergency response systems.
The public response to police crackdowns has been mixed. Many citizens support strict enforcement, arguing that public roads must remain safe for all users and that irresponsible behavior should be penalized firmly. Parents and educators have also expressed concern about the influence of viral content on teenagers and young adults. Others, however, have questioned whether enforcement alone is sufficient and have called for broader awareness campaigns aimed at educating youth about the real-world consequences of such actions.
Law enforcement officials maintain that while social media may amplify these acts, the legal framework is clear. Public roads are governed by traffic laws designed to protect collective safety. Performing stunts outside controlled and permitted environments not only violates these laws but also places innocent lives at risk. Authorities have increasingly used public messaging campaigns to remind citizens that what may appear as entertainment online can have irreversible consequences offline.
As cities continue to grapple with congestion, rising vehicle ownership and persistent accident rates, the debate over street stunts highlights a deeper challenge: balancing digital expression with civic responsibility. For policymakers and police alike, the goal remains consistent — to deter dangerous behavior while promoting a culture of responsible road use. The message from enforcement agencies is unequivocal: viral attention cannot outweigh public safety.
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Last Updated on: Friday, February 13, 2026 12:50 pm by News Proton Team | Published by: News Proton Team on Friday, February 13, 2026 12:50 pm | News Categories: Automobile