Urban Skating on National Highway

922 votes

Yes, skating on the shoulder of a National Highway can attract legal consequences in India, even if you are wearing protective gear. National Highways are meant strictly for motorized vehicular traffic, and activities like skating pose a risk both to the person and to road users. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and relevant traffic rules, using a public road in a manner that endangers safety or obstructs traffic can be treated as a punishable offence. Authorities may invoke provisions relating to dangerous behavior, public nuisance, or obstruction of traffic. Additionally, highways are high-speed zones, and any non-motorized activity like skating is inherently unsafe and may be restricted by local traffic police. Therefore, even with protective gear, such activity is generally discouraged and may lead to fines or police action.

Advocate Madhvi Chopra LawRato

962 votes

Hi there, yes it's a punishable offence under Motor vehicle act and also under IPC. If the act is video recorded or police has taken any action you'll need an advocate to get out of this situation. It's advisable to contact me and provide requisite details to assist you better.

Advocate Ishan Parashar LawRato

967 votes

Under Indian law, the use of highways is primarily governed by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and rules framed thereunder. Highways are meant for motorized traffic, and any activity that interferes with the free and safe flow of traffic can attract liability. Skating on a National Highway, even on the shoulder, is generally not permitted, as it poses a risk both to yourself and to vehicular traffic. The shoulder is intended for emergency use (such as breakdowns), not for recreational or non-motorized activities. Such conduct can attract action under provisions relating to: obstruction or danger to public way under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for negligent or unsafe acts), and traffic violations for unsafe use of the road under the Motor Vehicles framework. Even if no specific “skating” offence is mentioned, authorities can still proceed on the ground that the act is dangerous, negligent, or obstructive. In practical terms, police may: stop you and remove you from the highway, issue a warning or fine, and in certain cases, register a minor offence if risk or obstruction is established. In conclusion, skating on the shoulder of a National Highway is legally unsafe and can be treated as a punishable act, irrespective of protective gear. It is advisable to restrict such activities to designated or safe areas rather than public highways.

Advocate Yuganshu Sharma LawRato

723 votes

Skating on a National Highway shoulder is unsafe and can be treated as a traffic violation under the Motor Vehicles Act for endangering public safety, attracting fines or police action depending on circumstances.

Advocate Keshav Agarwal LawRato

592 votes

Yes—using the shoulder of a National Highway for skating (or any non-permitted activity) can amount to a punishable offence in India. Traffic police can stop you, issue a challan, or remove you from the highway If an accident happens, liability can increase significantly

Advocate Snehlata Sharma LawRato