BACK TO MVA INDEX
MVA 1988 (Amended 2019)ORIGINALChapter V

Section 120-121

Vehicles to be Driven in Conformity with Directions; Traffic Control During Emergency

Control of Traffic
Fine: ₹2,000–₹10,000Compoundable: No (Section 179) / Yes (Section 177)Endorsement: No
BARE ACT PROVISION

Legal Text

Section 120: Every person driving a motor vehicle in any public place shall, while driving, comply with any direction given by a police officer in uniform or any other person authorised in this behalf by the State Government for the regulation of traffic. Section 121: On the approach of a fire brigade, ambulance or any other emergency vehicle, every person driving a motor vehicle shall cause the vehicle to move to the side of the road or stop, as may be necessary, to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.

Simplified Explanation

Sections 120 and 121 address two complementary aspects of traffic authority compliance. Section 120 establishes the legal duty to follow police officers' traffic directions — a police officer directing traffic at an intersection or during an event has the same legal authority as a traffic signal. Disobeying a uniformed police officer's traffic direction is a Section 179 offence carrying ₹2,000 — higher than many sign violations, reflecting the direct challenge to authority involved. Section 121 gives emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles on emergency calls) an absolute right of way. Every driver must immediately move to the side of the road or stop to allow an emergency vehicle with siren and lights active to pass. The 2019 Amendment added Section 194E — failing to give way to an emergency vehicle carries ₹10,000 penalty. This provision gained significant public attention following high-profile deaths caused by ambulances being blocked by uncooperative traffic.

Historical Context

The specific addition of Section 194E by the 2019 Amendment was directly driven by documented cases of ambulances carrying critically ill patients being blocked by inconsiderate drivers — some resulting in patient deaths. The ₹10,000 fine for blocking emergency vehicles was a deliberate strong deterrent.

Critical Changes

Section 194E added by 2019 Amendment — ₹10,000 penalty for not making way for emergency vehicle.

Section 179 penalty increased from ₹500 to ₹2,000 for disobeying police officer.

Emergency vehicle corridor (Green Corridor) concept established on highways.

Practical Scenarios

"Refusing to stop when a uniformed traffic cop signals you to stop — Section 120/179: ₹2,000."
"Blocking an ambulance with siren on at an intersection — Section 121/194E: ₹10,000."
"Not pulling over to the left when a fire engine is approaching from behind — Section 121/194E."

Common Queries

Under Section 194E (added by the 2019 Amendment), failing to give way to a vehicle being used as an ambulance, fire brigade, or police vehicle on emergency duty carries a fine of ₹10,000.
Under Section 179 MVA (as amended 2019), disobeying the directions of a police officer or authorised person in uniform carries a fine of ₹2,000 — or imprisonment up to 6 months.