Festival Crackdown: Motorbike Stunts Banned as Chennai Tightens Rules

As Diwali approaches, the Greater Chennai Police have initiated a focused enforcement drive to eliminate illegal motorcycle racing and hazardous stunts on city roads. The operation, launched on Sunday, sends a clear message that careless riding and public endangerment will not be tolerated.

Special enforcement squads are stationed along principal arteries and in high‑density shopping areas, notably T. Nagar and Purasaiwalkam, where youth groups often congregate for informal races. Continuous monitoring will be in effect throughout the festival day, and violators will be subject to immediate legal action.

The campaign mobilises roughly 18,000 officers, including the Armed Reserve, Tamil Nadu Special Police, Home Guard personnel and traffic controllers. Police Commissioner A. Amalraj has directed all teams to prioritize accident prevention, crowd management and vigilance against criminal activity during the holiday period.

Collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services has intensified security around pyrotechnic vendors and other sensitive locations. The public is reminded to observe Supreme Court directives and state regulations limiting fireworks to two time slots: 6 am‑7 am and 7 pm‑8 pm on Diwali.

Authorities ask residents to refrain from lighting firecrackers outside the authorized windows and to exercise maximum caution to avoid fire hazards or injuries. Motorcyclists are specifically urged to keep off public roads for racing or stunt performances, ensuring a safe and tranquil Diwali for drivers, pedestrians and the wider community.