India, Jan. 11 -- Police will now prosecute wrong-side drivers in court by registering FIRs under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita instead of issuing spot fines, a move that could also adversely affect police verification reports required for government jobs and security clearances, officials said on Saturday.

Police officers said offenders caught driving on the wrong side on highways, expressways or city roads will be booked under sections 125 and 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Section 125, which deals with acts endangering life or personal safety, carries a penalty of three months' imprisonment or a fine of Rs.2,500, or both, while section 281, which covers rash driving on a public way, attracts up to six months' imprisonment or a fine...