No, applying makeup while driving in India is not explicitly prohibited under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, but it violates Section 183 (careless driving) and Section 184 (dangerous driving), risking fines up to ₹10,000 under the 2026 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita amendments. Courts interpret such acts as distracted driving, aligning with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ 2023 Road Safety Action Plan targeting visual distractions.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in India
- Section 183 (Careless Driving): Prohibits any act diverting attention from road control, including makeup application, under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Section 184 (Dangerous Driving): Classifies reckless behavior—such as applying cosmetics—as endangering public safety, punishable with imprisonment or fines per the 2026 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- State-Specific Enforcement: Delhi Traffic Police and Mumbai Traffic Police explicitly cite Rule 106 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to penalize drivers engaged in grooming activities.
Local authorities, including the Delhi Traffic Police’s Vision Zero initiative, prioritize visual distraction enforcement. Courts have upheld fines under Section 183 for activities like eating or using phones, extending liability to makeup application. Insurance claims may be denied if distracted driving is proven.