S Gopal Puri
Shimla: In an eye-catching social media post, the Himachal Pradesh Police have issued a strong advisory against unsafe travel practices, particularly the trend of passengers leaning out of car sunroofs while driving through the state’s scenic hills.
The post, which quickly went viral, carried a stern yet witty warning: “If you come out of the sunroof… the picture may go viral, but it will come with a challan.” Alongside the message, the authorities shared a representative image of a tourist standing out of a car’s sunroof on a winding mountain road.
Police officials explained that such stunts, though often performed for photographs or social media videos, are dangerous both for passengers and other commuters on hilly terrain. Sudden vehicle movements, sharp curves or falling debris can turn such moments into accidents.
“Tourists often forget that our hill roads are not film sets. While a viral picture may bring a few likes online, it comes at the cost of risking one’s life. This is not just about fines, but about safety,” an official from the state police said.
Himachal Pradesh, one of the most popular tourist destinations in north India, has seen a surge in road accidents in recent years, often due to negligence, over-speeding or unsafe travel behaviour. With increasing tourist inflow this monsoon season, the police have been running awareness campaigns, blending humour and strictness to deliver their message effectively.
The latest advisory follows earlier drives where the state police cautioned against drunk driving, over-speeding and reckless overtaking on mountain roads. Netizens have widely shared the creative campaign, praising the department’s effort to combine wit with public safety.
The authorities have reminded visitors that fines (challans) will be imposed on violators as per the Motor Vehicles Act, and patrol teams are keeping a close watch on highways and tourist-heavy routes.
With the festive and holiday season approaching, the Himachal Pradesh Police have urged commuters to enjoy the beauty of the hills responsibly, ensuring that their journeys remain memorable for the right reasons — without risking lives or breaking laws.
