What To Do When You Get A Wrong Traffic Challan (in India)

When You Get A Wrong Traffic Challan (in India)

Traffic challan stories in India are quite common. The number of content that makes it to the headlines has significantly increased, especially since the amendments made to the Motor Vehicle Act. As per the New MV Act, violating traffic safety rules will attract hefty penalties that can burn a hole in your pocket.

After getting to hear so many mixed reviews on the new traffic penalties, it has become essential to check the traffic challan legitimacy. You certainly don’t want to be wrongly fined for something that was not your fault.

But let’s assume that you were indeed fined wrongly. What are the measures that one should undertake when they receive the wrong traffic e-challan? We are here to put some light on the same.

What should you do when you get a wrong challan?

woman drafting an email If you strongly believe that the traffic police officers are harassing you, you can complain about them at your nearest police station.

Visit the nearest Traffic Cell/Station and explain your situation in elaborate details as to why you think you were fined wrongly. It is better to present documented proofs to support your case. If you do not have the time to pay an in-person visit to the Traffic Cell, you can draft an email or call the station to help you with your case.

Further, if you are requested to appear in front of a judge for the said challan, you can raise your concerns and dispute the matter in the court. However, before you decide to do so, ensure that you have sufficient evidence to support your case point.

Also, carry information regarding the vehicle registration number, chassis number, your GPS location details at the time of getting the challan, driving licence details, ownership documents, etc. Having these documents handy will work in your favour, especially when the authority has wrongly fined you.

How Can I Avoid Getting Fined Wrongly?

vehicle-related documents saved digitally in an appThere are a few things that people can do to avoid getting fined or wrongly fined by the traffic police officer. It includes the following –

  • Ensure that you adhere to the traffic safety rules imposed by the government.
  • Carry the necessary documents such as driving licence, motor insurance plan, vehicle registration certificate, PUC, etc. with you at all times.
  • When stopped by the traffic police officer, cooperate with them and present the requested documents. Do not argue or ignore them.
  • The traffic officer needs to have an e-challan machine to charge you with a penalty.
  • If you are suspicious of the traffic police authority, you can request them to show you their identification card. However, be quite polite when asking for it.
  • When the challan is charged, check the slip thoroughly for any mistakes. It should clearly mention the traffic rule you violated, correct personal details, documents detained (if any), and the court you need to appear in front of along with the date.
  • Make a note that if you have your vehicle-related documents saved digitally in an app (DigiLocker), the traffic police cannot fine you for it.
  • The traffic officer cannot detain your driving licence without any receipt. Also, they cannot tow your vehicle if you are sitting in it.
  • Traffic police cannot deflate tyres to detain your vehicle as it is illegal to do so.
  • Any police constable cannot force you to present your documents or detain them. You have the liberty to politely deny and submit your documents to a traffic police officer only.
  • Sikhs wearing a turban cannot be fined for not wearing a helmet in India.

Lastly, if you feel that you have been wrongly fined by the authorities or charged way higher for a traffic rule violation, visit the nearest Traffic Cell to dispute the challan. Make sure that you possess the latest information related to the Motor Vehicle Act when doing so.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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