Response

Traffic Police officer can issue challan, not the normal police personnel. Only the head constable or officers of higher post can issue challan. A Head Constable can be identified by the 3 stripes of ‘V’ shape on the uniform’s arm. But, they can only issue a penalty of up to Rs 100. But, he is allowed to issue multiple penalties separately, if multiple violations have occurred. Traffic police office can ask for your vehicle related documents like Driving License, Registration Certificate, proof of insurance, etc.

But they cannot confiscate those documents unless you have violated a law where appearance in court is compulsory. Traffic police personnel must be dressed in white uniform with a name tag on it. They must have “Challan Book” or “E- Challan Device” without that they cannot issue a challan. The recent Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2019 has provisioned significant increase in fines for traffic violations. As per the law, you are not bound to handover the vehicle keys to Traffic Police Office. Though in some circumstances, the traffic police can confiscate your vehicle with ot without keys. You may get a challan on violating any of the traffic rule. Under the traffic law, you have certain rights that traffic police must abide by.

Reference: Indian Motor Vehicle Act

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LAWAYZ-2023-194