Do not pay a traffic challan unless lawfully prosecuted. With AI-based enforcement, erroneous challans are rising. Know your rights—request proof, refuse unlawful payments, and contest wrongful fines via legal channels. Stay informed.

#TrafficChallans

Do not pay until you are rightfully prosecuted. Traffic challans whereas serve as penalties for violations of traffic rules and plays a crucial role in maintaining traffic discipline and safety, recently with advent of digital enforcement mechanisms such as AI based surveillance and automated traffic cameras the issuance of challans and in several cases erroneous ones have increased significantly. While technologies enhance efficiency, they have also led to instances where huge penalties are been imposed without proper verification.

For this it's imperative for you to be aware of your legal rights. When stopped by a cop or challan issued, do not panic and remember these.

The Law:

A traffic challah is issued under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA),1988 and its subsequent amendments. The penalties varies on the nature of violation and varies ranging from monetary fines to suspension of license or even imprisonment.

What should you do when stopped by a cop:

1. If stopped by a cop just stop and do not argue or panic. Show your Driving License and any other relevant documents. It is not necessary to carry the physical copy of the documents, you can show them digitally on your smart phone through DIGILOCKER. But remember only produce the documents to a person in uniform and check their name on the badge for your future reference.
2. If you are being stopped by a cop of the rank of a constable and being asked for your DL or other documents you can show him that. But if you are being challaned only a person of the rank of SI(Sub Inspector) or higher can do that. You thus ask them to have an SI to check your documents and issue the challan. If SI is not present DO NOT accept the challan issued, do not sign on any paper and do not pay a penny. If misbehaved by any person in uniform call 100/102 or the local police station.
3. Always ask for court/online challan. Do not pay the challan on the spot. It is your right to have a court challan. If you are being pressured to pay then and there or you are being refused for court/online challan , do not pay anything, do not sign on any paper there and if being misbehaved call 100/102 or the nearest police station.
4. In any case you feel you can videograph the whole scenario using your phone camera/ dash camera or any other device. It is your right to do that. If asked to shut down your camera and you feel your rights been violated , continue your camera rolling, it will help you in future.
5. If you are being videographed by the cop let the camera rolling. But remember neither you or him has the authority to upload video on any social media platform.
6. In any case do not use any physical force with the person in uniform or use any abusive language. Be calm and patient.

Your rights:

1. You have the right to receive the complete information about the violation, including the nature of the offense, the location and supporting evidence such as photographic or videographic proof.
2. In case you believe the challah issues is incorrect you have the right to contest it through proper channels.
3. You are entitled to a fair hearing in court, where you can present your case and you may seek legal representation at this stage though not mandatory but its better to have someone legally sound by your side , it strengthens your defense.

In case you have been challaned and you believe it is incorrect you can mail us to @ [email protected] .

Steps to dispute a traffic challan :