Getting pulled over by traffic police can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re unsure about your documents or actions. But traffic checks are routine procedures to ensure road safety and compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act. Whether it’s a routine stop or a check for traffic violations, understanding the do’s and don’ts is important.
In this article, we’ll cover a couple of essential things to keep in mind when the traffic police stop you. We'll also include tips on checking fines, verifying ownership, and ensuring you comply with RTO requirements via platforms like Mparivahan.
What to Do If You Are Stopped by a Traffic Police Officer
When stopped by a traffic police officer, we often get panicked. Isn’t it?
Well, it is, and that’s a human tendency. But when a traffic officer stops you, it doesn’t always mean that you have done something wrong. Thus, we are here listing some of the key things that you should remember if you are stopped by a traffic police officer in the future.
Stay Calm and Composed
Don’t panic, or turn on the mobile phone. Doing these things can escalate the situation, making it worse. The police might have stopped you for a routine check, not necessarily due to a violation. Just stay calm and co-operate with the police officer.
Pull Over Safely
If you are signaled to stop, pull over the car safely to the side of the road. Turning off the engine shows that you're cooperative and don’t intend to flee. Co-operating with the traffic officer will help the process go smoother and faster.
Keep Your Hands Visible
Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Avoid rummaging through your glove box unless sudden movements may raise suspicion. Don’t place your hands where they cannot see. Doing this might lead traffic officers to draw wrongful conclusions.
Always Carry Required Documents
You are legally required to carry some essential documents, such as:
Driving License
Registration Certificate (RC)
Valid Insurance
Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC)
Alternatively, you can show these digitally, using the Mparivahan app or DigiLocker, both accepted under Indian law. You can also confirm Vehicle Owner Details and RTO information for transparency.
Also Read:- Renewal Process fo Driving License in Delhi
1. Don’t Offer a Bribe
Offering or accepting a bribe is illegal and can lead to serious penalties. If asked for a bribe, act smartly, collect evidence if safe, and report to a senior officer. If you’re guilty, pay the fine, but avoid supporting the activities involved in bribe.
2. Be Polite and Respectful
Your attitude matters. Avoid confrontations. Being respectful and apologetic, especially for minor offences, can often result in a warning rather than a fine. Don’t plunge into arguments; rather, politely ask them the reason for stopping the vehicle.
3. Ask Why You Were Stopped
You’re entitled to know the reason. Politely asking what offence you’ve committed helps clarify the situation and may reveal misunderstandings. Aggression can be seen as obstruction of duty and will leave a negative impact on the traffic officer.
4. Don’t Argue on the Spot
If you believe you were wrongly stopped or fined, accept the challan and contest it later in virtual court or through legal means. You can lodge a complaint against the wrongly issued challan through the online portal of Parivahan.
5. Understand Your Traffic Violation
Once stopped, the officer might issue an e-challan for a violation. Try to understand the offence you have committed knowingly or unknowingly, such as:
Not wearing a seatbelt
Riding without a helmet
Over-speeding
Parking in a “No Parking” Zone
To verify or pay the fine, you can check E Challan using your vehicle number on online platforms like Park+ and Parivahan.
6. Ensure Vehicle Fitness
Make sure your vehicle is in road-worthy condition. Non-functioning lights, broken mirrors, or bald tires are valid reasons for being stopped.
7. Turn Off Your Vehicle When Stopped
It shows cooperation and avoids suspicion that you might attempt to flee or change lanes. However, it is not required unless the traffic officer asks you to do so. But it is suggested for the safer side. Verify Vehicle Owner Details, if stopped for any ownership queries.
8. Follow the Road Rules
Adherence to the traffic rules the responsibility of every citizen to ensure road safety. Non-compliance of the road rules will lead the traffic officers to obstruct your path.
9. Ask For their Identity
You have the right to ask the officer to show their ID if they aren’t in uniform. Moreover, if they aren’t in uniform and refuse to prove their identity, you can lawfully deny showing your documents.
Also Read:- How to Pay Traffic Challan in Court
Know Your Rights if Stopped by a Traffic Police Officer
You are not powerless when stopped by traffic police. Knowing your rights keeps you protected and ensures a lawful process.
You have the right to ask for the officer's identity if not in uniform.
You can ask the reason for being stopped.
You are not obligated to hand over your original documents unless they are seized with a receipt.
The officer cannot forcibly take your vehicle keys.
In case you aren’t treated properly or are harassed by a police officer, you have the complete right to file a complaint in case of harassment by explaining the complete incident.
You have the right to challenge a wrongly issued challan by raising a complaint on Parivahan.
Also Read:- Helmet Rules in India
Conclusion
Being stopped by traffic police doesn’t have to be scary or frustrating. By knowing what to do and how to behave, you can avoid fines, legal issues, and unnecessary stress. Always keep your documents updated, follow road rules, and use digital tools like Mparivahan, RTO portals, and Check E Challan services to stay one step ahead. Remember, being a law-abiding citizen not only keeps you safe but also contributes to smoother, safer roads for everyone.