11 Tips You Should Know in Case the Traffic Police Stops You

Have you ever experienced that heart-wrenching moment when the traffic police wave you over? It does not always mean you have done something wrong or committed any offence. In such situations, knowing your rights and staying calm is a key. In this page, you will get valuable insights into how to handle this situation confidently if the traffic police ever stops you?
11 Tips to Keep in Mind If You Get Stopped by the Traffic Police
Traffic stops can occur for various reasons, including routine checks or suspected traffic violations. Here is how you can handle it:
- The traffic police will stop your bike if you violate a traffic rule, such as jumping a red light and raising a challan using an e-challan machine or traffic challan book.
- When the traffic police ask you to stop, do not run away or avoid them. Instead, try to comply and cooperate with them. If requested, provide mandatory documents, including the RC of the bike, your DL, a valid bike insurance policy, and PUCC.
- Never argue with the officer. Be calm and composed with the officers if you have violated any rule.
- Remember, you will be penalized for several instances, such as not wearing a helmet while riding a bike, not having mandatory documents, violating traffic rules, overspeeding, rash driving, riding on the wrong lane, arguing with the police authority, etc. All these instances force you to pay the fines.
- Never bribe any traffic authority. This might lead you to some severe problems.
- If you have suspicions about the traffic authority, you can politely ask for their ID.
- Your bike will be detained in case of a violation of the law.
- If a Driving License (DL) is suspended, the traffic officer will offer you a valid receipt. The significant reasons for DL suspensions are using your mobile phone while riding, being caught drunk driving, rash riding, etc.
- If your bike is detained, you must appear in the magistrate court within 24 hours for your case.
- You can file a complaint against the traffic police authority if they harass you at the local police station. Provide all the details related to the complaint.
- Check the details of your traffic violation, details of the driver, and details of the court for the trial when the traffic police issue a bike challan against you.
What to Do When You Get Stopped by the Traffic Police?
If you ever get stopped by the traffic police on the grounds of any rule violation, you must know how to deal with it. Knowing your rights is vital in such situations.
The first thing a traffic police officer will do is ask you to present your mandatory documents for your bike. Hence, carrying them and streamlining the traffic stop process is essential. Here is a list of these documents:
- Registration Certificate (RC)
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
- Driving License (DL)
- Mandatory Third-party Bike Insurance Policy
What Should You Check on a Traffic Violation Challan?
Upon receiving a traffic violation challan, always check the below details on your challan:
- Court details for the trial
- Offense details
- Trial date
- Offender's name and address (your details)
- Issuing officer's name and signature
- Required documents list
FAQs
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Q. Should I stop if traffic police signal me?
Ans: Yes, you are legally required to stop. They may be conducting routine checks. In such a situation, you must stay calm and follow the process. -
Q. What documents must I carry while riding my bike?
Ans: Always carry your Registration Certificate (RC), Driving License (DL), valid bike insurance, and Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). -
Q. Can police keep my original documents?
Ans: Generally, this does not happen. They will usually issue a challan if you cannot show them the original documents. -
Q. What if I forget my documents?
Ans: If you do not have the required documents available physically, you can show the digital copies saved in your DigiLocker and mParivahan. If unable to do it, the traffic police will produce a challan for not having mandatory documents. -
Q. Can I refuse to show documents?
Ans: No, refusing to show your documents is illegal and can lead to further penalties.
