criminal
Traffic Challan / Vehicle Seizure
You have received an unfair traffic challan, your vehicle has been seized, or you want to know your rights when stopped by traffic police.
- 01Stay calm and cooperate with the traffic police officer
- 02Ask the officer to show their ID and the specific violation
- 03If e-challan, check details on the state traffic police portal
- 04You can pay the fine online through the e-challan portal
- 05If you disagree with the challan, you can contest it in the traffic court
- 06For vehicle seizure — get a receipt and note the reason for seizure
- 07Produce required documents within 7 days to get the vehicle released
- 08Do NOT pay cash to the officer — all fines should be paid officially
- Challan receipt with offence details
- Photographs of the location where you were stopped
- Dashcam or mobile footage of the incident
- Vehicle documents (RC, insurance, licence, PUC)
- E-challan notification with violation details
- Witness statements (if false challan)
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Driving Licence
- Vehicle Insurance Certificate
- PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate
- Challan receipt
- Contest application (if disputing the challan)
- Traffic Court — Contest the challan within 60 days
- State Traffic Police Portal — Online challan dispute
- Transport Commissioner — For systemic complaints
- Police Complaints Authority — For police misconduct
- District Magistrate — For wrongful vehicle seizure
- Consumer Court — For illegal towing charges
- Motor Vehicles Act — Section 200 (Composition of offences — fines)
- Motor Vehicles Act — Section 206 (Power to seize documents and vehicle)
- Motor Vehicles Act — Section 207 (Detention and release of vehicle)
- Motor Vehicles Act — Section 183 (Speeding fine)
- Motor Vehicles Act — Section 185 (Drunk driving — up to 6 months imprisonment)
The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 (amended) governs traffic fines and vehicle seizure. Traffic police can issue challans for violations but must follow proper procedure. You have the right to see the offence details, get a receipt, and contest the challan. Vehicle seizure is allowed only for specific offences (drunk driving, no documents, accident). You can get your vehicle released by producing documents or paying the fine. E-challans can be contested online.
When to see a lawyer
Consult a lawyer if your vehicle has been seized without valid reason, if you are facing drunk driving charges, or if you want to contest a challan in traffic court.