What you must show
Your driving licence on demand by a police officer in uniform, and registration, insurance, fitness and permit papers on demand by an authorised officer.
Motor Vehicles Act 1988, s.130Know your rights
Stopped by traffic police
Most stops end in a minute if you stay calm and have your documents, on paper or on your phone. Here is what the law allows and how to deal with a challan.
Last updated: Reviewed by IndiaDigital editorsSources
In 30 seconds
Show your driving licence, registration certificate, insurance and PUC when a police officer in uniform asks. Copies in DigiLocker or mParivahan are legally valid. Fines are now mostly e-challans: pay online or contest it in the virtual court. Always get a receipt for any payment and never pay cash without one.
Call for help
Your rights
Digital documents are valid
Documents in DigiLocker or mParivahan are treated as valid, so police should not insist on the physical copy (rule 139, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, as amended in 2018).
CMVR rule 139Challan with a record
Fines are issued as e-challans with a number you can check on the Parivahan e-challan site. You can pay online or contest it in the virtual court.
MV Act s.200, 208Good Samaritans are protected
If you help an accident victim, you cannot be forced to give your name or be a witness, and you are not liable for civil or criminal action for helping in good faith.
MV Act s.134AWomen and arrest
If an arrest happens, the general rules apply: grounds, a relative informed, a Magistrate within 24 hours, and no arrest of a woman after sunset except in exceptional cases.
BNSS 43(5), 47, 48, 58What to do, step by step
Pull over safely and stay in the car
Switch on hazard lights. Be polite.
Show documents
Open DigiLocker or mParivahan if you do not carry paper copies.
Note the officer’s name and the challan number
If a fine is due, ask for an e-challan or a printed receipt.
Check and pay online
Use the Parivahan e-challan site. If the challan is wrong, choose to contest it in the virtual court.
Report misbehaviour
Complain to the traffic police helpline or senior officer of your city, or on the state police grievance portal.
Letters and tools that help
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and state rules change; check the official source or ask a lawyer. Free legal aid: call NALSA 15100 or visit your District Legal Services Authority.
Questions people ask
Can traffic police take my vehicle keys?
The law lets authorised officers detain a vehicle in some cases (for example no registration or permit). For an ordinary stop, ask politely for a challan instead; note details if keys are taken.
I got an e-challan for something I did not do. What now?
Check the photo or details on the Parivahan e-challan site and choose to contest it in the virtual court of your state. Keep proof (location, receipts).
Sources
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