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Traffic police / RTO

Traffic police asking for a bribe

What to do if a traffic officer asks for money on the road. Stay safe. Collect details. Complain the right way.

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Who this is for

Anyone stopped by traffic police and asked for cash instead of a proper challan.

Real life (simple)

  • You are stopped for a helmet. The officer says “settle for ₹200, no challan”. That cash usually never becomes an official challan number.
  • Real-life move: ask for e-challan, note belt number / place / time when safe, leave if the road feels unsafe, then file on the police grievance portal + CPGRAMS with the same facts.

What to do (step by step)

  1. Stay calm. Do not shout. Your safety comes first.
  2. Ask politely for a proper e-challan or written receipt. Say: "Please give me the official challan."
  3. Note the date, time, place, vehicle number, and officer details (name/belt number if visible).
  4. If you can do it safely, note the vehicle number of the police vehicle.
  5. Do not hand over original documents unless required by law for that stop. Prefer showing, not giving away.
  6. If money was forced, write everything down as soon as you are safe.
  7. File a complaint on your state police grievance portal and also on CPGRAMS.
  8. Attach any proof you already have (photos of location, messages, dashcam if any). Keep copies with you.

Tips

  • A real challan has a number and goes into the system. Random cash is not a challan.
  • If you feel unsafe, do not argue on a lonely road. Leave, then complain.
  • Dashcam / helmet cam helps a lot when it is legal in your situation.
  • You can also complain to the Superintendent of Police / traffic unit of that district.

Warnings

  • Do not pay and forget. Silence keeps the cycle alive.
  • Do not use violence or threats. Use paper, portals, and proof.

Working links

Ready drafts

Replace words inside [BRACKETS] with your details. Then send it yourself. We do not collect your data. Hindi draft is available for this guide.

1) Email draft

Subject: Complaint: Traffic police bribe demand at [PLACE] on [DATE]

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am writing to complain about a traffic police bribe demand.

Date: [DATE]
Time: [TIME]
Place: [PLACE / LANDMARK / CITY / STATE]
My vehicle number: [VEHICLE NUMBER]
Officer details (if known): [NAME / BELT NO / VEHICLE NO]
What happened: [SHORT FACTS :  asked for cash / refused challan / amount]

I request a proper enquiry and action as per law. I am ready to cooperate.

Name: [YOUR NAME]
Address: [YOUR ADDRESS]
Phone: [YOUR PHONE]
Email: [YOUR EMAIL]

Thank you.
[YOUR NAME]

2) Letter draft

To,
The concerned Traffic / Police Authority
[CITY / DISTRICT / STATE]

Subject: Complaint regarding bribe demand by traffic police

Respected Sir/Madam,

I wish to report that on [DATE] at about [TIME], near [PLACE], traffic police asked me for money instead of issuing a proper challan.

Details:
1. Vehicle number: [VEHICLE NUMBER]
2. Officer details: [IF KNOWN]
3. Amount demanded: [AMOUNT]
4. What I said/did: [SHORT FACTS]

I request enquiry and strict action. Please treat this as a formal complaint.

Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE]
[EMAIL]
Date: [DATE]

Links checked: 2026-07-20. This is public civic information, not legal advice. Stay peaceful and lawful.

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