Traffic Stop
When stopped by traffic police for licence check, vehicle inspection, or breath analyser test
Your rights
5 rights, every one grounded in a specific statutory section.
Right to know why you are being stopped — police must state the reason for the stop.
BNSS s. 150Police powers to stop and question personsRight to see the police officer's identity card and note their name and badge number.
BNSS s. 150Police identification obligation during stopsRight to refuse a breath analyser test unless the officer has reasonable grounds to suspect alcohol consumption — you may ask for the grounds.
MV s. 185Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs — testing powersRight to a receipt (acknowledgement) for any document, fee, or vehicle taken by traffic police.
MV s. 130Duty to produce driving licence and certificate of registration on demandRight not to be detained beyond a reasonable time for a routine document check — if detained for over 24 hours, production before a Magistrate is required.
CONSTITUTION s. 22(2)Protection against arbitrary arrest and detention
Your duties
What you must do so the law is on your side.
You must produce your driving licence, registration certificate, insurance certificate, and pollution under control certificate on demand.
MV s. 130Duty to produce licence and vehicle documents on demand by policeYou must comply with a lawful direction to stop your vehicle.
MV s. 132Duty to obey traffic signs and police directionsYou must submit to a breath analyser test if the officer has reasonable grounds and produces an authorised device.
MV s. 185Blood alcohol content testing — duty to comply with lawful test
Do say
- ·“I would like to know the reason for this stop.”
- ·“I would like to see your identity card and note your badge number.”
- ·“I am willing to show my documents. Please give me a receipt.”
- ·“I would like a copy of any challan issued.”
- ·“Am I free to go?”
Do not say
- ·Do not offer money or imply you can "settle" the matter on the spot.
- ·Do not argue loudly or use abusive language.
- ·Do not hand over original documents unless you note the officer's details first.
- ·Do not sign a blank paper or admit to an offence you did not commit.
Get a lawyer immediately if
- ·If an officer demands money without issuing a challan — consult a lawyer immediately and file a complaint.
- ·If you are detained at a police station without cause — demand to inform a relative and call a lawyer.
- ·If original documents are seized without a receipt — do not sign anything without a lawyer.
- ·If a breath analyser device appears broken or uncertified — note this fact and consult a lawyer.
Emergency contacts
National helplines available 24/7.
Statutory references
Every right and duty above is anchored in one of these.
- MV s. 130Production of licence and documents on demand
- MV s. 132Duty to obey police traffic directions
- MV s. 185Driving under influence — testing and offences
- BNSS s. 150Police powers to stop and question
- CONSTITUTION s. 22(2)Protection against arbitrary detention
Need this in an emergency?
The LawByHeart mobile app has an offline panic mode, step-by-step walkthroughs, and one-tap helpline calls for every scenario on this page. Free, no signup needed.
Get the mobile app →Not legal advice. This guide is a citation-grounded reference, not a substitute for a lawyer. If your rights have been violated or you need to act on something specific, consult an advocate. We do not connect citizens to lawyers (BCI Rule 36 compliant).
Every right and duty above maps to a section of an Indian statute. We do not generate legal text — every quoted citation is sourced from BNS / BNSS / BSA / Constitution / the relevant special Act and verified before publication.