One of my clients recently had a case which I am explaining below and if you are stuck in such similar situation, here is what to do.

Note: Due to attorney-client privilege, I cannot disclose complete case details or identify the actual parties involved. However, I am sharing the essential facts and legal approach so that if you find yourself in a similar situation, you can understand the available solutions and legal remedies.

Mr.X from City A contacted me after he was caught for triple riding on his motorcycle. When he checked his challan status online the next day, it showed “sent to court” instead of allowing direct payment. He had tried paying through the virtual court portal, but it displayed “wrong number” error message. Mr.X was concerned about having to visit the court physically and wanted to explore options for settling the fine without court appearance. The traffic challan amount was moderate, but the inconvenience of court visits and potential complications worried him. He had heard about online payment systems but couldn’t access them successfully due to technical issues with the portal.

Advice in Such Cases

Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation to come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

• Try alternative online payment portals of your state’s traffic police department
• Contact the traffic police station where the challan was issued for guidance on payment procedures
• Visit the court clerk’s office early morning to avoid crowds and get quick assistance with payment processing

Applicable Sections of Law

Traffic violations involving triple riding fall under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and motor vehicle regulations. Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act deals with dangerous driving, while Section 194D covers penalty for not wearing protective headgear. Under BNS Section 281, causing danger or obstruction in public way is addressed. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Section 148 provides procedures for compounding of offences. These legal provisions ensure road safety while providing mechanisms for fine payment and case resolution.

If You Are the Complainant

• File a complaint with traffic police if you witness triple riding violations
• Provide clear photographic or video evidence of the violation
• Submit details of vehicle registration number, date, time, and location
• Cooperate with police investigation if required to appear as witness
• Follow up on the complaint status through official channels

If You Are the Victim

• Check multiple online portals including state traffic police website and virtual court systems
• Contact the issuing traffic police station directly for alternative payment methods
• Visit the court during designated hours with original documents for immediate payment
• Seek help from court clerks who can guide you through the payment process
• Keep all payment receipts and acknowledgments for future reference

How the Police Behave in Such Cases

Traffic police generally handle triple riding cases as routine violations with standard procedures. They issue challans on the spot and provide options for online payment within specified timeframes. When challans are sent to court, police typically cooperate with violators seeking to pay fines promptly. Most officers are helpful in explaining payment procedures and may provide alternative solutions for those facing technical difficulties with online systems.

FAQs People Normally Have

Q: Can I pay traffic fines after they’re sent to court? Yes, you can still pay fines even after court referral, though procedures may differ.

Q: Will I get a criminal record for traffic violations? Minor traffic violations typically don’t result in criminal records but may affect driving license points.

Q: What happens if I ignore the challan completely? Ignoring challans can lead to license suspension, increased penalties, and legal complications.

Q: Are online payment systems always reliable? Technical issues are common; alternative methods should be explored if online systems fail.

What Evidence Is Required?

• Original challan copy or reference number for court proceedings
• Valid driving license and vehicle registration documents
• Identity proof such as Aadhaar card or passport
• Photographs showing the violation if available
• Payment receipts of previous attempts if any
• Court summons or notices received
• Insurance documents of the vehicle involved

How Long Will the Investigation Take?

Traffic violation cases sent to court typically require 2-4 weeks for processing if paid promptly. However, if contested or if there are complications, the process may extend to 2-3 months. Most courts prioritize traffic fine payments and provide same-day receipts when payments are made in person. Online payment processing usually takes 24-48 hours for confirmation and case closure.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India