Monday, April 14, 2008

Experience with Delhi Traffic Police - Challan/Ticket for using Mobile while driving

Today afternoon, I was going to meet my CA. Baljeet, my driver was on leave and so I was driving the car myself. I received a phone call when I was near Ashram Chowk. I picked up the call and started talking in handsfree mode. The call from Manoj, A potential customer and so I continued talking.

In few minutes, I was on Lajpat Nagar flyover and saw a police can in my rear view mirror and the police man waving me. Well, I pulled my car on the side, switched on blinker, shut off the engine and came out. The police van also stopped behind my car.

I went to the police man sitting next to driver, gave him a smile, did not utter a word and gave him my license. He smiled back and asked for the RC (Registration Certificate). I got the thick envelop from the car containing all documents, searched and found the RC and gave him the copy.

Police man asked me if I would like to pay penalty in cash or appear before Judge later on where I can plead ignorance. He informed me that penalty is Rs 1500/-

I said that I was talking on the phone,so there is no question of denying here or in front of judge, however as I do not have sufficient cash, I will appear before the judge.

The police man asked me if I have Rs 600/- then he can reduce the penalty and make challan only for that amount. I checked and wallet and said that yes, I have Rs 600/-. Police person made the recipt, gave me a copy, collected Rs 600/- from me.

I thanked him and said that this will ensure that I wont talk while driving in future.

The police man smiled and said it is okay. He said that he was pleased by my cool behavior and thats why they fined me for driving without seat belt(which carries less penalty) and not for using mobile while driving.

In all I found this interaction with them very good, there was no tension and pressure, no demand for bribe. The police men were polite, courteous and professional.

So what has been your experience with Delhi Police? 




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