Rs 21 Lakh Traffic Challan Error: How a Missing 'MV Act' Created a Massive Fine for Helmet Violation

In a startling incident in Muzaffarnagar, a scooter rider received a shocking challan of approximately Rs 21 lakh for riding without a helmet. The fine amount was almost 21 times the value of his scooter, which cost only about one lakh rupees. The excessive challan quickly became viral on social media platforms, displaying the hefty penalty of Rs 20,74,000.

The incident took place last Tuesday in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district. Anmol Singhal was intercepted during a routine traffic check in the New Mandi area. At the time, he was not wearing a protective helmet and failed to present the required vehicle documentation, according to officials.

Traffic police confiscated his scooter and issued the enormous fine. Astonished by the unprecedented amount, Singhal shared an image of the challan on social media. Following the public exposure and subsequent embarrassment, the police department promptly reduced the fine to Rs 4,000.

Explaining the error, Muzaffarnagar's Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Atul Chaubey, clarified that the mistake occurred due to the issuing sub-inspector's oversight. "Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act was applied in that case. But the sub-inspector forgot to mention 'MV Act' after 207," Chaubey explained. This clerical error resulted in the combination of '207' and Rs 4,000 (the standard minimum fine under this section) appearing as a single amount - 20,74,000. The SP confirmed that the rider only needs to pay the correct fine of Rs 4,000.

Under Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act, law enforcement officers are authorized to impound vehicles when drivers fail to produce necessary documentation.