Answering frequently-asked questions
1. Who can detect a traffic violation? A member of the police service in uniform
2. Can a single police officer take up a traffic violation? Yes. A single police officer in uniform can take up traffic violation.
3. Explain the offences for which a police officer can detain a driver at the police station pending inquiries/investigation. Section 232(E) of M.T. Act No.8 of 2009
A driver/rider:
(a) Refuses to give his name and address or give a name and address which the police officer suspects to be false. (b) Is involved in an accident resulting in death or grievous injury. (c) Has consumed alcohol or drugs. (d) Is in possession of false or forged documents or false identification plates (including detention of the vehicle) (e) Is in possession of a stolen vehicle with a forged or altered chassis and engine number (including detention of the vehicle). On completion of inquiries the driver shall be released. 4. Explain the offences a police officer could detain a 'vehicle' pending inquiries/investigation: section 232 (F) (a) Failing to comply with the regulations regarding construction equipment and use of any vehicle. (b) The driver is unable to produce a valid policy of insurance under section 99 of the M.T. Act (c) The driver does not produce a valid
driving licence. (d) The driver of the vehicle does not produce a registration certificate, dealers registration certificate, repairs registration certificate or manufacturers registration certificate (e) The vehicle is mechanically defective.
On completion of inquiries the vehicle shall be released. 5. What are the documents a police officer could take charge from a driver/rider after an offence had been committed?
A police officer is authorised to take charge of only the driving licence under section 135 (4) of the M.T. Act in order to see that the driver/rider attends court on the date specified.
It is illegal for a police officer to take charge of the National Identity Card (NIC), revenue Licence, the Insurance Certificate, or the Registration Book, etc.
If the driver is unable to produce the driving licence the police officer shall take all details from the NIC, Insurance Certificate, Revenue License or the Registration Certificate and to summon him to courts.
DRIVING LICENCE AND THE ENDORSEMENT FORM - M. T. Act section 36 (1A) and M.T. Act No 8 of 2009
Any person who fails to carry a valid driving licence including the endorsement form while driving a motor vehicle shall be liable to a fine of not less than Rs. 2,500 and not exceeding Rs. 5000.
Faded or defaced driving licence/M.T. Act section 36 (1d) No 8 of 2009
Any person who possesses a driving licence which is faded, defaced, damaged or obscure shall be liable to a fine not less than Rs. 1000 and not exceeding Rs. 2000 (section 224 of M.T. Act 8 of 2009)
Emission certificate and certificate of fitness - section 196(5) M.T. Act No. 8 of 2009
The emission certificate and the certificate of fitness issued in respect of a motor vehicle shall be (a) carried in that vehicle at all times. (b) made available for inspection by a police officer or an examiner of motor vehicles, and failure to carry them shall entail a liability to pay a fine not less than Rs. 5000 and not exceeding Rs.25,000. Traffic laws are for your safety.