[suzuki san]

Hi Guys,

While returning from Thane this morning, I went through the Mulund "Check Naka". Immediately after there was the usual "Naka bandhi" with the barricades and the usual cops (not traffic police) hanging around.
As I was about to clear the last barricade one of the cops pulled me up and asked me to stop.
I was surprised as I had done no wrong.
He arrives at the door and asks for my license. When I asked him what for he replies that you were smoking while driving (which I was - I know! I know!! Bad habit) and will therefore have to pay a fine.

I was absolutely stunned as I had never heard this one before.
When I asked him why this was not in the papers, he asked what paper I read (TOI) and then says it is in their manual.
He then clarified and said that it is not allowed on a highway.
Anyway, I argued for a while telling him he should be out catching the "bad guys", not me (see I have my belt on!!!) and he finally let me off (without paying anything) as I explained to him that if I did not know it was against the law, how could I help it?? Also had to listen to a lecture on how it was for my own safety etc. etc.

Anyone else had any experience like this?

Also, can a normal cop stop a car for a traffic offence?

Regards,

SS

[MX6]

In India, anyone can stop anyone I guess.

[sudhirbhan]

Originally Posted by suzuki san

can a normal cop stop a car for a traffic offence?

As far as I know, any cop can stop you. But only ASI and above can register a case. Constables can just note down your registration number and has to let you go.