Why Citizen Reporting Matters
India's road safety depends not just on enforcement by authorities but also on active citizen participation. Reporting traffic violations — rash driving, drunk driving, dangerous overtaking, or even police misconduct — helps build accountability and safer roads for everyone.
Several official channels exist for citizens to report violations or file complaints. Here's how to use them effectively.
1. Report via the iRASTE / IRAD App (Accident Reporting)
The Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD) app, developed by IIT Madras and backed by MoRTH, allows citizens to report road accidents and hazardous spots:
- Available on Android and iOS
- Report accident locations, road condition issues, and black spots
- Reports feed directly into national road safety databases
- Useful for flagging dangerous road stretches that need enforcement attention
2. Report Traffic Violations to Your State Traffic Police
Most state traffic police departments have dedicated complaint mechanisms:
Via Helpline Numbers
- National Emergency Number: 112 (all states)
- Traffic Police Helpline: 103 (available in most states)
- State-specific numbers (e.g., Delhi Traffic Police: 011-25844444)
Via State Police Websites
Many state police portals have an online complaint form. For example:
- Delhi: delhitrafficpolice.nic.in → Citizen Services → Complaint
- Maharashtra: mahapolice.gov.in → Online Services → Register Complaint
- Karnataka: ksp.gov.in → Citizen Services
Search for your state's official police portal and look for "Citizen Complaint" or "Online Grievance" sections.
3. Use the mParivahan App to Report Violations
The official mParivahan app includes a feature to report observed traffic violations directly to traffic authorities. You can:
- Capture a photo or video of the violation
- Submit the vehicle number and location
- Choose the type of violation from a predefined list
Reports submitted here are forwarded to the relevant traffic police department for action.
4. File a Grievance on the Centralised Public Grievance Portal (CPGRAMS)
If your complaint isn't being addressed by local authorities, escalate it to the national level via CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System):
- Visit pgportal.gov.in
- Register or log in with your credentials.
- Select the relevant ministry (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or Home Affairs).
- Describe your complaint with all supporting details and evidence.
- Track the status of your complaint online.
5. Report Corruption or Misconduct by Traffic Police
If you've witnessed or experienced bribery or misconduct by a traffic officer:
- File a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of your state.
- Dial 1064 (Anti-Corruption Helpline in several states).
- Use the state police's internal affairs or vigilance department.
- File a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) if rights were violated.
What Information to Include in Your Complaint
For your complaint to be actionable, include:
- Date, time, and exact location of the incident
- Vehicle registration number of the offending vehicle
- Description of the violation (e.g., drunk driving, wrong-way driving)
- Photo or video evidence if safely captured
- Your name and contact details (some portals allow anonymous reporting)
Your Safety First
Never put yourself in danger to gather evidence of a traffic violation. Do not confront aggressive drivers. Report safely — from a parked position or after the immediate danger has passed.
Active citizen reporting is a powerful tool for road safety. When more people report violations, authorities can better identify problem areas and enforce rules more effectively.