Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan | EDIT: Solved by the Police

raptor_diwan · 17th August 2023, 12:34

Recently, I received a second challan for not wearing a helmet while riding my Activa. I always strictly adhere to using a helmet and never ride without one. However, I was surprised when I checked the provided link and saw a picture of a different-colored Activa. The one in the image appeared to be grey, whereas mine is red. This stark contrast leads me to believe there might be some mistake or even the possibility of a forgery, as even the license plate number seems to be incorrect.

Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan | EDIT: Solved by the Police-1001.png

The vehicle captured is completely different from mine, and the person seems to be riding without a helmet.

Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan | EDIT: Solved by the Police-whatsapp-image-20230815-2.24.32-pm-1.jpeg

This is the actual color of my bike.

Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan | EDIT: Solved by the Police-img_6440-1.jpg

Additionally, on a similar date, I was out of Chennai as I had traveled to an outstation location. During that time, my vehicle was at home, and this has been captured by the CCTV cameras installed in my residence.

The previous challan was a result of the mechanic taking my vehicle for a test drive after servicing it. Unfortunately, during the test drive, they were caught without wearing a helmet, and this led to a charge on my vehicle. I received an SMS about this incident after two weeks. When I reached out to the mechanic to address the issue, it turned into an argument to determine whose responsibility it was. Notably, the test drive date and the date of vehicle delivery were the same. In contrast, the current situation appears to involve a different problem altogether. It seems to be a case of someone using a fake number plate. This is a more serious issue that requires proper planning and measures to resolve from police team.

I've already emailed the traffic police team and a few other officials, but I haven't received any response so far. Unfortunately, I don't have much hope that they will resolve the issue even with all this proof. I also tried reaching out on Twitter, but I haven't received any response from them on that platform either.

Fixing this issue seems quite complex and time-consuming. Additionally, there isn't a straightforward way to report mistakes and have them corrected. In the midst of these challenges, the installation of more speed cameras continues, yet it's not effectively stopping the use of fake license plates. The current approach lacks logic, highlighting the urgent need for a better, well-thought-out plan to address fake number plates and provide solutions for those affected by this problem.

If there isn't a proper solution in place, many individuals might resort to using fake license plates to avoid getting caught. Nowadays, police often focus less on checking documents and more on capturing picture for violations like crossing lines, riding without a helmet, and speeding using automated cameras. This leniency could encourage people to start using incorrect license plates, given the apparent lack of enforcement.

If anyone has any suggestions to help resolve this problem, I would greatly appreciate hearing them.

thanixravindran · 17th August 2023, 16:25

Generally, the set up for ANPR cameras is not only to capture front image but rear images too as additional validation as it is just Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. It is mainly done for proving signal jumping violations. The other pic seems not loaded in the attachment. Please check with nearest traffic police station for the picture by going with your Activa and prove them it is not your vehicle.

Or try to tag popular handles like CMO, Chennai police etc to get response in Twitter (Now X).

And, try investigation on your own with online resources if you have time. It seems TN and Y 3098 alphanumeric is clear. I guess there are some apps that provide the vehicle details though I guess Parivahan has stopped this service due to security issues. So try to find out the another Activa using brute force, change the 2 digit number to 09 or try E or F as first alphabet before Y. Send this to the traffic police to check other cameras for validation.

raptor_diwan · 17th August 2023, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by thanixravindran

The other pic seems not loaded in the attachment. Please check with nearest traffic police station for the picture by going with your Activa and prove them it is not your vehicle.

Or try to tag popular handles like CMO, Chennai police etc to get response in Twitter (Now X).

Yes, the 3rd picture did not load. I tried multiple times, but it wouldn't load. I also tagged popular handles as you suggested, but I have not received a response yet. As you said, I have to visit the police station to address this matter.

I will attempt the brute force method.

raptor_diwan · 21st August 2023, 16:02

Update

I emailed "cop.chncity@tncctns.gov.in" & "commissioner@chennaicorporation.gov.in," and received a call within 3 days. They assured me the problem would be resolved and the challan might be canceled. Although it's not updated on the portal yet, I'm relieved as they acknowledged my email.

raptor_diwan · 22nd August 2023, 10:44

Got another call from the police department yesterday. They said the whole thing was a mistake on their end. They've sorted it out now by canceling the ticket on my vechile and giving it to the right person. Plus, they said sorry for the trouble it caused.

It's pretty cool, actually. They sorted it out in just 5 days after I emailed them. First time I've seen government stuff get done so smoothly with just an email.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thanixravindran

Please check with nearest traffic police station for the picture by going with your Activa and prove them it is not your vehicle. It seems TN and Y 3098 alphanumeric is clear. I guess there are some apps that provide the vehicle details though I guess Parivahan has stopped this service due to security issues. So try to find out the another Activa using brute force, change the 2 digit number to 09 or try E or F as first alphabet before Y. Send this to the traffic police to check other cameras for validation.

Thanks a lot, Man!! I've figured it out. It's TN09 AY 3098, not CY. Really relieved they replied through email and resolved, so I didn't have to go to the station.

ashwin.terminat · 25th August 2023, 12:03

A lot of people in Bangalore are facing the same problem - https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/stree...es-owners.html (Bangalore: Traffic Police are raising violations against the wrong vehicles/owners!).

The fix seems simple to me. When a cop enters the registration number, the system can fetch the brand, model and colour from the VAHAN database. The most simple check is for colour - if the colour on VAHAN does not match the vehicle in the picture, don't raise the violation.

Why does the responsibility for checking if the penalty has been applied correctly or not fall on the common man? How many people have the means to check the proof before paying the penalty?

raptor_diwan · 25th August 2023, 13:23

I completely agree with you. A simple check could be implemented based on the color – if the color registered in the VAHAN database doesn't correspond to the vehicle's actual color in the picture, then the violation shouldn't be flagged.

If the person flagging had been a bit more attentive, such situation could have been prevented.

nfs250 · 25th August 2023, 13:45

What about unreadable registration plates? All the guntha mantris and their side kicks here in Pune have unreadable plates at the front and rear or no plate at the rear. This photo taken near Radisson on Kharadi bypass had black film on all glasses. 2 wheeler sidekicks here who ride triple here remove the rear registration plate. So no question of a challan.. If caught a yellow bapu does the job. Life's Good

boniver · 25th August 2023, 13:47

Earlier this year I received a text randomly while I was sitting in my house in Kolkata about a traffic violation in Maharashtra for my Karnataka registered bike. The attached pic showed a young guy standing with a scrap bike with no number plates, and a Rs. 500 challan issued for "no DL". The bike's model was the same as one that I own. My own bike was standing in my garage, 2000+ kms away from the supposed place of violation.

So the guy got caught, and the cop couldn't issue a challan because the kid neither had a DL, nor did his bike have a number plate. So he googled the bike's model, and the first picture that comes up is that of my bike, via Team-BHP. They conveniently issued the challan against my number.

I sent an email to some people in that police station (it was a small town in MH whose police station also had an official website). I got an SMS within 30 mins that my challan had been cancelled.

Pennant1970 · 25th August 2023, 13:49

Well done the police! However, on checking the app due to my own curiosity, I see your PUC expired last October! Good thing they didn't check that.

professor.march · 25th August 2023, 15:34

I had a similar issue with my scooter registered in TN 19. I got a challan for no helmet, no license. And this was during COVID. The place that the violation was registered was 40km away from where i was staying. There was no picture either. I emailed the Chengalpattu police but there was no reply. I left it unpaid and finally paid it after an year because it was going to cost me more to travel to the police station to sort out the challan and I was also leaving the state.

raptor_diwan · 25th August 2023, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by professor.march

I had a similar issue with my scooter registered in TN 19. I got a challan for no helmet, no license. And this was during COVID. The place that the violation was registered was 40km away from where i was staying. There was no picture either. I emailed the Chengalpattu police but there was no reply. I left it unpaid and finally paid it after an year because it was going to cost me more to travel to the police station to sort out the challan and I was also leaving the state.

I'm curious, have you ever shared a picture of your vehicle online with number plate visible ? Your point is valid – the Chennai police took action. It's hard to imagine how a similar fine from a different city or state might be handled; their response to such inquiries could differ significantly.

dsr001 · 25th August 2023, 21:11

One can search a few random registration numbers from the current series and get to know the vehicle model/make using some parking related apps.

This easy for someone to use e.g. registration no. of a genuine activa on one's fake Activa.

wheelspinner · 25th August 2023, 22:42

This is such a vulnerable method to issue challans. Simply relying on OCR is not the correct way in this case. Ideally, from a hardware security point of view, there should be some kind of authentication/integrity check such as an RFID chip/NFC sending private data to the closest challan device that can't be cloned by simply faking numbers. Otherwise, this can be bypassed very easily in this way.

It shows how little thought was put into designing this hardware and application. Companies should invest in threat modelling and security hardening.

TN31Rider · 28th September 2024, 20:29

Recently got notification for challan while the bike hasn't been out of garage for past 3 months.
I checked the challan and found a different vehicle on the photo.
The challan shows a scooty while my vehicle is a Suzuki Max 100

Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan | EDIT: Solved by the Police-img_20240928_202325.jpg

Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan | EDIT: Solved by the Police-img20240430wa0002.jpg

Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan | EDIT: Solved by the Police-screenshot_20240926114203915_com.android.chrome.jpg

I have raised a grievances ticket against this but there is no response for past two days. I'm trying to get the email for Cuddalore traffic police.

17th August 2023, 12:34	#1
raptor_diwan BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: MAS Posts: 832 Thanked: 3,816 Times	Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Police Recently, I received a second challan for not wearing a helmet while riding my Activa. I always strictly adhere to using a helmet and never ride without one. However, I was surprised when I checked the provided link and saw a picture of a different-colored Activa. The one in the image appeared to be grey, whereas mine is red. This stark contrast leads me to believe there might be some mistake or even the possibility of a forgery, as even the license plate number seems to be incorrect. The vehicle captured is completely different from mine, and the person seems to be riding without a helmet. This is the actual color of my bike. Additionally, on a similar date, I was out of Chennai as I had traveled to an outstation location. During that time, my vehicle was at home, and this has been captured by the CCTV cameras installed in my residence. The previous challan was a result of the mechanic taking my vehicle for a test drive after servicing it. Unfortunately, during the test drive, they were caught without wearing a helmet, and this led to a charge on my vehicle. I received an SMS about this incident after two weeks. When I reached out to the mechanic to address the issue, it turned into an argument to determine whose responsibility it was. Notably, the test drive date and the date of vehicle delivery were the same. In contrast, the current situation appears to involve a different problem altogether. It seems to be a case of someone using a fake number plate. This is a more serious issue that requires proper planning and measures to resolve from police team. I've already emailed the traffic police team and a few other officials, but I haven't received any response so far. Unfortunately, I don't have much hope that they will resolve the issue even with all this proof. I also tried reaching out on Twitter, but I haven't received any response from them on that platform either. Fixing this issue seems quite complex and time-consuming. Additionally, there isn't a straightforward way to report mistakes and have them corrected. In the midst of these challenges, the installation of more speed cameras continues, yet it's not effectively stopping the use of fake license plates. The current approach lacks logic, highlighting the urgent need for a better, well-thought-out plan to address fake number plates and provide solutions for those affected by this problem. If there isn't a proper solution in place, many individuals might resort to using fake license plates to avoid getting caught. Nowadays, police often focus less on checking documents and more on capturing picture for violations like crossing lines, riding without a helmet, and speeding using automated cameras. This leniency could encourage people to start using incorrect license plates, given the apparent lack of enforcement. If anyone has any suggestions to help resolve this problem, I would greatly appreciate hearing them. Last edited by raptor_diwan : 17th August 2023 at 12:40.
	(32) Thanks

17th August 2023, 16:25	#2
thanixravindran BHPian Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Chennai Posts: 622 Thanked: 3,068 Times	re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Police Generally, the set up for ANPR cameras is not only to capture front image but rear images too as additional validation as it is just Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. It is mainly done for proving signal jumping violations. The other pic seems not loaded in the attachment. Please check with nearest traffic police station for the picture by going with your Activa and prove them it is not your vehicle. Or try to tag popular handles like CMO, Chennai police etc to get response in Twitter (Now X). And, try investigation on your own with online resources if you have time. It seems TN and Y 3098 alphanumeric is clear. I guess there are some apps that provide the vehicle details though I guess Parivahan has stopped this service due to security issues. So try to find out the another Activa using brute force, change the 2 digit number to 09 or try E or F as first alphabet before Y. Send this to the traffic police to check other cameras for validation.
	(4) Thanks

21st August 2023, 16:02	#4
raptor_diwan BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: MAS Posts: 832 Thanked: 3,816 Times	re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Police Update I emailed "cop.chncity@tncctns.gov.in" & "commissioner@chennaicorporation.gov.in," and received a call within 3 days. They assured me the problem would be resolved and the challan might be canceled. Although it's not updated on the portal yet, I'm relieved as they acknowledged my email.
	(15) Thanks

25th August 2023, 12:03	#6
ashwin.terminat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,721 Thanked: 2,240 Times	Re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Pol A lot of people in Bangalore are facing the same problem - https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/stree...es-owners.html (Bangalore: Traffic Police are raising violations against the wrong vehicles/owners!). The fix seems simple to me. When a cop enters the registration number, the system can fetch the brand, model and colour from the VAHAN database. The most simple check is for colour - if the colour on VAHAN does not match the vehicle in the picture, don't raise the violation. Why does the responsibility for checking if the penalty has been applied correctly or not fall on the common man? How many people have the means to check the proof before paying the penalty?
	(4) Thanks

25th August 2023, 13:23	#7
raptor_diwan BHPian Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: MAS Posts: 832 Thanked: 3,816 Times	Re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Pol I completely agree with you. A simple check could be implemented based on the color – if the color registered in the VAHAN database doesn't correspond to the vehicle's actual color in the picture, then the violation shouldn't be flagged. If the person flagging had been a bit more attentive, such situation could have been prevented.
	() Thanks

25th August 2023, 13:45	#8
nfs250 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: PUNE Posts: 18 Thanked: 7 Times	Re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Pol What about unreadable registration plates? All the guntha mantris and their side kicks here in Pune have unreadable plates at the front and rear or no plate at the rear. This photo taken near Radisson on Kharadi bypass had black film on all glasses. 2 wheeler sidekicks here who ride triple here remove the rear registration plate. So no question of a challan.. If caught a yellow bapu does the job. Life's Good Attached Thumbnails
	(2) Thanks

25th August 2023, 13:47	#9
boniver BHPian Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Delhi/Calcutta Posts: 725 Thanked: 3,544 Times	Re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Pol Earlier this year I received a text randomly while I was sitting in my house in Kolkata about a traffic violation in Maharashtra for my Karnataka registered bike. The attached pic showed a young guy standing with a scrap bike with no number plates, and a Rs. 500 challan issued for "no DL". The bike's model was the same as one that I own. My own bike was standing in my garage, 2000+ kms away from the supposed place of violation. So the guy got caught, and the cop couldn't issue a challan because the kid neither had a DL, nor did his bike have a number plate. So he googled the bike's model, and the first picture that comes up is that of my bike, via Team-BHP. They conveniently issued the challan against my number. I sent an email to some people in that police station (it was a small town in MH whose police station also had an official website). I got an SMS within 30 mins that my challan had been cancelled.
	(16) Thanks

25th August 2023, 13:49	#10
Pennant1970 BHPian Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: KL 51 Posts: 101 Thanked: 436 Times	Re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Pol Well done the police! However, on checking the app due to my own curiosity, I see your PUC expired last October! Good thing they didn't check that.
	(3) Thanks

25th August 2023, 15:34	#11
professor.march BHPian Join Date: May 2020 Location: Telangana Posts: 87 Thanked: 147 Times	Re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Pol I had a similar issue with my scooter registered in TN 19. I got a challan for no helmet, no license. And this was during COVID. The place that the violation was registered was 40km away from where i was staying. There was no picture either. I emailed the Chengalpattu police but there was no reply. I left it unpaid and finally paid it after an year because it was going to cost me more to travel to the police station to sort out the challan and I was also leaving the state.
	(1) Thanks

25th August 2023, 21:11	#13
dsr001 BHPian Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 142 Thanked: 191 Times	Re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Pol One can search a few random registration numbers from the current series and get to know the vehicle model/make using some parking related apps. This easy for someone to use e.g. registration no. of a genuine activa on one's fake Activa.
	(1) Thanks

25th August 2023, 22:42	#14
wheelspinner BANNED Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: My Terminal Posts: 149 Thanked: 275 Times	Re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Pol This is such a vulnerable method to issue challans. Simply relying on OCR is not the correct way in this case. Ideally, from a hardware security point of view, there should be some kind of authentication/integrity check such as an RFID chip/NFC sending private data to the closest challan device that can't be cloned by simply faking numbers. Otherwise, this can be bypassed very easily in this way. It shows how little thought was put into designing this hardware and application. Companies should invest in threat modelling and security hardening. Last edited by wheelspinner : 25th August 2023 at 22:48.
	(2) Thanks

28th September 2024, 20:29	#15
TN31Rider Newbie Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: Cuddalore Posts: 7 Thanked: 13 Times	Re: Vehicle with fake number-plate breaks the law, I got a traffic challan \| EDIT: Solved by the Pol Recently got notification for challan while the bike hasn't been out of garage for past 3 months. I checked the challan and found a different vehicle on the photo. The challan shows a scooty while my vehicle is a Suzuki Max 100 I have raised a grievances ticket against this but there is no response for past two days. I'm trying to get the email for Cuddalore traffic police.
	() Thanks