What Should You Do When Traffic Police Tows Your Bike?

Understanding Traffic Police Towing Rules in India

As per standard procedures followed across cities:

• Traffic officials usually photograph the violation before towing
• A public announcement of the vehicle number is made via loudspeaker
• Officers are expected to wait briefly (around 5 minutes) to allow the owner to return
• Towing must be done with authorisation from a uniformed police officer
• Contractors cannot force open or damage locked vehicles
• Proper records of all traffic towing vehicles are maintained at the police station
• Towing vehicles must operate at controlled speeds for safety

If you arrive before the vehicle is lifted, you may be allowed to move it after paying a parking fine instead of full towing charges.

Steps to Follow When Your Two-wheeler Gets Towed

If your beloved bike ever gets towed, it is important to take immediate action to recover it. You must know complete steps of what to do when your bike gets towed. Moreover, knowing the traffic police towing rules can help you avoid this situation. However, if you find your vehicle towed by police, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Contact the local police
   The first and foremost step is to notify the nearest police station about the situation. Also, provide them with your two-wheeler's registration number and other relevant details. They can confirm if your vehicle has been towed and guide you on the next steps.
2. Gather information from eyewitnesses
   Talk to any witnesses who were present at the time when your two-wheeler was towed. They may have valuable information about the incident, such as the time it occurred and who towed it. This information along with knowing the bike towing rules can be helpful in case of any further disputes or wrongful towing.
3. Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO)
   Even after trying all the ways to find your vehicle, if you need help finding it or getting relevant information from the local police; it is advised to visit your nearest RTO. They might ask you for the necessary details like vehicle registration number, engine chassis number, etc. They may also inquire about the reasons for traffic police towing your bike. Ultimately, they will guide you on how to release your bike from the police station.

Once you have determined why your two-wheeler was towed, here is what you should do:

1. Get ready with the mandatory documents
   Gather all the required documents, such as your driving license (DL), vehicle registration certificate (RC), chassis number, and bike insurance online. Make sure you have an active two-wheeler insurance policy. These documents will be necessary to establish ownership and facilitate the release of your two-wheeler.
2. Inspect for damages
   Next, check for any damages that may have been sustained in your two-wheeler during the towing process. If there are any new dents or cracks, document them and consider filing for reimbursement, especially if you have your own damage bike insurance coverage for such damages.
3. Pay penalties
   At last, if the reason for towing your two-wheeler was due to a traffic violation, there may be fines or penalties. Pay the required bike towing charges to settle the violation and get custody of your two-wheeler.

Important tip: Keep the proof of payment for future reference.

You may also read- How to Check Vehicle Owner Details by Registration Number

Traffic Police Towing Charges and Fines

Towing charges are separate from parking fines and vary by city and vehicle type. In general:

• Two-wheelers have lower towing charges than cars.
• Additional yard charges may apply if there is delay in pickup.

Inspect Your Bike for Damage After Bike Towing

Authorities are expected to handle vehicles carefully. Still, inspect your bike for any new dents or scratches after bike towing. Take photos if you notice damage.

Can You Claim Bike Insurance for Damage During Bike Towing?

If your bike suffers damage during towing, your comprehensive bike insurance policy may help you file a claim, depending on terms & conditions of your policy. 

Difference Between Bike Towed and Bike Seized by Police

The difference between bike towing and bike seize is explained below in an easier way: 

• Bike towed: Due to parking or obstruction violation.
• Bike seized by police: Due to legal offence, accident, or documentation issue. 

Remember, a release process differs in both cases.

What If Your Bike is Wrongfully Towed?

If towing did not follow proper traffic towing rules:

• Take pictures of the parking spot
• Check if announcement was made
• Raise a complaint with traffic police with proof

FAQs- What to do When Traffic Police Tows Your Vehicle