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Delhi Traffic Police - Citizen Guide

How to File an Online Complaint Against an Auto-Rickshaw or Taxi Driver in Delhi

Passengers can report refusal to carry them, overcharging, misbehaviour or harassment by a taxi or auto-rickshaw (TSR) driver in Delhi. This guide explains official complaint channels, the details to provide and relevant legal provisions.

Official complaint portal: Delhi Traffic Police - Raise Complaint. For traffic assistance call 1095 or 011-25844444. In an immediate emergency, call 112.

1. What Can Be Reported?

  • Refusal (REF): Refusal to carry a passenger or ply the vehicle where the applicable permit conditions and law require service.
  • Overcharging (OVC): Demanding fares exceeding applicable approved rates or refusing to follow required fare or meter rules.
  • Misbehaviour (MIS): Abusive, threatening or otherwise improper conduct.
  • Harassment (HAR): Intimidation, unwanted conduct or other harassment during or in connection with a journey.

The earlier Delhi Traffic Police complaint categories used the abbreviations REF, OVC, MIS and HAR. The present portal may use different complaint-type labels; select the closest available category and describe the incident clearly.

2. How to File an Online Complaint

  1. Open the official Delhi Traffic Police complaint page or go to Delhi Traffic Police and choose Citizen Centric Services - Raise Complaint.
  2. Choose the appropriate complaint type and provide the vehicle registration number and location where requested.
  3. Describe the date, time, journey or intended route, fare demanded or charged, and what the driver said or did.
  4. Enter your name and contact information, and attach a supporting photograph if available. The current complaint page specifies images under 2 MB in supported JPG, JPEG or PNG formats.
  5. Complete OTP verification and CAPTCHA if prompted, submit the complaint and retain any reference or acknowledgement displayed.

Some fields on the general portal are designed for traffic challan complaints. Follow the fields relevant to your selected complaint type; do not invent a challan number if none exists.

3. Report Through the Traffic Prahari App

The official Traffic Prahari programme accepts video evidence of refusal, overcharging, misbehaviour and harassment by taxi or TSR drivers. Register in the app, select the relevant violation, and upload a clear recording following the app instructions. Capture evidence safely and without obstructing traffic.

4. Complaint by SMS to 56767

Delhi Traffic Police has published an SMS complaint facility for taxi and TSR driver misconduct at 56767. Its official prepaid booths guidance still refers to that number. Availability may depend on your mobile operator, so use the official online form or helpline if the SMS fails.

Suggested format: complaint code, vehicle number, pickup location, destination, time and a short description.

REF DL1R4321 ASHRAM TO PALAM 2:30 PM - DRIVER REFUSED TRIP

This is an illustrative message, not an actual complaint. The historical categories are REF (refusal), OVC (overcharging), MIS (misbehaviour) and HAR (harassment).

5. Telephone and Email Complaint Options

These contact details appear on the official complaint guidance and helpline page.

6. Evidence to Keep

  • Vehicle registration number and, where visible, driver badge or identification.
  • Date, approximate time and exact pickup or incident location.
  • Proposed destination, route, meter reading, quoted fare and actual amount paid.
  • Trip receipt, booking details, screenshots, messages, photographs or videos.
  • Names and contact details of witnesses, if they agree to share them.

Give a factual account. Avoid publishing a driver's personal information on social media. Retain the original files in case the authorities ask for them.

7. Relevant Legal Provisions

Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Section 178(3)

Section 178(3) concerns a permit holder or driver of a contract carriage who refuses, contrary to the Act or applicable rules, to ply the vehicle or carry passengers. It provides for penalties for such refusal. The exact application depends on the vehicle category, permit conditions and law in force at the time of the incident. Read the official Motor Vehicles Act text and subsequent amendments.

Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Sections 66 and 192A

Section 66 generally requires transport vehicles to operate under a valid permit subject to statutory exceptions. Section 192A addresses use of vehicles in contravention of Section 66 and specified permit conditions. Depending on the circumstances, breach of a taxi or auto-rickshaw permit condition may invite action under these provisions.

Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules and Permit Conditions

Fare, meter, passenger-service and driver-conduct requirements may also arise under the Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993, applicable permit conditions and current transport department notifications. The authority must determine which provision applies to a particular complaint. Check the Delhi Transport Department for current rules, fares and orders.

Where the conduct amounts to assault, criminal intimidation or another cognizable offence, contact the police. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 may be relevant according to the facts. A traffic complaint does not automatically constitute an FIR.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complain if an auto driver refuses my destination?

Yes. Report the registration number, location, time and destination. Whether an offence is established depends on the applicable law and permit conditions.

Can I complain about excess fare?

Yes. Record the meter reading, fare demanded and paid, journey details and supporting evidence. Compare the amount with the applicable official fare order.

Is there a complaint fee?

The Delhi Traffic Police online complaint page does not state a filing fee for submitting a complaint. Standard phone or messaging charges may apply to alternative channels.

What if there is an immediate threat?

Move to a safe location and contact emergency services at 112. Do not wait for an online traffic complaint to be processed.

9. Official References and Related Guides

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and guidance, not individual legal advice. Official procedures, forms, contact channels and applicable penalties may change. Verify details on the relevant government website before acting. This website is not an official complaint submission portal.