Challan for Wrong or Dangerous Overtaking in Odisha: Fine Amount and Legal Options
Wrongful or dangerous overtaking in Odisha is booked under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act and can attract a fine of up to ₹5,000 for a first offence, higher for repeat violations. A challan can be legally disputed if the evidence does not clearly support the charge, but a genuine violation cannot be evaded.
By Advocate Debarchana Samal · 30 July 2026 · 6 min read
What Counts as Wrongful or Dangerous Overtaking
Overtaking is a routine part of driving and is not, by itself, an offence. It becomes a violation when done in a manner that endangers other road users — for example, overtaking on a blind curve or hill crest, overtaking at a junction or pedestrian crossing, overtaking from the wrong (left) side where prohibited, crossing a solid no-overtaking line, or overtaking without adequate visibility or signalling. In Odisha, such violations are typically booked under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act (driving dangerously) read with the relevant provisions of the Rules of the Road Regulations, and are increasingly detected through ANPR cameras and dashcam footage submitted by other motorists.
Fine Amount for Overtaking Violations in Odisha
First Offence
Fine of up to ₹5,000 under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act for dangerous driving, which covers wrongful overtaking.
Repeat Offence / Accident Involved
Fine of up to ₹10,000 or more, with possible imprisonment up to 1 year for repeat offences, and enhanced charges if the overtaking causes an accident or injury.
Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Receive an Overtaking Challan
Check the challan details on the Parivahan portal
Verify the offence code, date, time, and location recorded, and confirm they correspond to a trip your vehicle actually made.
Review the evidence attached to the challan
Check whether a photograph or video clearly identifies your vehicle number and the manner of overtaking alleged.
Pay the compounding fee if the violation genuinely occurred
If the evidence accurately reflects what happened, pay the prescribed compounding fee promptly through the official portal or Virtual Court to avoid escalation.
File a written representation if wrongly issued
If the vehicle number, location, or evidence does not support the charge, submit a written representation to the Traffic Police disputing the challan with supporting proof.
Consult a lawyer for accident-linked or repeat challans
Where the overtaking challan is tied to an accident, involves a Magistrate's court referral, or is a repeat offence, get legal representation before responding.
When You Can Legally Dispute the Challan
Critical warning: A genuinely committed overtaking violation cannot be legally cancelled, bribed away, or ignored. The only lawful routes are paying the compounding fee, settling through Lok Adalat or Virtual Court, or formally disputing a challan that was wrongly issued with supporting evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for wrong or dangerous overtaking in Odisha?
Dangerous or wrongful overtaking is generally booked under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act (dangerous driving) read with relevant traffic rules, and can attract a fine of up to ₹5,000 for a first offence, rising to ₹10,000 or more with possible imprisonment for repeat offences or where the act causes danger to other road users. If the overtaking leads to an accident, additional and more serious charges may apply depending on the extent of harm caused.
Can I dispute an overtaking challan if I believe it was wrongly issued?
Yes. If the challan lists the wrong vehicle number, the photographic or video evidence does not clearly show your vehicle committing the alleged violation, or the location or time recorded is inconsistent with where your vehicle actually was, you can file a written representation disputing the challan with the Traffic Police or respond through the Virtual Court system with supporting evidence.
Is overtaking on a highway always considered a violation?
No. Overtaking itself is legal when done safely — for instance, from the right side with a clear view of oncoming traffic and adequate signalling. Violations arise when overtaking is done on a blind curve, at an intersection, on a solid no-overtaking line, from the wrong side, or in a manner that endangers other vehicles. The specific circumstances recorded in the challan determine whether the violation genuinely occurred.
Can an overtaking challan be settled through Lok Adalat?
Yes, in many cases. Overtaking violations that do not involve an accident or serious injury are typically compoundable offences and can be settled through a Lok Adalat drive or Virtual Court by paying the prescribed compounding fee, similar to other minor traffic violations in Odisha.
Should I hire a lawyer for an overtaking challan in Cuttack?
You should consult a lawyer if the challan is linked to an accident, involves a serious injury claim, has been referred to a Magistrate's court, or if you have strong grounds to believe the challan was wrongly issued against your vehicle. Advocate Debarchana Samal assists clients in Cuttack and across Odisha with disputing wrongly issued traffic challans and representing them before the Virtual Court.
Disputing an Overtaking Challan in Cuttack or Odisha?
Advocate Debarchana Samal helps clients legally dispute wrongly issued traffic challans and represents clients before the Virtual Court and Lok Adalat across Odisha. Contact us for a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for advice specific to your situation.
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