Can a traffic police take vehicle keys at traffic stop?

No, traffic police in India cannot take your vehicle keys during a routine traffic stop.

According to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, there's no legal provision allowing officers to remove or hold keys as part of standard checks you're only required to show your driving license upon request. If an officer does this, record the incident and report it to a senior at the nearest police station, as it's considered improper.

 

Exceptions apply in specific cases.   

Police may seize the vehicle (implying key access) for serious violations like driving without a license, invalid registration, or unsafe conditions, but not for minor routine stops. In practice, some officers do it anyway, but it's not legally backed and riders often advise compliance to avoid hassle while knowing your rights.

 

Contrast with other countries like the US.

There, officers can temporarily hold keys if they reasonably believe it's needed for safety or to prevent flight during a stop, as it's viewed as part of a lawful detention. This doesn't apply in India based on local laws.