Traffic police across India now issue electronic challans, or e-challans, for violations caught on camera or recorded by officers with handheld devices. You can check and pay them online. But fake e-challan messages are also on the rise. Here is a guide.
What is an e-challan
An e-challan is a digital traffic fine generated through the Parivahan system of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It is linked to your vehicle registration number or driving licence. Common reasons include over speeding, red light jumping, not wearing a helmet or seat belt and wrong parking.
How to check
- Visit the official e-challan portal at echallan.parivahan.gov.in.
- Choose Check Online Services and then Get Challan Status.
- Enter your challan number, vehicle number or driving licence number.
- Enter the captcha and view details, including the photo evidence where available.
Many state traffic police websites and the mParivahan app also show challans.
How to pay
- Click Pay Now on the official portal and pay through UPI, card or net banking.
- Save the receipt.
- Some challans are sent to virtual courts and must be paid there.
Also Read: Learner Licence Online: How to Apply on Parivahan Sarathi, Take the Test and Get Your Driving Licence | Driving Licence Renewal Online: Validity Rules, Documents, Fees and Steps on Parivahan
Contesting a wrong challan
If you believe a challan is wrong:
- Raise a grievance with the traffic police of the state through their portal or helpline.
- For challans sent to court, use the Virtual Courts portal to view and respond.
- Keep evidence, like proof that your vehicle was elsewhere or was sold earlier.
- Lok Adalats held from time to time also settle pending traffic challans.
Fines
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 sharply raised fines for many violations. States can set some fines within limits, so the amount may vary.
Beware of fake e-challan scams
Fraudsters send SMS or WhatsApp messages claiming you have a pending challan, with a link to pay. Some links install harmful apps or steal card details.
- Check challans only on the official portal or your state traffic police website.
- Look carefully at web addresses. Official ones end in gov.in.
- Do not download APK files sent through messages.
- Never share OTPs or card PINs.
- Report fraud on the cyber crime helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Unpaid challans
Pending challans can block services like RC transfer, licence renewal or vehicle fitness certificates. In some cases, they may go to court. Pay valid challans on time.
Bottom line
Check and pay traffic challans only on official portals, contest wrong ones through proper channels, and ignore payment links that arrive by SMS or WhatsApp.
Source / स्रोत: e-Challan, Parivahan, Virtual Courts, eCourts Services, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
