Following traffic rules is a very important aspect of being a responsible driver. Unfortunately, many people neglect following all the rules, and this causes road accidents. To help keep people accountable, traffic police issue challans or fines that detail the rule broken by the driver in question. Challans have to be paid by a specific time, and failure to do so can lead to further fines or even an arrest in extreme cases.
With almost every financial process in India adopting digital systems, the government of India has ensured that citizens can pay challans easily and quickly. This is where the e-challan comes into the picture.
What is an E Challan?
An E challan is a digital document that details the traffic violation made by a person, along with the fine amount that needs to be paid. One of the reasons why this has been introduced is to increase transparency within the system, ensuring that citizens do not rely on bribes to get out of receiving a formal challan.
Traffic cops have been given a specific swiping machine that allows them to generate the challan right on the spot when someone violates traffic rules. While this is happening, the challan machine also generates an entry on the police server, due to which citizens cannot bribe officers and expect them to tear up the challans in return.
How do you check the status of your E Challan?
To check the status of your e challan, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of e-challan – https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/
- Click the ‘Check challan status option’ from the menu bar.
- A pop-up will open. You can choose from three options: DL number, challan number, and vehicle number.
- Enter the relevant details.
- A window will open and display the information you seek.
How to Pay E Challan (Traffic Challan in Online and Offline Mode
After checking the EChallan status, payment can be made online or offline mode.
Online EChallan Payment
There are multiple options to pay e challan online.
1. Payment Through Parivhan E-challan Website
- Visit the E challan parivahan page and click on the ‘Check Online Services’ option on the left-hand top of the page.
- Select the ‘Check Challan Status’ option from the drop-down list.
- Enter the ‘Challan Number’ or ‘Vehicle Number’ or ‘DL Number’, enter the captcha and click on the ‘Get Detail’ button.
- Once the status is displayed, click the ‘Pay Now’ option.
- Choose your desired payment method and finish paying.
2. Payment Through State Transport Department Websites
- Visit the official website of your state Transport Department
- Click the e-challan option under the services section
- Enter your vehicle number or challan number on the new page that opens
- Choose your desired payment method and finish paying.
Offline E Challan Payment
You can make the offline payment by going to a nearby traffic police station. If received, keep the traffic violation letter with you when you visit the traffic police station.
Traffic penalty charges as per the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2019
The following are the penalty chargers as per the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2019:
| Type of Offence | Fine Amount |
| General offences – where no penalty is specifically provided. | 1st time Rs 500Rs 1,500 for a subsequent offence |
| Driving without licence | Rs 5,000 |
| Driving illegal automobile/unauthorised use of vehicles without licence | Rs 5,000 |
| Over-speeding | For light motor vehicle: Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000For medium passenger or goods vehicle: Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000.For the 2nd/subsequent offence, the driving license will be confiscated |
| Dangerous driving of vehicles | 1st time: Imprisonment for 6 months to 1 year and/or penalty of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,0002nd time: Imprisonment for up to 2 years and/or penalty up to Rs 10,000 |
| Driving under intoxication | 1st time: Police Custody up to 6 months and/or penalty of Rs 10,0002nd time: Imprisonment till up to 2 years and/or penalty of Rs 15,000 |
| Driving without insurance | 1st time: Imprisonment up to 3 months and/or penalty of Rs 2,0002nd time: Imprisonment till up to 3 months or/and penalty of Rs 4,000 |
| Seat belt violation | Rs 1,000 |
| Not wearing helmet | Rs 1,000 & licence may be disqualified for three months. |
| Not giving way to emergency vehicle | Imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with a fine of Rs 10,000 or with both |
| Disobedience of orders of authority/refusing to share information | Rs 2,000 |
| Causing traffic obstruction | Rs 500 |
| Accident related penalties | 1st time: Imprisonment till up to 6 months and/or penalty of Rs 5,000For a second offence: Imprisonment till up to 1 year or penalty of Rs 10,000 |
Consequences of not paying your E-Challan
Those who fail to pay the e-challan must face legal consequences. The Court will send a summon to your residential address. You must then go to the court and speak to the judge about your inability to follow the traffic rules. Note that if you fail to go to court on time, your driving licence will be suspended.
What should you do if you have the wrong E Challan?
One of the ways that e-challans are issued is with the help of CCTV cameras. The camera captures a person’s license plate number, and then the challan is issued to the vehicle owner. Even though this system is more transparent and efficient, one drawback is that it is not free of all errors. Don’t worry – if you receive a challan by mistake, you can follow these steps to rectify the situation:
- Contact the traffic police helpline number and inform the officers about the wrong challan.
- Send an email to the traffic police and explain the situation. They will verify your claim and get back to you.
- You don’t have to pay any fees to cancel the challan.
- You can also try contacting the police through social media.
Final Thoughts
The e-challan initiative is a very good one designed to offer more transparency and make the process of paying the challan easier for citizens. If you ever receive a challan, just log into the website and pay it online.
FAQs on E Challan
What is an E challan?
An e-challan is a digital document that shows the fine you must pay for violating traffic rules. A traffic police officer can print the challan through a swiping machine and hand it to the traffic violator on the spot. A copy of the same information is shared on the police server to maintain the records.
Can you use UPI Payments to pay e challan?
Yes, by logging into the official website, you can select your desired mode of payment and pay the challan right then and there. UPI apps can also be used for the same.
Is there a time limit to pay the challan?
Yes, you have to pay the challan within a set time limit. This time limit will be mentioned on your e-challan document.
