A challan is a physical fine slip issued by a traffic cop for violation of traffic rules. An e-Challan is a digital version of a challan that is automatically generated through surveillance cameras or handheld devices. The goal of introducing e-Challan in India is to provide an online payment facility, increase transparency, and reduce corruption. With India going digital in all sectors, traffic rules and fines had to catch up through e-Challan. Let us understand what the term “e-Challan” means, how it works, how to pay fines online and the consequences of failing to pay these fines.
e-Challan stands for Electronic-Challan. It is a digital traffic fine issued by traffic cops to traffic rule violators. It is an electronically generated challan that replaces the traditional paper challan. This makes the process more efficient and transparent. It also ensures that the problem of bribery is avoided where the violator evades paying fines.
The traffic cops use handheld devices or swiping machines through which they can take a photo of the violation and issue a fine. E-Challan was introduced to keep the violators in check, reduce corruption, make the whole process transparent, and catch up with the digitalization age.
E-challan works with the integration of surveillance cameras, automated number plate recognition, and online payment gateways. Have you ever seen the CCTVs at traffic signals or at a bridge on a highway? These CCTVs take pictures of the vehicle if a violation is made like signal jumping or speeding. Then, a traffic cop reviews the footage and determines the validity of the violation. If he/she finds the violator guilty, they request the RTO for the details of the owner of the vehicle through the registration certificate. Once the violation is recorded, an e-Challan is issued to the violator.
The other method for issuing e-Challan is through the handheld devices given to the traffic cop. When a violation has been made, the traffic cop will take a photograph of the violation and issue an e-Challan to the violator.
Once a violation has been recorded and an e-Challan has been issued, the violator gets an SMS on their registered mobile number stating the offense made, and the fine required to be paid. After payment of the fine, the violator will get a receipt from the traffic cop on the spot or a digital receipt if he wishes to pay on a later date.
You can check the status of your e-Challan online using these steps:
You can also check your e-Challan status through UPI apps or the Official State Transport Police websites.
You can pay your e-Challan online using the following steps:
Once you complete your payment, you will receive a SMS confirming your payment and provide you with a digital receipt.
NOTE: Please beware of fake websites and scam links that are circling around. You can pay e-Challan only through their official website or through UPI apps like PayTM and Gpay. Be sure you are on the correct website before paying your fines and entering your personal information.
In order to pay e-Chalan offline visit the nearest traffic police station. Provide the cop with the traffic violation letter if received or the challan number from e-Challan. You may need to provide your ID proof while paying the fine offline. After payment of fines, collect the receipt as proof of payment
Failing to pay fins incurred through e-Challan may result in serious consequences. These consequences may include:
To avoid these consequences make sure to pay fines in a timely manner and avoid repetition of violations
You may receive an e-Challan for violating traffic rules, includes:
Overspeeding – Exceeding the permitted speed limit.
Jumping a Red Light – Not stopping at a traffic signal.
Not Wearing a Helmet – Riding a two-wheeler without a helmet.
Driving Without a Seatbelt – Not wearing a seatbelt while driving.
Using a Mobile Phone While Driving – Talking or texting while driving.
Wrong Lane Driving – Using the wrong lane or overtaking improperly.
Drunk Driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Overloading Vehicles – Carrying more passengers or goods than allowed.
Parking Violations – Parking in no-parking zones or blocking traffic.
Expired Vehicle Documents – Driving without valid insurance, registration, or pollution certificate.
To avoid fines, always follow traffic rules. Having a third-party insurance is mandatory in India. Failing to have proper insurance can also result in a fine through e-Challan.
Sometimes you may be wrongfully fined through e-Challan or receive an incorrect e-Challan. You can cancel or dispute these e-Challan by:
e-Challan is a step towards the future. It provides seamless transactions and complete transparency. It reduces the problems of corruption and bribery. Ever since e-Challan was introduced a total of 32,14,32,243 challans have been issued (Source : e-Challan website). We should follow and obey all traffic rules and regulations, as it is for our own safety. Imposing fines for traffic violations is just a way of making the public aware of the consequences that could lead by not following traffic laws. Drive safe, Drive smart.
Ans: 60 days from the date of issuance of e-Challan is the deadline to clear off the fines.
Ans: No cancellation fees are needed for wrongly issued e-Challen.
Ans: Yes, e-Challan status can be checked through their website. You can use your vehicle number,/challan number/driving license to check the status of your e-Challan.
Ans: Yes UPI apps like PAYTM and Gpay allow you to pay for an e-Challan.
