The Rules of the Road Regulation, 1989 makes it important for every road driver to follow a certain set of traffic rules and regulations. The act has come into being to ensure smooth functioning of the traffic system in the country. Today, many road accidents are caused in India as traffic rules are not being followed. Hence, to ensure that a driver does not break any rule and also to ensure the safety of other drivers on the road, the traffic challan has come into being.
In simple words, a challan is a document issued to a motor vehicle driver on violating the traffic rules and regulations. If a traffic challan is issued under your name, you are liable to pay the fee depending on the offence committed as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The traffic police are given the right to issue a challan to a driver who is not following the traffic rules while driving.
A motor insurance policy is mandatory for every vehicle registered as per The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
An e-challan is an electronically generated challan document that is issued with the help of Electronic Challan System. E-challan is an initiative provided by the Government of India with an aim to improve its services and ensure transparency. With the concept of digitalization, traffic violators can now pay e-challan online or offline, depending on the service provided by their state or city. E-challan process has negated the bribing process and has eliminated the use of any cash transactions.
Traffic cops are now given swiping machines that enable them to generate a printed challan on the spot when they catch hold of a traffic violator. The e-challan generated also makes a real-time entry in the traffic police server. This service of using the handheld machine makes the challan paying process easier as the fine is collected on the spot. The violator is then issued a formal print stating the payment of the fine received.
Today the Motor Vehicles Department of many states and cities have enabled the MTP CCTV Challan system with the help of CCTV cameras. CCTV cameras are deployed on roads that continuously record the footage of the ongoing traffic. If an individual is found guilty of violating any traffic rule, then the police will take captures of the offence from the CCTV and register the same in their records. Details such as name, address, contact details, make and model of the vehicle of the traffic violator is obtained from the RTO. As soon as the details are received, an SMS is sent to the violator informing him about the offence committed and the fee of the same.
Once the challan is issued to you, it is important that you pay its fees to avoid falling into any further problem. Here are two ways by which you can pay traffic in India:
How to pay traffic challan offline in India?
If you don’t want to go through the online traffic challan paying process, then you can opt for paying challan at the nearest traffic police station in your area. In case you are caught for violating a traffic rule, then you can ask the traffic police for your impending fines and can clear them all together. Remember, all your details are listed in the Blackberry devices provided to the traffic police. So, if you are a repeat offender or haven’t cleared your dues as yet, then do it now and practice safe driving.
How to pay traffic challan online in India?
Under how many days do I have to make the payment once the traffic challan is issued under my name?
You have to make the traffic challan payment under 15 days from the date of its issuance. If you fail to pay the fee within 15 days, then you will have to pay a late payment fee of Rs. 10. If challan remains unpaid for a longer time, then the transport department of your state can take a strict action against you.
Note: the penalty fee varies from state to state.
Does driving without a valid driving license also attract a challan?
Yes, driving without a valid driving license attracts a challan of Rs. 5000
Is e-challan system operative all over India?
Yes, the e-challan system is operative in almost all the states and cities in India.
Is challan issued for driving a motor vehicle without a helmet?
Yes, a challan is issued for driving a motor vehicle without a helmet.
Can I pay traffic challan through my bank’s net banking website?
No, you cannot pay traffic challan through your bank’s net banking website.
