What is Traffic Challan? - Check Types of Traffic Challans and Violations

Updated on: 4th May, 2024 IST

If you've ever felt lost trying to check e-challans online, don't worry. We're here to guide you through the process. In this blog, we'll explore what a challan means and take a closer look at how e-challans are changing the game. Before you think about ignoring digital fines, take a moment to think about the consequences of overlooking these virtual reminders.

Whether you're a seasoned driver or just starting, understanding traffic challans is essential for responsible and informed driving in India. With ten practical tips for responsible driving, we're setting off on a journey to make every drive safer and more enjoyable. So, buckle up and join us as we discover that understanding challans can be an enlightening adventure after all!

Table of Contents

What Are Traffic Challans?
What is an e-challan?
Common Traffic Violations
How to check E-challan?
How Do I Pay for a Challan Online?
What If I Do Not Pay The E-challan?
10 Key Takeaways for Responsible and Informed Driving
The Bottom Line
FAQs

What Are Traffic Challans?

Let's break it down. Imagine you're driving and you do something that's against the rules, like speeding or not wearing a seat belt. A traffic challan is like a note from the traffic police saying, "Hey, you messed up!" It's an official document they give you when you break a traffic law. This note tells you what rule you broke and how much money you need to pay as a punishment.

Think of it as a reminder to follow the rules and keep everyone safe on the road. When people drive recklessly, it can lead to accidents and chaos. Challans help maintain order by making sure everyone plays by the same rules. Whether you're a new driver or experienced on the road, understanding traffic challans is important to be a responsible driver and contribute to safer journeys for everyone.

What is an e-challan?

So, what's an e-challan, you ask? Well, in our digital world, those old-school paper challans have gone hi-tech and turned into e-challans. This upgrade not only makes things faster but also kinder to the environment.

Picture this: an e-challan is like a digital twin of the old challan, but it's sent electronically. Instead of the usual paper slip, you might get a text message or an email telling you about it. This smart move has made life easier for both the folks who enforce the rules and the ones who drive around.

In a nutshell, e-challans are a cool new way to let you know if you've goofed up on the road. No more paper, no more fuss. Just a digital nudge to keep everyone on the same page.

Common Traffic Violations

A traffic violation refers to an act of breaking the rules and regulations set by road authorities for safe and orderly road usage. This can include a range of offences, such as overspeeding, driving without valid documents, not wearing helmets or seatbelts, and using mobile phones while driving. Understanding these common traffic violations and their penalties is crucial for responsible and informed driving.

The recent amendments to The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act in 2019 have resulted in substantial increases in fines for various traffic violations. Stricter regulations now mean higher penalties for breaking traffic rules. To provide clarity, we've compiled a table displaying common traffic challans and their corresponding fines, both before and after the recent changes.

Traffic Violation	Updated Penalty (From September 2019)	Old Penalty
General Offence (e.g., improper number plate, illegal parking)	First time: ₹500, Second time: ₹1,500	First time: ₹100, Second time: ₹300
Not Obeying Orders/Not Sharing Information	₹2,000	₹500
Not Following Road Rules	₹500-₹1,000	Nil
Driving Without a Valid Driving Licence	₹5,000	₹500
Driving an Unauthorised Vehicle Without a Valid Licence	₹5,000	₹1,000
Driving After Disqualification	₹10,000	₹500
Overspeeding	Light Motor Vehicle: ₹1,000-₹2,000, Medium Vehicle: ₹2,000-₹4,000	₹400
Rash/Dangerous Driving	First time: Imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year and/or fine of ₹1,000-₹5,000, Second time: Imprisonment of up to 2 years and/or fine of up to ₹10,000	Nil
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol	First time: Fine of ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months, Second time: Fine of ₹15,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years	₹2,000
Driving in Mentally/Physically Unfit State	First time: ₹1,000, Second time: ₹2,000	First time: ₹200, Second time: ₹500
Driving Without Valid Motor Insurance	First time: Fine of ₹2,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months, Second time: Fine of ₹4,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months	A fine of ₹1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months
Illegal Racing and Over Speeding	First time: Fine of ₹5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months, Second time: Fine of ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year	₹500
Driving Oversized Vehicle	₹5,000	Nil
Accident-related Offences	First time: Fine of ₹5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months, Second time: Fine of ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year	Nil
Driving Without a Valid Registration Certificate	First time: ₹5,000, Second time: ₹10,000	Nil
Driving Without Permit	A fine of ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months	Up to ₹5,000
Using Mobile Phone While Driving	₹5,000	₹1,000
Overloading Vehicle	₹20,000 (₹2,000 per extra tonne)	₹2,000 (₹1,000 per extra tonne)
Overloading Passengers	₹1,000 per extra passenger	Nil
Overloading Two-Wheeler	Disqualification of DL for 3 months and ₹2,000 penalty	₹100
Not Wearing a Helmet While Riding Two-Wheeler	Disqualification of DL for 3 months and ₹1,000 penalty	₹100
Not Wearing Seatbelt While Driving	₹1,000	₹100
Not Giving Way for Emergency Vehicles	₹10,000 and/or imprisonment of 6 months	Nil
Offences Committed by Juveniles	Imprisonment of 3 years and ₹25,000 penalty (Vehicle owner/guardian also guilty)	Nil
Offence Related to Enforcing Officers (e.g., Offering bribe)	Twice the penalty under the relevant section	Nil
Aggregator Offences (Licence-related)	₹25,000-₹1 lakh	Nil
Using Horn in Silent Zone	First time: ₹2,000, Second time: ₹4,000	Nil
Travelling Without Ticket in Public Transport	₹500	₹200

How to check E-challan?

Here are the steps on how to check e-challan in India:

Go to the e-challan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH): https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/
Click on the Check e-Challan Status tab
Enter your vehicle registration number or driving licence number
If you are entering your vehicle registration number, you will need to enter the last 4 digits of your chassis number as well
Click on the Submit button
The portal will then show you the details of all the e-challans that have been issued against you
This includes the challan number, the date and time of the violation, the offence committed, and the amount of the fine

How Do I Pay for a Challan Online?

Here are the steps on how to pay for a challan online in India:

Go to the e-challan website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/index/accused-challan
Enter your challan number, vehicle number, or driving licence number
Enter the captcha code and click on Get Details
The details of your challan will be displayed, including the fine amount
Select the mode of payment you want to use. You can pay using a credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI
Click on Pay Now and follow the instructions to complete the payment
Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation receipt
You can also check the status of your payment by entering your challan number or vehicle number on the e-challan website

Here are some other ways to pay for a challan online in India:

1. Through the state transport website

Each state in India has its transport website where you can pay for challans
The process is similar to paying through the e-challan website

2. Through third-party payment apps

There are several third-party payment apps, such as Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay, that allow you to pay for challans
To do this, you will need to create an account on the app and link your bank account or credit card

What If I Do Not Pay The E-challan?

It is important to note that not paying an e-challan is a serious offence and can have serious consequences. If you have received an e-challan, it is best to pay it as soon as possible to avoid any further problems.

If you do not pay an e-challan in India, you will have to face one or more of the following consequences:

If you do not pay an e-challan in India within 60 days of the date of issue, it will be sent to the court
If you are found guilty in court, you may be fined up to ₹5000, imprisoned for up to 3 months, or both
Your driving licence may also be suspended for a period of 3 months to 3 years

Here are the steps that you can follow if you do not want to pay an e-challan:

You can contest the challan in court
You will need to file a petition in the court within 30 days of the issue of the challan
You can request a waiver of the fine
You will need to submit an application to the traffic police department along with supporting documents

10 Key Takeaways for Responsible and Informed Driving

When it comes to driving responsibly, staying well-informed is the key. Remember, this information is like a toolkit to help you stay safe and make the road a friendlier place for everyone.

Here are ten simple yet valuable tips to keep in mind:

Follow traffic rules
Always wear seat belts and helmets
Avoid distractions and keep your focus on the road
Observe speed limits
Respect and follow traffic signals
Don't drink and drive or drive under the influence
Keep and maintain all your documents like licences, insurance, and vehicle documents
Park responsibly to avoid inconvenience to others
Be mindful of pedestrians
Stay calm. Remember, patience and courtesy go a long way in reducing road rage

The Bottom Line

In a nutshell, understanding traffic challans is like having a guidebook for responsible driving in India. From the shift to e-challans to the common violations and their fines, this journey equips you with the knowledge to navigate the roads safely.

Remember, it's not just about avoiding fines; it's about creating a secure environment for everyone. Follow the rules, stay focused, and respect fellow road users. So, next time you hit the road, keep these insights in mind – they're your companions for a more informed and responsible driving experience. Let's work together to make our roads smoother and safer.