Traffic Challan

Traffic Challan in India

What is a Traffic Challan?

A Traffic Challan is a legal notice issued by the traffic police for violating traffic rules under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It can be:

  • Paper Challan (physical notice)
  • E-Challan (online/automated system)

Common Traffic Violations & Fines (As per Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019)

Violation Fine
Driving without a license ₹5,000
Drunk driving ₹10,000 + Jail up to 6 months
Overspeeding ₹1,000–₹2,000 (LMV), ₹2,000–₹4,000 (HMV)
Red light jumping ₹1,000
Not wearing helmet/seatbelt ₹1,000
Using phone while driving ₹5,000
Driving without insurance ₹2,000
Dangerous driving ₹5,000–₹10,000 + License seizure
Overloading (passengers or goods) ₹2,000 + ₹1,000 per extra passenger
Not giving way to emergency vehicles ₹10,000

Note: Penalties vary slightly across states.

E-Challan: How It Works

E-challan is issued using:

  • CCTV cameras
  • Speed cameras
  • Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
  • Body-worn cameras or handheld devices of traffic police

How to Check & Pay E-Challan Online

  1. Parivahan Portal - Visit Website
    1. Go to the website
    2. Click "Check Challan Status"
    3. Enter vehicle number or challan number
    4. View and pay using UPI, Net Banking, etc.
  2. State Transport Websites (e.g., Maharashtra RTO, Delhi Traffic Police)
  3. Pay via Apps (Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe)

Documents Required

  • Vehicle Registration Number (RC)
  • Driving License
  • Challan number (if available)
  • ID Proof (for appeal)

Legal Consequences of Not Paying Challan

  • Court summons after the due date
  • License suspension
  • Vehicle impounding
  • Higher penalty or jail term
  • Blacklisting of vehicle

Validity & Due Date

  • Usually must be paid within 60 days
  • If unpaid, the case may go to Lok Adalat or Court

How to Contest a Wrong Challan

  1. Collect proof (CCTV footage, GPS data, etc.)
  2. File a dispute on the traffic website or visit nearest traffic police office
  3. If unresolved, approach Traffic Court with evidence

Tips to Avoid Traffic Challans

  • Follow speed limits
  • Do not use mobile while driving
  • Always wear helmets/seatbelts
  • Maintain updated vehicle documents
  • Avoid overloading
  • Respect traffic lights and road signs

Lexclaws.com Can Help You

  • Deal with wrongly issued challans
  • Guide you through court appeals or hearing
  • Help with vehicle documentation and compliance
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