What is an E-Challan, and Why It Matter?
The e-challan is an electronic challan issued by the traffic authorities for many serious violations, which include speeding, jumping of red lights, and not wearing a seat belt or helmet. The system integrates with CCTV cameras and systems of traffic surveillance for automatic recording of violations, so as to keep human intervention to a minimum along with subjective biases associated with the same. An e-challan system was put in place with the purpose of modernizing the fine process into a far more transparent and efficient process, more easy to manage for both the internal authorities and the citizens.
Paper challans to e-challans are very important mainly because the need for paperwork will reduce; besides that, it speeds up the fine imposition and allows violators to pay fines from the comfort zones of their homes. It creates a more responsible system as records are digital and highly accessible. It is very important to know how to check your e-challan status with your vehicle number as it helps evade further complications or penalties.
How to Check e-Challan Using Vehicle Number?
Checking of an e challan using a vehicle number is pretty easy and can be considered through different modes, be it official websites, mobile applications, or even through SMS.
A step-by-step guide on how to check your e challan has been provided below:
- Official Website Visit: Go online and access the Parivahan website at https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/ or its state version meant for the traffic police portal. These websites are the ideal spot for someone seeking to check an e-challan.
- Check ‘Challan Status’ Option: Its name may be, but there will be an option on the homepage titled something like ‘Check Challan Status’. Usually, it is highlighted upfront so as to be easily accessible.
- Enter Vehicle Number: Here, fill in the complete vehicle number mentioned on your registration certificate. Some websites will further ask for the chassis or engine number. Also, to provide extra verification against automated requests, captchas have been introduced. Retype whatever code is on the screen and proceed.
- Submit and View Details: Click on the ‘Submit’ button. It lists pending e-challans against your vehicle number. The details usually relate to the date and time of the violation, the broken rule, and the amount of fine.
- Save or Print the Details: Save it as a PDF or take its printout for your record. This will keep you with proof of the e-challan should you ever need to refer back to it.
What is the Procedure for Making an e Challan Payment Online?
Paying an e-challan online is quick and easy, saving one from the hassle of waiting in long queues at traffic police stations. Given below is how you can make the payment of your e-challan:
- Violation Details – Review: First, review the details of the violation. If you find any errors or if the violation seems incorrect, most portals provide options to dispute the challan.
- Pay Now: After accepting the challan, you then click on the ‘Pay Now’ tab. Usually, this is alongside the violation details.
- Select Payment Option: You will be routed to a secured e-payment entryway. You may use options like credit/debit card, net banking, UPI, or even digital wallets like Paytm and Google Pay.
- Payment Information: Enter your payment information. Ensure that the information is correct, as this will prevent failure in transaction processing.
- Finish the Payment: In the case of successful processing, a confirmation message containing the transaction ID will appear on screen. This confirmation should be saved for proof of payment.
- Confirmation Receipt: Confirmation mail or SMS will also be sent, whatever contact detail your vehicle number is linked to. Keep this for reference in case of an issue arising later.
What if I Ignore an e-Challan?
Ignoring an e-challan can lead to serious outcomes and could get worse over time. Some of the possible outcomes include:
- More Fines: The e-challan fine will be increased if not paid within the given timeframe. Some states impose late fees, which can be accumulated and may make the original fine very expensive.
- Legal Action: Repeated failure to pay the fines may invite a court summons. Again, failure to act on such summonses could further invite warrants or other legal penalties.
- Issue with Vehicle Registration: Non-payment of e-challans creates problems regarding your vehicle’s registration. This can be a flag raised on its renewal, or on the transfer of the vehicle.
- Suspension of Driver’s License: In the worst-case scenario, continued defaults may amount to suspension of driving licenses, which will drastically affect movement and perhaps require further steps to get it reinstated.
- Impact on Credit Score: Although very rare, some jurisdictions are working their ways to include e-challan non-payment in the financial records, that too could impact your credit score.
The best thing you can do is to pay your e-challans on time to avoid all of the above and keep driving with a clean record.
How Can I Avoid Getting an e-Challan in the Future?
It’s always good to avoid the headache of paying fines through e-challans; other legal issues could also be avoided. Some valuable tips given below will help in abiding by the rules of traffic and regulations in a more systematic manner:
- Observe Speed Limits: A driver should drive at the speed that the traffic signboard displays. Speed cameras are highly used in catching up with over-speeding motorists; hence, abiding by the limits will save you from fines.
- Safety Gear: Wear your helmet if you are a two-wheeler rider, and remember to put on seat belts if you happen to be in a car, whether as a driver or a passenger. These are two of the basic minimal safety aspects observed strictly.
- Avoid Using Mobile Phones: This is one of the major reasons for traffic violations these days. Avail hands-free gadgets or take calls by stopping at a safe distance.
- Follow Traffic Lights and Rules: Never even dream about passing a red light and always give significance to road signs. Give way on zebra crossings to pedestrians and never overtake in no-overtaking zones.
- Keep Proper Documentation: Keep all the documentation, starting from insurance and pollution control certificates to the driving license of your vehicle, valid. Keeping them invalid or missing may attract heavy fines.
- Park Responsibly: E-challans are more often than not due to parking violations. Park only at designated places and do not block driveways or pedestrian pathways.
These are only some of the simple ways you could avoid getting an e-challan and help make the roads safer to drive on both for yourself and others.
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What If I Am Issued an e-Challan by Mistake?
Countless times, there are mistakes, and the e-challans are issued because of mis-information about the vehicle or system bugs. Now, if by default, an e-challan was issued to you, here is what you should do:
- Collect the Evidence: Needless to say, gather all the necessary evidence to support your claim-instants such as GPS data, photographs, and even witness statements.
- Get in Touch with the Issuing Authority: Most Traffic Authorities have a system of grievances redressal in place. Contact them through their official website, email, or helpline number.
- Submit a Formal Appeal: If the problem is not resolved by an initial contact, submit a formal appeal including all evidence and detailed explanation as to why one thinks that e-challan was incorrect.
Thus, mistakes can be rectified, and unfair imposition of fines avoided.
