Have you seen a two-wheeler/four-wheeler jumping the red light just to reach their destination a little early or just for fun? Well, if so, then you also know that it is quite common in India. No matter what type of vehicle a person drives, there are significant chances that they have violated the traffic rules and might not paid their dues till now.
Traffic violations in India are quite common. But things started to make a shift when the government introduced the New Motor Vehicles Act 2019. Though the initiative’s main impact was to increase traffic fines, it was an awakening call for those who violate the traffic law and promote traffic safety. If anyone breaks the law, then the respective individual will receive the e-Challan on their smartphone via text message.
Introduced by the Government of India, an e-challan is an electronically generated document that is issued to traffic rules violators to collect fines and ensure they won’t be repeated. Now, thanks to technology, people can easily pay their challans on the official website and get rid of further consequences.
Interested in knowing the steps to pay challan online? Before we dive, let’s discuss the reasons you should pay it on time.
5 Strong Reasons to Pay Your Challan on Time
These are as follows:
- Avoiding Penalties
One of the key reasons to consider paying your challan on time is that it will help you eliminate penalties. When you receive an e-challan, it means that you have violated a traffic rule to commit an offence. By paying the challan promptly, you can avoid additional penalties and fines. Delayed payments can often result in increased fines, which can significantly add to the original amount.
- Legal Consequences
Ignoring or delaying payment of your e-challan can have legal consequences. Non-payment may lead to the accumulation of additional charges, and in some cases, you might face legal action that nobody wants to be a part of. Ensure you pay your challan to prevent such legal issues.
- Maintain a Good Driving Record
Another major reason to pay your challan on time is that when you do so, it can help maintain a clean driving record. Accumulating un-paid challans can create a negative impact on your driving history which can hurt your image as a responsible driver. Remember that insurance companies will consider your driving record when assessing your risk profile or suitability for certain positions.
- Efficient Traffic Management
Traffic fines and e-challans serve as a means to regulate and manage traffic effectively. Paying your e-challan ensures that the authorities can allocate resources towards improving road safety and traffic infrastructure in order to benefit all drivers and riders.
- Future Consequences
Unpaid e-challans can have long-term consequences. They may affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration, obtain insurance coverage, or apply for loans or opt for other financial services. When you pay your e-challan on time, you can avoid such complications in the future.
Steps to Pay Traffic e-Challans Online
Since the government has introduced an online payment facility, people can easily pay their challan online. Listed below are the series of steps to follow to pay your challan on time.
Step 1: Visit the official website of e-Challan.Parivahan.gov.in.
Step 2: After that, you will see a section “Pay Online” on the status bar, flashing out loudly. Click on it.
Step 3: The moment you click on it, you will see three options from wherein you will see the details of your challan.
Step 4: If you know your challan number, enter it and then fill in the captcha code. Alternatively, you can click on the vehicle number. Then, enter your vehicle number and chassis number and then enter the captcha code. Once you are done, click on “Get Details”. In another way, you can also use the DL number.
Step 5: In the next step, if your vehicle has any outstanding traffic challans, then it will be displayed.
Step 6: After that, you can make the payment using the debit card/credit card/UPI or net banking. Choose a preferred method and pay your e-challan on time. You will also receive an acknowledgment slip once you make the payment.
Within How Many Days an e-Challan Should be Paid?
If you received an online challan today then it is recommended to pay the challan within 60 days. On the other hand, if you forget or don’t take the matter very seriously, then the situation will transfer to court with additional fines that you don’t want to incur.
Tips To Avoid Heavy Challan on Your Vehicle
Listed below are the steps to avoid heavy challans on your vehicle.
- Follow Speed Limits: Adhere to speed limits posted on road signs, especially in residential areas, school zones, and construction zones. Ensure that speeding violations often result in hefty fines.
- Obey Traffic Signals: Ensure you respect traffic signals and signs. Running red lights or disregarding stop signs can lead to significant fines and pose serious safety risks.
- Use Mobile Phones Cautiously: Always avoid using mobile phones while driving unless you have hands-free options. Distracted driving can lead to severe penalties.
- Proper Parking: Ensure you park your vehicle in designated areas to avoid parking violations. Remember that illegally parked vehicles can incur fines and may be towed.
- Don’t forget to wear seat Belts: It is wise to wear seat belts while driving or riding in a vehicle. Failing to do so can result in fines and more importantly, compromises your safety in the event of an accident.
- Carry vehicle Documents: Ensure you carry all your vehicle’s documents including the vehicle’s registration insurance, pollution certificate, and other necessary documents are updated and readily available. Driving without valid documents can result in substantial fines.
- Don’t Drive After Drink: Even in your worst nightmare, it is wise not to drunk drive. Driving while intoxicated can lead to severe penalties, including heavy fines, license suspension, and legal consequences.
- Use Helmets: If you ride a two-wheeler, always wear a helmet. Remember that helmet violations are not only safe but can also result in significant fines.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Regularly service and maintain your vehicle to ensure it meets safety standards. Driving a poorly maintained vehicle can attract fines.
- Educate yourself: Keep in mind that you should stay updated on traffic rules and regulations. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse and awareness can help you avoid unnecessary fines.
With the implementation of these tips, you will likely contribute to a safer road environment and reduce the likelihood of receiving heavy challans for traffic violations.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, traffic violations remain a prevalent issue in India, affecting both the safety and efficiency of roadways. Despite efforts by the government to enforce regulations and streamline the payment processes, the government must implement countermeasures to promote responsible driving behaviour and reduce the incidence of violations.
If you recall ever paying a challan in the past, you likely remember the process as difficult and time-consuming. However, with advancements in technology, the introduction of e-challan service has transformed the payment experience. Now, you can conveniently settle your challan from the comfort of your home using your phone or computer which will make the entire process simpler and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
If an e-challan is not paid on time, the challan is sent forward to the court. In such cases, you will be required to visit the court and make the payment.
Yes, the system of e-challan currently operates in most states and a lot of cities in the country.
An e-challan has to be paid within a period of 60 days from the day it is issued. Non-payment of the challan will lead to the challan being forwarded to the court.
No, you cannot pay the traffic challan via your bank’s internet net banking portal.
If you think that the traffic challan you were given was issued incorrectly or as a result of an error, you can report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. The challan and other information will be verified by the authorities, who may decide to revoke it in the event that they find solid evidence to support it.
An e-challan can be issued for all types of traffic violations.
You may quickly get your e-challan number back if you have misplaced or erased it by visiting the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India’s e-challan website, and inputting the number of your driver’s license or vehicle number.
E-Challans are issued based on the violation captured by CCTVs installed at designated sites throughout the city. Next, information on the car and driver is obtained from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The location, date, and time of the traffic infraction are listed in an SMS that is delivered to the registered mobile number.
