How to Pay Challan Online — Traffic Challan, e-Challan Payment & Status Check

Got a traffic challan? Don't worry — you can check and pay it online in minutes without visiting any office. This guide covers everything about e-challans in India: how to check pending challans, pay fines online, track payment status, and even dispute a wrong challan.

What is an e-Challan?

An e-Challan is a digital traffic violation fine issued by traffic police using electronic devices. Instead of the old handwritten paper challan, traffic cops now use handheld devices or CCTV cameras to capture violations and generate challans electronically.

The e-Challan system is managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) through the portal echallan.parivahan.gov.in.

How e-Challans Are Issued

• On-the-spot: Traffic police use a mobile app to scan your vehicle number and issue a digital challan
• CCTV/Camera-based: Automated cameras detect violations (red light jumping, overspeeding) and challans are sent to the registered mobile number or address
• Interceptor vehicles: Speed guns on highways capture overspeeding violations

You receive an SMS notification with the challan details including violation type, fine amount, and challan number.

How to Check Pending Challans Online

Method 1: Via echallan.parivahan.gov.in (Recommended)

1. Go to echallan.parivahan.gov.in
2. Click on "Check Challan Status"
3. Enter your Vehicle Number (e.g., DL01AB1234) OR Driving Licence Number
4. Enter the Captcha code
5. Click "Get Details"

You'll see all pending challans with details like:

• Challan number and date
• Violation type
• Fine amount
• Issuing authority and state
• Payment status

Method 2: Via Parivahan Sewa App

1. Download the mParivahan app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Add your vehicle using RC number
3. Go to "e-Challan" section
4. View all pending and paid challans

Method 3: Via DigiLocker

1. Log in to DigiLocker
2. Search for "e-Challan" in the issued documents section
3. Link your driving licence or vehicle registration
4. View challan details directly in DigiLocker

How to Pay e-Challan Online

Step-by-Step: Pay via Official Portal

1. Visit echallan.parivahan.gov.in
2. Enter your Vehicle Number or Challan Number
3. Verify details — check the violation, date, and fine amount
4. Read the disclaimer about Virtual Court (if applicable) and agree
5. Enter your Driving Licence Number for verification
6. Click "Pay Now"
7. Choose payment method:
   • Credit/Debit Card
   • Net Banking
   • UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.)
   • Digital Wallets
8. Complete payment and save the receipt

Important: If your challan has been forwarded to Virtual Court, you can still pay on the e-Challan portal. But don't pay on both — pay only once, either on the portal or at Virtual Court.

Pay via mParivahan App

1. Open the mParivahan app
2. Go to e-Challan section
3. Select the pending challan
4. Tap "Pay" and complete payment via UPI or other methods

Pay via Virtual Court

Some challans are forwarded to Virtual Courts (vcourts.gov.in):

1. Visit vcourts.gov.in
2. Search by CNR Number or Challan Number
3. Select your case and click "Pay Fine"
4. Choose "Plead Guilty" to pay the fine directly, or "Contest" to dispute
5. Complete payment online

How to Check Challan Payment Status

After paying, you can verify your payment status:

1. Go to echallan.parivahan.gov.in
2. Enter your vehicle number
3. Check the "Status" column — it should show "Paid" or "Disposed"
4. You can also view the Transaction History with transaction number, amount, and date

If payment was made at Virtual Court, check status at vcourts.gov.in.

Tip: Save your payment receipt and transaction number. If there's any dispute later, this is your proof.

Traffic Violation Fines — Updated Amounts (Motor Vehicle Act 2019)

The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act, 2019 significantly increased fine amounts. Here are the common violations and penalties:

Note: Some states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have adopted the full revised fines. Others like Delhi, UP, and Karnataka may have different amounts based on state notifications. Always check the challan amount on the portal.

How to Dispute or Challenge a Challan

If you believe a challan was wrongly issued, you have options:

Option 1: Contest via Virtual Court

1. Visit vcourts.gov.in
2. Find your challan by CNR or challan number
3. Select "Not Guilty / Contest"
4. A hearing date will be assigned
5. Attend the virtual hearing (online or in person)

Option 2: Approach the Traffic Authority

1. Visit the traffic police office of the issuing authority
2. Carry proof — dashcam footage, photos, or documents showing the challan is incorrect
3. File a written complaint or grievance

Option 3: File a Grievance Online

1. Visit the transport department website of your state
2. File a grievance under the e-Challan or Public Grievance section
3. Attach supporting documents

Common Grounds for Disputing

• Vehicle was not at the mentioned location
• Wrong vehicle number captured by camera
• Duplicate challan for same violation
• Vehicle was sold but not transferred — carry sale deed as proof

What Happens If You Don't Pay a Challan?

Ignoring a traffic challan can lead to serious consequences:

• Late fee / penalty: Fine amount may increase over time
• Vehicle registration suspension: The RTO can suspend or refuse renewal of your vehicle's registration
• Driving licence suspension: Repeat offenders or serious violations can lead to licence suspension
• Court summons: Unpaid challans forwarded to Virtual Court may result in a non-bailable warrant in extreme cases
• Difficulty in vehicle sale: Pending challans show up during RC transfer, blocking the process

Bottom line: Always pay your challans on time. It's easier and cheaper than dealing with penalties later. If you're selling your vehicle, clear all pending challans first — see our guide on Vehicle RC transfer.

State-Wise e-Challan Portals

While the central portal covers most states, some states have their own systems:

Delhi

• Portal: echallan.parivahan.gov.in (central portal)
• Challans issued by Delhi Traffic Police can be checked on the central portal
• Virtual Court system is active for Delhi challans

Uttar Pradesh

• Portal: echallan.parivahan.gov.in
• UP Traffic Police uses the central e-Challan system
• Pay online or at authorised Common Service Centres (CSCs)

Maharashtra

• Portal: echallan.parivahan.gov.in
• Mumbai Traffic Police also uses the central system
• Some older challans may be on the Maharashtra transport portal

Other States

Most states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana etc. use the central echallan.parivahan.gov.in portal. Simply enter your vehicle number to check challans from any state.

Virtual Court for Traffic Challans

Virtual Courts handle traffic violation cases online so you don't need to physically appear in court.

How It Works

1. When a challan is issued and not paid within the stipulated time, it may be forwarded to a Virtual Court
2. You receive an SMS with the CNR (Case Number Record) number
3. Visit vcourts.gov.in
4. Enter your CNR number or challan number
5. Choose to plead guilty and pay or contest the challan
6. If you plead guilty, pay the fine online immediately
7. If you contest, a hearing date is assigned

Note: Virtual Courts are currently operational in select cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and others. The system is being expanded across India.

Tips for Managing Traffic Challans

1. Check regularly: Search your vehicle number on the portal every few months — camera-based challans may not always send SMS notifications
2. Keep documents handy: Always carry your driving licence, RC, insurance, and PUC certificate
3. Use mParivahan app: It shows all your vehicle documents and pending challans in one place
4. Save payment receipts: Always download and save challan payment receipts
5. Before buying a used vehicle: Check for pending challans using the vehicle number on the portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a challan from another state?

Yes. The echallan.parivahan.gov.in portal is a national system. You can check and pay challans issued in any state by entering your vehicle number.

How long do I have to pay an e-Challan?

Generally, you should pay within 60 days. After that, the challan may be forwarded to Virtual Court, and additional penalties may apply.

Will my challan appear on the portal immediately?

Camera-based challans may take 24–72 hours to appear on the portal. On-the-spot challans usually appear within a few hours.

Can someone else pay my challan?

Yes. Anyone can pay if they have the vehicle number or challan number. No identity verification is needed for payment.

I paid but status still shows pending?

Payment status updates may take 24–48 hours. If it doesn't update after 48 hours, contact the helpline or raise a grievance on the portal.

Related Guides

• How to Apply for Driving Licence Online
• Vehicle RC Transfer Online — Complete Guide
• FASTag — Apply, Recharge & Manage Online

Useful Links

• e-Challan Portal: echallan.parivahan.gov.in
• Parivahan Sewa: parivahan.gov.in
• Virtual Courts: vcourts.gov.in
• DigiLocker: digilocker.gov.in