Author
LoansJagat Team
Read Time
5 Min
03 Jun 2025
A challan on a vehicle is a penalty issued by the traffic police when a driver violates road rules, such as overspeeding, jumping a red light, or not wearing a helmet. These fines are now mostly digital (e-challans) and can be easily checked online using vehicle numbers, driving licence numbers, or challan numbers.
Rahul owns a bike with registration number MH12AB1234. One day, he receives an SMS informing him of a pending e-challan. He visits the official traffic police website, enters his vehicle number, and finds details of the violation.
Violation Type | Date | Fine (₹) |
Not Wearing a Helmet | 05-Apr-2025 | ₹500 |
Red Light Jump | 15-Apr-2025 | ₹1,000 |
Total Fine Amount | 15-Apr-2025 | ₹1,500 |
By checking the challan online, Rahul avoids late fees and ensures timely payment. Knowing how to check vehicle challans helps maintain a clean record and avoid further legal action or penalties.
Traffic challans are issued for various violations of road safety rules. These fines encourage drivers to follow the laws and keep roads safe. Let’s understand this with an example.
Anjali, a car owner, received multiple challans within a month for different violations.
Violation Type | Description | Fine Amount (₹) |
Overspeeding | Driving above the speed limit | ₹1,000 |
Not Wearing a Seatbelt | Driving without fastening a seatbelt | ₹500 |
Illegal Parking | Parking in a no-parking zone | ₹700 |
Using Mobile While Driving | Using a phone without hands-free | ₹1,000 |
Anjali was fined for these common traffic offences, reminding her to drive carefully and follow the rules. Each violation attracts a specific penalty, which can vary by state or city. Checking and paying challans promptly helps avoid additional penalties or legal trouble.
Regularly checking your vehicle's challans is crucial to avoid late fees, legal complications, and a bad driving record. Ignoring challans can lead to increased fines or even vehicle seizure.
Vikram didn’t check his challans for six months. During this time, he accumulated three fines but missed the payment deadlines, leading to extra penalties.
Violation Type | Original Fine (₹) | Late Fee (₹) | Total Fine (₹) | Payment Status |
Speeding | ₹1,000 | ₹200 | ₹1,200 | Unpaid |
Wrong Parking | ₹700 | ₹150 | ₹850 | Unpaid |
Signal Jumping | ₹1,000 | ₹250 | ₹1,250 | Unpaid |
Total Amount Due | — | — | ₹3,300 | — |
Because Vikram delayed checking and paying his challans, his total payable amount increased from ₹2,700 to ₹3,300. Regular checks help avoid such extra costs and keep your record clean.
Checking a challan using your vehicle number is simple and can be done online in just a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official Parivahan e-Challan website or your state traffic police portal.
Step 2: Select “Check Challan Status”
On the homepage, click on the option that says "Check Challan Status".
Step 3: Enter Vehicle Number
Choose the “Vehicle Number” option. Enter your full registration number (e.g., MH12AB1234) and the captcha code shown on screen.
Step 4: View Challan Details
Click on the "Get Detail" button. The system will display all challans linked to your vehicle, including date, type of violation, and fine amount.
Step 5: Make Payment (Optional)
You can pay directly online using a debit card, net banking, or UPI if there are any unpaid challans.
Checking your challan status regularly using your vehicle number helps you stay updated and avoid unexpected fines or penalties.
Paying an e-challan online is quick and convenient. It can be done in just a few steps from your mobile or computer, and it can help you avoid late fees or legal trouble.
Example:
Suresh received an e-challan for not wearing a helmet while riding his bike. Here's how he paid it online:
Download Receipt
He saved the receipt for future reference.
Violation Type | Date | Fine Amount (₹) | Payment Status |
No Helmet | 10-May-2025 | ₹500 | Paid |
Paying e-challans online saves time and ensures you stay compliant with traffic laws.
Ignoring a traffic challan may seem harmless initially, but it can lead to serious consequences such as increased fines, licence suspension, or even legal action.
Example:
Arjun received an e-challan for wrong-side driving but ignored it for several months. Over time, he faced additional penalties and legal notices.
Violation | Original Fine (₹) | Late Fee (₹) | Final amount (₹) | Action Taken |
Wrong-Side Driving | ₹1,000 | ₹300 | ₹1,300 | Reminder Notice Issued |
Red Light Jump | ₹1,000 | ₹400 | ₹1,400 | Licensed Marked for Suspension |
Because Arjun failed to pay on time, his pending challans triggered enforcement action. He received notices from the traffic department and was at risk of having his driving licence suspended.
Regularly checking and paying challans ensures you avoid these issues and stay on the right side of the law.
Checking the challans on your vehicle is a simple but essential responsibility for every driver. With most traffic departments offering online services, staying informed is easier than ever. By regularly visiting official portals like the Parivahan e-Challan website and entering your vehicle number, you can view pending fines, understand the nature of the offence, and make timely payments.
This helps you avoid late fees and legal complications and promotes safer and more responsible driving. Staying updated with your challan status ensures a clean driving record and peace of mind.
How can I check my vehicle challan online?
Visit the Parivahan e-Challan website and enter your vehicle number to view any pending challans.
Is it free to check the challan status?
Yes, checking the challan status online is completely free of cost.
What details are needed to check a challan?
You can use your vehicle number, challan number, or driving licence number.
Can I check the challans for any state in India?
Yes, most states are linked to the central e-Challan system.
Will I get a receipt after payment?
Yes, a digital payment receipt is generated immediately after successful payment.
About the Author
LoansJagat Team
We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?
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